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Police chief outlines limits and choices for updating Lindstrom ATV/UTV rules
Summary
The police chief briefed council on ATV/UTV classifications, state and county restrictions (including an April 1–Aug. 1 county limitation), and suggested the city draft a local ordinance modeled on nearby cities; staff aims to return with a draft for first reading in April.
Lindstrom’s police chief (Schlumbum, S3) told the council on March 19 that cities have some, but limited, authority to regulate all‑terrain and utility‑task vehicles on local streets and that Minnesota statutes and county ordinances drive many restrictions.
The chief explained the practical definitions lawmakers use: Class 1 ATVs (narrower machines) and Class 2 machines (wider, often with roll cages and seat belts) are treated differently, and the statutory right‑of‑way definition can include ditches adjacent to county roads. He cautioned that counties can impose seasonal restrictions; in this county there is an April 1–Aug. 1 limitation on ATV operation on county roads, which would remain in force unless the county board changes it. “The amount of influence you have over an ordinance for ATVs is somewhat limited,” the chief said, noting that the county controls some of the access windows.
Under state law a city can prohibit ATV operation on city streets or adopt rules for non‑county roads, but it cannot impose fees for use on public land. The chief reviewed examples from neighboring cities and suggested the council consider a draft ordinance that mirrors Chisago‑area approaches but adapted to Lindstrom’s roads, crosswalk priorities and enforcement capacity. He recommended avoiding duplicating detailed statutory definitions (which can change) and instead referencing state statute where helpful.
Council members raised enforcement and nuisance concerns, and asked about private‑property riding areas, which some ordinances tie to minimum lot size (for example, a five‑acre minimum for private tracks). Staff said that if the council wishes, staff will produce a draft ordinance modeled on nearby cities and bring it back for first reading in April.
Next steps: Staff will draft a proposed ordinance for council review (targeting an April first reading) and coordinate with the sheriff’s office and county on enforcement and seasonal limitations.
