Snowmobile & ATV Regulations

Violating the City's Snowmobile and ATV Ordinance is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. The City Code and Charter contains ordinances governing the City of New Ulm. To view the complete city ordinance governing snowmobile and ATV operations, please view Section 7.25 of the City Code and Charter (available online or at the New Ulm Public Library).

  • It is a misdemeanor to operate a snowmobile or ATV upon a roadway, except as follows:
    • From the owner's residence or place of business, or place the vehicle is generally stored, in a direct route to the nearest departure point from the City limits or directly to a designated snowmobile trail
    • In an emergency, when snow upon the roadways renders travel by automobile
    • To make a direct crossing of a roadway (see City Ordinance 7.25)
  • Minnesota Statutes, sections 84.81 - 84.929 prohibit operation on certain roadways which would include:
    • 10th S - Broadway to Summit
    • 7th N - Broadway to the Minnesota River bridge
    • Broadway in its entirety
    • Center Street west of Broadway
    • N Garden - County Road 29 from Highway 14 to Boundary Street
    • N Highland - Center Street to the City limits
  • It is prohibited to operate a snowmobile or ATV on sidewalks or boulevards, except when making a crossing.
  • It is prohibited to operate a snowmobile or ATV on private property without the permission of the property owner.
  • It is against the law to operate a snowmobile or ATV within the City limits between midnight and 7 am.
  • A snowmobile or ATV must not be driven faster than 10 miles per hour and groups must travel in single file.
  • No snowmobiles or ATVs are allowed on City land or water (parks, cemeteries, etc.).
  • Snowmobile drivers under the age of 14 shall not operate a snowmobile on public land unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or another person 18 years of age or older designated by the parent/guardian.
  • Snowmobile drivers under the age of 18 may not cross a city street without a snowmobile safety certificate or a valid driver's license.
  • ATV drivers must be at least 12 years of age. Those drivers between 12 and 16 years of age must possess a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate and be accompanied on another ATV by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license. No person under the age of 16 shall otherwise operate an ATV on a roadway.
  • All snowmobiles or ATVs must have lights, reflector material and working brakes.