Police Chief VanVooren Gives Reminders On Snowmobile Usages

The Milbank City Police Department and Police Chief Boyd VanVooren have received several complaints about snowmobiles operating both on boulevards and private property recently.

“We want to remind riders that it is illegal for snowmobiles to operate on a boulevard, lawns and private property,” stated VanVooren. “Snowmobiles must operate on the street en route to traveling outside of city limits.”

The police are asking snowmobilers to obey these city ordinances or face a $120 fine.

Local ordinances state that it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile within the limits of the city under any of the following provisions:
A. On a public sidewalk provided for pedestrian travel.
B. On the boulevard of any city street, except that a snowmobile may be operated on the boulevard on the north side of 12th Avenue between 7th Street and Highway 15.
C. So as to tow any person or thing in a street except through use of a rigid tow-bar attached to the rear of the snowmobile.
D. On any public school, cemetery.
E. In violation of any traffic ordinance, rule or regulation applying to vehicles in general, except that a snowmobile shall not be required to have a bell, horn or directional turn signal. (Ord. 373, Sec. 7, 1971; Ord. 676, 2000; Ord. 679, Sec. 3, 2001)
It is also unlawful to operate a snowmobile in any area designated as public park land within the city, except that snowmobiles may be operated on a trail officially marked and posted by the city as a snowmobile trail. Snowmobiles may be operated on Lake Farley. (Ord. 373, Sec 3, 4, 1971; Ord. 676, 2000; Ord. 679, Sec. 3, 2001)