CITY OF HOUSTON, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 249

AN ORDINANCE FOR REGUALTING THE USE AND OPERATION OF SPECIAL VEHICLES ON THE CITY OF HOUSTON ROADS, REQUIRING A LICENSE, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

Section 1. Purpose

This ordinance is adopted pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 169.045 to authorize and regulate the operation of motorized golf carts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and utility task vehicles (UTVs) on certain roadways within the City of Houston, Minnesota, under permit.

Section 2. Definitions

As used in this ordinance:

• All-terrain vehicle (ATV): Has the meaning given in Minnesota Statute § 84.92.
• City: Means the City of Houston, Minnesota.
• Utility task vehicle (UTV): has the meaning given in Minnesota Statute § 169.045 subd. 1(3)
• Motorized golf cart: A self-propelled vehicle with four wheels designed for use on a golf course.
• Special Vehicle: Means any all-terrain vehicle, golf cart, or utility-task vehicle described under this ordinance.

Section 3. Designation of Roadways

Motorized golf carts, ATVs, and UTVs may be operated on all city streets under the jurisdiction of the City of Houston.

Section 4. Permit Application and Requirements

1. No person shall operate a motorized golf cart, ATV, or UTV on designated roadways without first obtaining a permit issued by the City of Houston.
2. Applicants must complete the City of Houston Special Vehicle Permit Application form.
3. The City Clerk or designated official shall review, and issue permits upon compliance.
4. Permits are valid for up to three (3) calendar years (January 1st- December 31st) and may be renewed unless revoked according to section 4 of this ordinance.
5. The city may revoke any permit if there is evidence the permit holder cannot safely operate the vehicle on designated roadways.
6. Special vehicle permits from other jurisdictions will be recognized in the City of Houston. Recipients of permits from other jurisdictions may file a copy of the permit with the city or provide proof of permit from another jurisdiction within fourteen (14) days of being stopped for not having a City of Houston Special Vehicle Permit. Any permit provided must have been valid when the special vehicle was in use in the City of Houston.

Section 6. Operating Conditions

1. Motorized golf carts must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem as provided in Minnesota Statute § 169.522.
2. All operators shall comply with applicable traffic laws under Minnesota Statute Chapter 169, unless such laws cannot reasonably be applied to these vehicles.
3. Every special vehicle operator has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169, unless those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to special vehicles. The operation of special vehicles shall comply with Minnesota Statutes § 84.92 through § 84.928 and § 169.045, as well as any other Federal State, or local law, rule, or regulation.

Section 7. Restrictions- No person shall operate a special vehicle under this ordinance:

1. Without valid proof of insurance compliant with Minnesota Statute § 65B.48 Subdivision 5.
2. Without a valid driver’s license.
3. Except between sunrise and sunset, unless the special vehicle is equipped with original headlights, taillights, and rear facing brake light equipment.
4. In inclement weather, when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog, or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient visibility to clearly see persons and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet. 
5. Without a rear-view mirror as described in Minnesota Statute § 169.70

Section 8. Minors

No minor under the age of 18 may operate a special vehicle under this ordinance without possessing a valid driver’s license and completing a Department of Natural Resources ATV safety course. Any minor special-vehicle operator or passenger traveling on a city street shall wear a properly fitted helmet approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

Section 8. Insurance

Operators must maintain liability insurance. If it is not available through private insurers, operators may apply through the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan.

Section 9. Penalty

Violation of this ordinance shall be a petty misdemeanor and may result in revocation of the permit, a fine of $75, or both.

Section 12. Effective Date

This ordinance shall become effective upon passage and publication as required by law.

Passed this 8th day of December 2025 by the City Council of the City of Houston.

CITY OF HOUSTON, MINNESOTA

Scott Wallace, Mayor

ATTEST:

Michelle Quinn, City Administrator

Publish 15