House Research Department
Updated: October 2008
Low-Power Vehicles
Page 6
permit for use on trunk highways. If a local unit of government so chooses,
it can issue the permit to operate a motorized golf cart or four-wheeled
ATV on roadways under its jurisdiction. A permit does not allow use on
roads that are not under the authority of the issuing unit of government. A
city-issued permit, for instance, would not authorize operation on county
roads.
The permit can limit use to certain roads and must be renewed annually. It
can be revoked at any time based on evidence of inability to safely operate
the vehicle. The governing body must establish an ordinance that provides
for permit application and confirmation that insurance requirements are
met. The ordinance can establish additional conditions as well as require
certification by a physician of ability to safely operate the vehicle.
A driver's license or instruction permit is not required. Minn. Stat. §
Licensing
Insurance requirements match that of other passenger automobiles,
Insurance
including liability coverage (which covers certain claims from another
driver) and personal injury protection under the Minnesota No-Fault
Automobile Insurance Act (which establishes minimum coverage levels for
medical, lost wages, and related expenses).2 If insurance cannot be
obtained on the private market, it can be purchased from the Minnesota
Automobile Assigned Risk Plan with a rate determined by the Department
of Commerce.
Drivers of golf carts and ATVs are subject to the same traffic laws as
Operation
operators of other motor vehicles. The vehicle can only be operated between
sunrise and sunset, and cannot be used in bad weather or if there is not
enough light to see people and other vehicles from 500 feet away. The
vehicle can only be operated on designated roadways, although they may
cross other roads and highways.
Standard equipment requirements for motor vehicles do apply to vehicles
Safety equipment
operating under the permit, except that a rearview mirror is needed. It must
provide a view to the rear for at least 200 feet. The vehicle must also
display a triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem.
2
The minimum liability coverage is $30,000 per person for injuries, $60,000 per occurrence for injuries, and
$10,000 for property damage. The minimum personal injury protection coverage is $40,000 per person per accident
($20,000 for hospital and medical expenses, and $20,000 for other expenses such as lost wages).
