From the Minnesota Department of Transportation

The Minnesota Department of Transportation issued a commissioner's order Jan. 8 that prohibits access to controlled-access highways' rights of way by operators of Class 2 all-terrain vehicles.

The order became effective when it was signed.

Lt. Gov./Commissioner Carol Molnau issued the order after consulting with officials from the Department of Public Safety.

State law authorizes the commissioner of transportation to prohibit any class or kind of traffic from using controlled-access highways when the practice is found to be "incompatible with the normal and safe flow of traffic."

Controlled-access highways include interstate highways and other roadways where traffic is managed by ramps and loops instead of signalized intersections.

Clarifies legislation

The order clarifies legislation passed by the 2006 Legislature that created two classes of ATVs, but applies use restrictions within highway rights of way only to machines in the Class 1 category.

Class 1 ATVs are those that weigh less than 900 pounds; Class 2 includes machines that weigh more than 900 pounds.

The current version of the law prohibits the Class 1 ATVs from having access to controlled-access roads such as the interstate highway system; it also limits where they may operate within the rights of way of state highways and other public roads.

Class 2 machines were permitted to operate on the shoulders of controlled-access highways because their weight could damage ditches and embankments.

Mn/DOT limits access to ATVs and snowmobiles to prevent interference with highway traffic and to reduce potential damage to highway shoulders, ditches and embankments.

Mn/DOT will also update its rules regarding access by bicyclists, pedestrians and others on the state's controlled access highways.

"We've issued this order to ensure the safety of ATV operators as well as motorists who could become distracted by ATVs while they are driving," said Molnau.