Non-resident ATV trail pass

Non-resident all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts may be able to ride off into the sunset with one less hassle thanks to a bill approved March 19 by the House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee.

Currently ATV owners who are not required to register their machines in their home state must register the machine at a Minnesota registrar’s office before riding on state trails.

Citing complexity for visitors who must find an open registrar’s office, Rep. Tom Hackbarth (R-Cedar) sponsors HF487 that would establish a non-resident trail pass. The bill would only affect non-residents from states without an ATV registration requirement. Those who do register in their home state/country are exempt from Minnesota registration requirements.

Authorized electronic licensing stations, such as convenience stores, would sell the passes. Each person riding the vehicle would need a $20 trail pass, except when riding double occupant models, in which case only the operator would need a pass.

The current ATV registration fee is $45 for a three-year period compared to a cumulative $60 in trail pass fees over the same period.

The committee referred the bill to the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division. Its companion, SF1064, sponsored by Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids), awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.