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Bill Summary · SF 5121

Summary of SF 5121 (2025-2026) – All-terrain vehicle definition modification

Purpose and intent

SF 5121 proposes changes to Minnesota law governing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The bill modifies the legal definition of what constitutes an ATV and adjusts the fee for nonresident ATV state trail passes. The overall aim appears to refine eligibility criteria for ATVs within state trails and to adjust funding for trail construction and maintenance through revised fee revenue.

Key provisions

1) Redefinition of “All-terrain vehicle” (Statutes 2024, § 84.92, subd. 8)

  • Defines an ATV as a motorized vehicle meeting all of these criteria:
    • (1) It has at least three tires but no more than six tires.
    • (2) It weighs 3,500 pounds or less (previously 2,000 pounds).
    • (3) It has a total width (outside tire rim to outside tire rim) of 65 inches or less.
  • Explicitly includes class 1 and class 2 ATVs.
  • Specifies exclusions:
    • Does not include electric-assisted bicycles (as defined elsewhere), golf carts, mini-trucks, dune buggies, go-carts, or vehicles designed and used specifically for lawn maintenance, agriculture, logging, or mining.

2) ATV state trail pass for nonresidents (Statutes 2024, § 84.9275, subd. 1)

  • Requirement to carry a valid nonresident ATV state trail pass for operating on state or grant-in-aid ATV trails (except under listed exemptions).
  • Pass issuance and validity:
    • The fee to obtain the pass increases from $30 to $50.
    • Pass is valid Jan 1 – Dec 31.
    • Revenue use: Funds (except for licensing agent issuing fees) go into the all-terrain vehicle account in the Natural Resources Fund, and are dedicated to grants-in-aid for counties and municipalities to build and maintain ATV trails and use areas (with exceptions for the electronic licensing system commission).

3) Exemptions from the nonresident pass

  • Pass not required for:
    • ATVs owned and used by the U.S. government, another state, or a political subdivision that is exempt from registration.
    • A person operating on trail portions owned by the person or their immediate family.
    • A nonresident operating an ATV registered under state law (84.922).

Who is affected

  • Nonresident ATV operators: Subject to the pass requirement and higher fee ($50).
  • ATV trail managers and counties/municipalities: Potentially greater funding through increased fee revenue earmarked for trail construction and maintenance.
  • ATV users and owners: Subject to updated ATV definition, which may change eligibility/registration considerations for certain vehicles (e.g., heavier or wider ATVs may no longer qualify as ATVs under the new definition).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading on April 14, 2026.
  • Referred to the Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee.
  • If enacted, the changes would take effect according to the bill’s provisions, with amendments to statutes reflected in the 2024 codification as of the bill’s operative dates.

Practical implications

  • Dealers and owners may need to assess whether their vehicles meet the revised ATV definition, especially the increased weight limit (3,500 lbs).
  • Nonresidents planning ATV trips on Minnesota trails should budget for the $50 pass and ensure possession during trail use.
  • Increased revenue could bolster ATV infrastructure and trail maintenance but may prompt administrative adjustments for licensing and permitting.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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