Conkey v. State, Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles

OPINION

CARPENETI, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

In this case we must decide whether riding a towed snowmobile with limited steering ability constitutes operating a motor vehicle under Alaska law. Because a snowmobile is designed to be self-propelled, we hold that even a towed snowmobile is a motor vehicle. Because steering such a vehicle, even if only partially, involves exercising control over the vehicle, we hold that it amounts to operating the vehicle. Accordingly, we affirm the decisions below holding that riding a snowmobile towed by another vehicle constitutes operation of a motor vehicle…