Know the Law Before You Go Snowmobiling

Written by ManitouwadgeMarathon OPP on 21 December 2010

FROM/DE:Marathon/Manitouwadge O.P.P. DATE: December 20, 2010

MARATHON, ON – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding snowmobile riders that to have fun and peace of mind while snowmobiling this winter, riders must ensure they are compliant with the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.

Many of the rules governing motor vehicle drivers apply to snowmobile operators. Examples include speeding, failing to stop at a road crossing and driving with blood/alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit. Failure to comply with the law carries penalties including fines, loss of driver’s licence, criminal charges and/or imprisonment.

A rider whose Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) is between 0.05 and 0.08 (“Warn Range”), can be issued the same 3-day warning that suspends a driver’s licence on the road, with the result that the offending snowmobiler can no longer drive his/her sled to complete their ride, More serious alcohol offences will result in licence suspensions that will prematurely finish a rider’s snowmobiling season. Consequences also get tougher for repeat occurrences.”

To help educate Ontario snowmobilers, the OPP and the OFSC are providing the following checklist. A compliant snowmobile operator must always have on their person or sled:

Valid driver’s licence (or if under age 16, a Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence)
Proof of snowmobile ownership
Sled registration (including properly placed registration numbers and validation sticker on sled)
Proof of sled insurance (pink slip)
Approved snowmobile helmet (for each rider)
2011 Snowmobile Trail Permit (properly displayed on the sled) with permit receipt

The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario’s highways, trails and waterways through the reduction of preventable injury and death. Initiatives are developed and delivered through the Provincial Traffic Safety Program. Visit opp.ca for more information.

The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promoting safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snowmobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement. For more information, visit ofsc.on.ca.