Snow has finally arrived in Wellington County, which means snowmobile enthusiasts will be out riding. The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding snowmobile operators of some of the laws in the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act.
Snowmobile drivers must carry their driver’s licence or snowmobile operator’s card when they ride. If your licence is under suspension, you can’t drive a snowmobile either.
Licence, proof of registration and proof of insurance must be produced to a police officer on demand, when operating a snowmobile.
A snowmobile driver must stop for police when signalled.
Speed limits must be obeyed. A snowmobile driver can be charged for speeding.
A snowmobile must not be driven along the serviced portion of the roadway, except to cross at a right angle. This includes the shoulder of the road.
Impaired driving laws apply to snowmobiles anywhere in Canada whether on private property or not. Don’t mix alcohol and snowmobiling. The Wellington County OPP and the OFSC have a zero tolerance for impaired operation.
Snowmobiles must not be driven on private property without the owner’s permission; violators may be subject to a charge of trespassing.
A proper muffler and an approved, properly fit helmet are required by law.
Drivers of a snowmobile directly or indirectly involved in a reportable collision are required to call police as soon as possible.
A trail permit is required to use approved snowmobile trails, when they are declared open for use.
Dress appropriately and let someone know where you plan to ride and for how long.
