With all the early snow this season you might want to spend some time outdoors on your snowmobile.
There are a couple important things to consider first. All snowmobiles within Ontario are required to be registered and the registration number is to be displayed on the snowmobile, even if it is used on private property. If you leave your private property, your snowmobile requires an annual validation sticker and insurance under a vehicle insurance policy.
You may not drive a snowmobile on the serviced (paved) portion of the roadway or even on the plowed portion of the shoulder except to cross the roadway. Crossing the roadway must be done at a 90-degree angle to the roadway.
You are allowed to drive your snowmobile along the road allowance between the plowed portion of the shoulder and the adjacent property line or fence, provided you drive as far away from the service road as possible.
If you snowmobile across or on private lands not owned by yourself you must have the land owner’s written permission to do so. Be aware that most hydro lines and gas lines run through private property and are owed by the property owner that they pass through.
The speed limit for snowmobiles is 20 km/h when they are driven along a roadway posted at 50 km/h or less and you cannot drive faster than 50 km/h when driving along a roadway posted at more than 50 km/h.
To drive along or across a highway or public roadway, a person must be at least 16 years of age and must hold either a valid Driver’s licence or an Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicles operator’s licence and be wearing a helmet approved by the Act.
It is also important to remember that impaired driving is impaired driving, regardless of the motor vehicle you are operating. The offence and penalties for driving a snowmobile impaired or over the limit are the same as a regular passenger car. A charge for impaired driving on a snowmobile will result in your driver’s licence being suspended from operating any motor vehicle.
Please also be aware of the restricted riding areas in the City of Thunder Bay.
Thunder Bay Police will once again be patrolling snowmobile trails within the City of Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge looking for any infractions. Ride safe and enjoy the winter.
Looking forward to meeting you on the trails.