Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules & · PDF fileMinnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules & Regulations ... Safety Laws , Rules ... , night time operation and road crossings

2010-2011M i n n e s o ta SnowmobileSafety Laws, Rules & Regulations

minnesota Department of natural Resources1-888-minnDnR • www.mndnr.gov

This document is made available electronically by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library as part of an ongoing digital archiving project. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Conservation Officer Message 4

Registering Your Snowmobile 6

Fees 7

HowtoRegisterYourSnowmobile 7

RegistrationNumbersandValidationDecals 8

Snowmobile State Trail Sticker 11

Rules of the Road and Trail 14

Signs 15

Equipment Requirements 18

Safety Training Requirements 19

Youth Operation Requirements 20

General Operation 21

WhereYouMayRide 21

WhereYouMayNotRide 22

OtherProhibitions 23

SnowmobilingWhileIntoxicated 24

SpeedLimits 25

Accidents 25

Enforcement 26

Penalties 26

Minnesota Trespass Laws 27

Game Laws Related to Snowmobiling 28

For More Information 29

Grant-In-Aid Program 30

Sunrise/Sunset Table 30

SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•3

ThisisasummaryofMinnesota2010-2011snowmobileregulations.Forcompleteregulations,consultthestatestatutesandrulesandcheckforanylocalordinances.

4•2010-2011WinterSeason

A Message from Your DNR Conservation OfficersWhilesnowmobilingisafunwintersport,19peoplelosttheirlivesduringthe2009-2010snowmobilingseason.Over70%ofthosefatalitiesinvolvedalcohol.Thereisawaytopreventtheseunnecessarytragedies,‘Zero Alcohol’.‘ZeroAlcohol’meansabsolutelynoconsumptionofalcoholbyanyparticipantpriortoridingorduringanyride.Alcoholimpairmentbeginswiththefirstdrinkandincreasesriskfactorssuchasspeed,nighttimeoperationandroadcrossings.DNRConservationOfficersrecommendthateverysnowmobilertakethepersonalresponsibilityofchoosingtoride100%alcohol-freeatalltimes.Setanexampletoallotherridingcompanions,youngandoldalike,practice‘ZeroAlcohol’asapartofyourownregularsaferidinghabits.It’sthesmartchoiceforsafersnowmobiling.

Never drinkanddrive,orridewiththosewhodo!

Thispublicationispaidforthroughthesaleofadvertising.TheStateofMinnesotaandtheDepartmentofNaturalResourcescanneitherendorseproductsorservicesadvertisednoracceptanyliabilityarisingfromtheuseoftheseproductsorservices.Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources isavailabletoallindividualsregardlessofrace,color,creed,religion,nationalorigin,sex,maritalstatus,publicassistancestatus,age,sexualorientation,disability,oractivityonbehalfofalocalhumanrightscommission.DiscriminationinquiriesshouldbesenttoMN-DNR,500LafayetteRoad,St.Paul,MN55155-4031ortheEqualOpportunityOffice,Department

oftheInterior,Washington,DC20240.Copyright2010,StateofMinnesota,DepartmentofNaturalResources.

RECYCLABLE:Thiscoatedpaperprotectsyourregulationsfromwaterandthewearandtearofconstantuse.Torecycle,removethestaplesandthenrecycle.

Thisinformationisavailableinanalternativeformatuponrequest.

Heading Out West? DidyouknowthatalmosthalfofsnowmobileavalanchefatalitiesinmountainousstatesinvolvepeoplefromtheupperMidwest?Prepareforyourmountainstatetripssoyoudon’tbecomeastatistic.Beforeyouleave,checkoutinformationonavalancheeducation,equipment,survival,andU.S.AvalancheCentersat:www.avalanche.org.

Sette Sport CenterOwatonna

507-451-6922www.settesportscenter.com

St. Boni MotorsportsSt. Bonifacius

952-446-1554/877-385-0339www.stboni.com

Waldoch Sports, Inc.Columbus

651-464-5776www.waldochsports.com

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WELCOME TO SNOWMOBILING

ThesenseoffreedomyougetwhileridingasnowmobileoverMinnesota’ssnow-coveredlandsandfrozenlakescanbeexhilarating.Yetwiththatfreedomcomesresponsibility.Minnesota’ssystemofmorethan22,000milesofsnowmobiletrailsdependsonthecooperationoflandowners,non-motorizedtrailusers,otherrecreationists,andlocalunitsofgovernment.Keepinmindthattrespassisthemostfrequentcomplaintlandownershaveagainstsnowmobilers.Trespassseriouslyimpactstheabilityofclubstogetprivatelandownerstoallowgrant-in-aidtrailsontheirproperty.Werecommendthatallrecreationalusersaskfirstbeforeenteringprivatelands,evenifthelandisnotposted.Thatsimplecourtesywillgoalongwaytoimproverelationshipsbetweenlandownersandsnowmobilers.Pleasereadthisbooklettolearnyourlegalobligationsasasnowmo-biler.Bydrivingsafe,smart,andlegalyouprotectthefutureofyoursport.

Before you ride•ReadyourMinnesotasnowmobileregulations.•Readyourowner’smanual.•Checkyoursnowmobileandequipment.•Wearahelmet,eyeprotection,andproperclothing.

Visit these participating dealers :Duluth Lawn and Sport

Duluth218-628-3718

www.duluthlawnandsport.com

Miller SellnerSleepy Eye

507-794-2131www.millersellner.com

Ollie’s Service Inc.Alexandria

320-763-4455www.olliesservice.com

St. Boni MotorsportsSt. Bonifacius

952-446-1554/877-385-0339www.stboni.com

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•Findoutabouticeandsnowconditions.•Tellsomeonewhereyouaregoingandwhenyouexpecttoreturn.

Be sure to•Letweather,lighting,andtrailconditionsdetermineasafespeed.•Ridestraight—noalcoholordrugs.•Staytotherightontrails.•Useyourheadlightandtaillight.•Maintainadequatespacingbetweenmachinestoavoidcollision.•Reduceyourspeedwhenridingatnighttolessthan40MPH.Studieshaveshownspeedover40MPHresultsinoverdrivingyourheadlights.•Alwaysyieldtoothermotorvehicles.•Stayclearofthiniceandlakeinlets—nevercrossopenwater.•Neverridealone—usethebuddysystem.•Stayongroomedareaoftrails.

Obey all laws and regulations•*MaximumspeedinMinnesotais50MPH.(seepage25)•Displaycurrentsnowmobileregistration.•DisplaySnowmobileStateTrailStickerifoperatingonstateorgrant-in-aidtrails(seepage11-12).•Stayofftheroadway,shoulder,andinsideslopeofstateandcountyroads(seepage14).•Operateyoursnowmobileinthesamedirectionasroadwaytrafficwhenridingone-halfhouraftersunsettoone-halfhourbeforesunrise.•Besureanyyouthoperatingyoursnowmobilehasasafetycertificate.•Stayoffthemedianoffour-laneroadways.•Cometoacompletestopandlookbothwaysbeforecrossingapublicroadwaywhetherthereisastopsignornot.•Crosspublicroadwaysata90degreeangle.•Checklocalordinancesonwhenandwhereyoumayride.

Registering Your Snowmobile

SnowmobilesoperatedortransportedinMinnesotamustberegisteredwiththeDNR.Ifyoursnowmobileisnotregistered,youmaynotoperate,transport,orpermitittobeoperated.Youmustbeatleast18yearsoldtoregisterasnowmobile.AlsoseeSnowmobileStateTrailStickerrequirementsonpage11-12.

Snowmobiles do not need to be registered with the DNR if:•beingusedtogroomastateorgrant-in-aidtrail

•ownedandusedbythefederalgovernment,anIndiantribalgovernment,anotherstate,orapoliticalsubdivision•registeredinacountryotherthantheU.S.beingusedtemporarilyinMinnesota•currentlyregisteredinanotherstateandnotkeptinMinnesotaformorethan30consecutivedays•usedexclusivelyinorganizedtrack-racingevents•intransitbyamanufacturer,distributor,ordealer•atleast15yearsoldintransitbyanindividualforuseonlandownedorleasedbytheindividual•usedexclusivelyforagriculturalpurposes.

Fees

Snowmobile registration fees: Type of Registration FeeSnowmobile $ 48.50everythreeyearsDuplicateRegistrationCard $007.50DuplicateDecal $001.50Transfer $ 7.50Dealer $ 53.50everyyearManufacturer $153.50everyyearCollectorUnlimitedUse $ 9.50

How to Register Your Snowmobile

RegisteryoursnowmobileinpersonatanydeputyregistrarofmotorvehiclesorattheDNRLicenseCenterinSt.Paul.Whenyouregisteryoursnowmobileyouwillneedthemake,model,year,serialnumber,enginesize,andsalesreceiptthatshowstheproofofsalestaxpayment.Salesbetweenprivatepartiesdonotrequirepaymentofsalestax.Apersonmaynotsellasnowmobilewithoutfurnishingthebuyerwithabillofsale.Transfersandregistrationrenewalsaretheresponsibilityoftheowner.Snowmobilespurchasedfromaretaildealermustberegisteredbythepurchaseratthedealer.Thedealerwillissueatemporary21-dayregistration.ThetemporaryregistrationwillindicateifaStateTrailStickerwasalsopurchased.


Purchaseathree-year,$31.00SnowmobileStateTrailStickerwhenregisteringasnowmobile.Seepage12.


Registration Numbers and Validation Decal

Whenyouregisteryoursnowmobile,youwillbeassignedasnowmobileregistrationnumberandreceivearegistrationcard.Whenyoureceiveyourregistrationcard,signitandkeepithandy.Youdonothavetocarryitwithyou,butifanenforcementofficeraskstoseeit,youmustproduceitwithinareasonableamountoftime.Thecurrentregistrationnumberandvalidationdecalmustbedisplayed.

Display of Registration Number and Validation Decal Where:•Displayinthe3”x7”spaceprovidedbythemanufactureronthecowlingorpan,or•Ifnospaceisprovided,placeoneachsideofthesnowmobileontheupperhalf,forwardofthehandlebarsinavisiblelocation.

How:TheDNRissuedvalidationdecalmustbeplacedtoimmediatelyfollowyourregistrationnumbers.

Numbersandlettersmustbe:•1-7/8”high•3/16”strokewidth•contrastingcolorofthesnowmobile•intheEnglishlanguage•placedtoreadlefttoright.

Expiration, Renewal, and DuplicateTheexpirationdateappearsonboththeregistrationcardandtheregistrationvalidationdecal.AllsnowmobileregistrationsexpireonJune30ofthelastyeartheregistrationisvalid.Youshouldreceiveanoticebymailtorenewyourregistration.PleasenotifytheDNRofanyaddresschange.Whetheryouarenotifiedornot,youareresponsibleforrenewingyoursnowmobileregistration.


Therenewalfeeisthesameasthefirst-timeregistrationfee.Whenyoupayit,youwillreceivenewvalidationdecalsandaregistrationcard.Youmayrenewyourregistrationatwww.mndnr.gov/snowmobiling.Toobtainaduplicateregistrationcardordecal,contacttheDNRLicenseCenteroryourlocaldeputyregistrar.Forfeesseepage7.

Transfer of Ownership

IfyoubuyasnowmobilethatiscurrentlyregisteredinMinnesota,youmayuseatransferredregistrationforthetimeremainingonthepreviousowner’sregistration.Simplyobtainthecurrentregistrationcardandbillofsalefromthepreviousownerandsendit,alongwithatransferapplicationandthetransferfeeof$7.50,totheDNRLicenseCenteroradeputyregistrar.Transferapplicationsmustbemadewithin15daysafterthetransferorsaleactuallyoccurs.Atransferredregistrationisonlyvaliduntilthepreviousowner’sregistrationexpires.

Collector Snowmobile Permit

Aspecialpermitmaybeissuedtoapersonororganizationtooperateortransportacollectorsnowmobilewithoutregistrationforparadesororganizedgroupoutings,suchasraces,rallies,andotherpromotionalevents,andforuptotendayseachyearforpersonaltransportation.“Collectorsnowmobile”meansasnowmobilethatis25yearsoldorolder,wasoriginallyproducedasaseparateidentifiablemakebyamanufacturer,andisownedandoperatedsolelyasacollectorsitem.

Optional Collector Registration

Snowmobiles25yearsoldoroldermayberegisteredforunlimiteduse.Thisregistrationisnon-transferable.Thecollectorregistrationdoesnotexpireandisvaliduntiltheownershipofthesnowmobileistransferred.Snowmobiletrailstickerisrequiredifyouoperateonastateorgrant-in-aidtrail.

Destroyed, Abandoned, or Stolen Snowmobile

Ifyoursnowmobileisdestroyed,abandoned,orstolenoryounolongerregisteritinMinnesota,notifytheDNRLicenseCenterat500LafayetteRd,St.Paul,MN55155-4026,(651)296-2316or1-800-285-2000within15days.

PROTECT OUR TRAILSJOIN!

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www.mnsnowmobiler.org

For nearly 30 years, Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA) members and volunteers have worked to preserve and protect snowmobiling in Minnesota and across the United States through legislative initiatives, trail developement and involvement in land access for trails

As a member, you receive:• 8 issues of the award winning Minnesota Snowmobiling magazine (a $15 value)• discounts at numerous establishments• representation at governmental agencies• $2,000 accidental death or dismemberment policy* * for individual/family memberships only

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Dealer and Manufacturer Registration

Dealersmustregistersnowmobilestheyownandusefordemonstrationpurposes.Aregistrationplatewillbeissuedalongwitharegistrationcertificatethatmustbedisplayedconspicuouslyintheplaceofbusiness.Additionalplatesareavailablefor$4.00,plusfilingfees.Manufacturersmustregistersnowmobilestheyownandoperateforresearch,testing,experimentation,ordemonstration.Aregistrationplatewillbeissuedalongwitharegistrationcertificatethatmustbedisplayedconspicuouslyintheplaceofmanufacture.Avalidregistrationnumberplatemustbedisplayedonsnowmobilesoperated,orpermittedtobeoperated,byadealerormanufacturer.Theregistrationsarenottransferable.

Dealer and manufacturer registrations are valid from July 1 - June 30.


SLOW DOWN! Trails are NOT race tracks and ditches have many hazards!


Snowmobile State Trail Sticker

Snowmobilesoperatingonstateandgrant-in-aidtrailsmusthaveaSnowmobileStateTrailSticker.ASnowmobileStateTrailStickercosts$16.00andisvalidfromNovember 1 – June 30.Or,whenregisteringasnowmobile,youmaypurchaseathree-yearstickerfor$31.00.Anyoneoperatingasnowmobileinviolationofthislawwillberequiredtopurchaseanannualpenaltystickerfor$31.00inadditiontoanyticketorfine.

Speed is a fatal factor in many snowmobile accidents

MN Conservation Officersremind you to RIDE RIGHT!

Remember, snowmobile trails are two-way, so ride right for safety!


*Forphonepurchasesanadditional$3.50servicefeewillbeadded.Forinternetpurchasesanadditional3%plus$1.65servicefeewillbeadded.

A Snowmobile State Trail Sticker is not required for:•asnowmobilewhilebeingusedtogroomastateorgrant-in-aidtrail•federalgovernment,Indiantribalgovernment,state,andpoliticalsubdivisions•operatingacollectorsnowmobilewithapermit•operatingasnowmobileonportionsofatrailownedbythepersonortheperson’sspouse,child,orparent.

The Snowmobile State Trail Sticker must be displayed in one of the following ways:•ontheforwardhalfofthesnowmobile,directlyaboveorbelowtheheadlight•abovetheexpirationyearonthetopportionoftheregistrationvalidationdecal•onthelowerrightcornerofadealerormanufacturerplate.

Sticker Options:

3-Year Sticker(Availabileattimeofregistrationonly)

$31.00

•DNRLicenseCenter•DeputyRegistrars•Internet(RenewalOnly)

•DNRLicenseCenter•DeputyRegistrars

1-Year Sticker

$16.00

•Internet*•DNRLicenseCenter•DeputyRegistrars•GameandFishLicenseAgents•Phone*

•Internet*•DNRLicenseCenter•DeputyRegistrars•GameandFishLicenseAgents

Penalty Annual Sticker(Requiredtopurchaseiffoundoperatingonastateorgrant-in-aidtrailwithoutasticker)

$31.00

•DNRLicenseCenter•DeputyRegistrars•GameandFishLicenseAgents•Phone*•Internet*

•DNRLicenseCenter•DeputyRegistrars•GameandFishLicenseAgents

Cost:

Sticker Available At:

Duplicates $2.50 Available At:

Revenuegeneratedfromthetrailstickerwillbeusedforsnowmobilegrants-in-aid,trailmaintenance,grooming,andeasementacquisition.

State Trail Stickers

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Rules of the Road and TrailPassingWhenovertakinganothersnowmobilegoinginthesamedirection,alwayspassontheleft.

MeetingWhenyoumeetanothersnowmobile,alwaysslowdownandstaytotheright.

Meeting at an intersectionWhenmeetingatanintersection,theoperatortotherighthastherightofway.

Operation Along State and County Roads

Public Road Right-of-way

It is illegal to operate on the inside slope,shoulder, and roadway of state or county roads.


SignsSnowmobileoperatorsshouldbefamiliarwiththemeaningofthefollowingtrailsigns.

Informational sign:indicatesintersectionsormajorchangesintraildirection.

Directional blazer:indicateschangesintraildirection.

Reassuring blazer:placedatintervalsalongthetrailtoreassureusersthattheyarestillonthetrail.

Stop sign:placedataroadorhighwaycrossingindicatesasnowmobilemustcometoacompletestop.

No-snowmobiling sign:indicatesatrailorareawheresnowmobilingisprohibited.

No-studded tracks sign:indicatesnometaltractiondevicesallowedontrail.

Two way trail sign:indicatestrailswithpermittedtwo-waytravelduringnighttimehourswithinthepublicroadright-of-way.

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Equipment RequirementsAllsnowmobilesoperatedonpubliclands,waters,orroadwaysmustbeequippedasfollows:

Helmet•Operatorsorridersunder18yearsofagemustwearanapprovedhelmet,exceptwhenparticipatinginaparadeoroperatingonlandbelongingtoaparent,grandparent,sibling,uncle,oraunt.Anapprovedhelmetmustmeetfederallaw,whichrequiresthehelmettodisplaythesymbolDOT.DOTisthemanufacturer’scertificationthatthehelmetconformstomotorvehiclesafety standards.Standardbicycleandhockeyhelmetsarenotlegalhelmetsforsnowmobiling.

Lights•Headlightsandtaillightsmustbeonduringhoursofdarkness.•Headlightsmustbeabletorevealpeopleandvehicles100feetaheadandaimedsotheywillnotblindanoncomingsnowmobiler.•ColoredlensesonheadlightsareNOTlawfulwhenthesnowmobileisoperatedonroadsorroadrights-of-way,includingcrossingroadsandoperatinginditchesoroutsideslopes.•Redtaillightsmustbevisiblefor500feettotherearofthesnowmobile.

Brakes•Brakesmustbeabletocontrolmovementandtostopandholdthesnowmobiletrack.

Reflector Material•Snowmobilesmusthaveatleast16squareinchesofreflectormaterialoneachsideforwardofthehandlebars.•Anysled,trailer,orotherdevicethatistowedbyasnowmobileduringhoursofdarknessmustdisplayvisiblereflectormaterialoneachsideandattherear.

Mufflers•Snowmobilesmustbeequippedwithmufflersthatareingoodworkingorderandthatdonotproducesharppoppingorcrackingsoundsorexcessiveorunusualnoise.After-marketexhaustsystemsmaynotmeetthisrequirementandmaynotbelawfultooperate.•YoumaynotoperateorsellasnowmobilebuiltonorafterApril1,1975thatexceeds78decibelsontheAscaleat50feet,exceptunderapermitoftheDNRorcountysheriff.


Thelegaldefinitionofasnowmobileisaself-propelledvehicledesignedfortravelonsnoworicesteeredbyskisorrunners.

Safety Training RequirementsResidentsbornafterDecember31,1976,musthaveasnowmobilesafetycertificateintheirpossession,orsnowmobilesafetycertificateindicatorontheirdriver’slicenseorontheirMinnesotaIDcard,tooperateasnowmobileinMinnesota.Tobecomecertifiedinsnowmobilesafety,studentsmustpassaMinnesotasnowmobilesafetytrainingcourse.

Youth Snowmobile Safety TrainingTheYouthSnowmobileSafetyCourseisavailabletoyouthages11yearsandolder.(Safetytrainingcertificatesarenotvaliduntilage12.)Studentsnowhavetwooptions,a‘Traditional’courseora‘CDBased’course.Theymustchooseoneortheother.BothcoursesaretaughtbyDNRcertifiedvolunteerinstructors.The‘Traditional’coursemeetstwoormoretimes,isatleast8hoursminimumofclassroomandincludesaridingperformancecourse.The‘CDBased’coursemeetstwiceatthemost,studentobtainsafreeCDfromtheDNRorDNRcertifiedvolunteerinstructors,completestheCD,andattendsaonedayclassroomreviewandridingperformancecourse.Bothsnowmobilesafetycoursesteachthebasicsofsafeandresponsiblesnowmobiling.

Adult Snowmobile Safety TrainingTheAdultSnowmobileSafetyTrainingCDisanindependentstudycourseonCD.Thecourseisavailabletopersons16yearsofageandolder.Itlooksatthecauseofaccidents,speedandreactiontime,stoppingdistances,groupridingandrulesandregulations.Thecourseisdesignedformultipleusersandincludesawrittentestandsend-incertificationform.Afeeof$10.00willbechargedtocovercostsofmaterialandcertification.YouthclassesaretaughtbyDNRcertifiedvolunteerinstructors,usuallybetweenNovemberandMarch.Coursesareannouncedincommunitiesthroughschoolsandthemedia.Tolearnthetimesanddatesofclassesinyourcommunity,ortoreceivetheAdultSnowmobileSafetyTrainingCD,checktheDNRwebsitewww.mndnr.gov/snowmobiling;orcalltheDNRInformationCenter1-888-646-6367,metroarea(651)296-6157,ortheSnowmobileSafetyTrainingProgramHeadquartersat1-800-366-8917. Nonresidents certified in snowmobile safety training in another state will be recognized in Minnesota.

Replacement snowmobile safety certificates can be obtained at any game and fish license agent for $3.50. They are also available at the DNR Information Center, 1-888-646-6367 and the Snowmobile Safety Training Headquarters at 1-800-366-8917 for $5.00 (includes a durable certificate card).


Youth Operation Requirements

•Theownerorpersoninlawfulcontrolofasnowmobileisjointlyresponsibleforlawsbrokenbyaminoronthatsnowmobile.•Anyoneunder18yearsoldmustwearanapprovedhelmet.•Toregisterasnowmobileyoumustbeatleast18yearsold.

Snowmobile Safety Certificate

Minnesota ResidentsAnyresidentofMinnesotabornafterDecember31,1976,musthaveasnowmobilesafetycertificatetooperateasnowmobileinMinnesota.(Seeexceptionbelow.)

With the snowmobile safety certificate:•Anyone12and13yearsoldcanoperateasnowmobileonpubliclands,publicwaters,statetrails,andgrant-in-aidtrails.Theymayoperateonprivatelandwithpermission.TheymayNOTcrossstateorcountyroads.•Anyone14yearsoldandoldercanoperateasnowmobileinMinnesota,includingcrossingstateandcountyroads.Rememberyoumusthavepermissiontooperateoncertainprivatelands.

Non-Residents of Minnesota•Anyone12and13yearsoldmusthaveasnowmobilesafetycertificatetooperateonpubliclands,publicwaters,statetrails,andgrant-in-aidtrails.Theymayoperateonprivatelandwithpermission(seetrespasslaws).TheymayNOTcrossstateorcountyroads.•Anyone14through17yearsoldmusthaveasnowmobilesafetycertificatetocrossstateandcountyroads.•Anyone18yearsoldandolderdoesnotneedasnowmobilesafetycertificate.•NonresidentscertifiedinsnowmobilesafetytraininginanotherstatewillberecognizedinMinnesota.

Exception for Residents and Non-ResidentsWithoutasnowmobilesafetycertificate,apersonundertheageof14yearsmayoperateasnowmobileonlyiftheyaresupervisedoraccompaniedbyoneofthefollowing:parent,legalguardian,orotherperson18yearsofageorolderdesignatedbytheparentorguardian.Thesupervisingoraccompanyingadultneedstobecloseenoughtobeabletodirecttheyouth’soperationoftheirsnowmobile.Thisexceptiondoesnotallowanoperatorundertheageof14tocrossapublicroad.


General Operation

Where You May Ride:•inthebottomoroutsideslopeofaditchofacountyorstateroad(seepage14)•inthesamedirectionasroadtrafficintheditchfromone-halfhouraftersunsettoone-halfhourbeforesunrise(otherthanthistime,youcanrideineitherdirection)•one-halfhouraftersunsettoone-halfhourbeforesunriseontwo-waysnowmobiletrailsthatarelocatedwithintheditchesoradjacenttostreetsorhighwayswhenspecificallypermittedbytheroadauthority(lookforpostedtwo-waysigns,seepage15)•onabridge,otherthanabridgethatispartofthemain-traveledlanesofaninterstatehighway,inordertoavoidobstructionstotravelwhenabsolutelynecessary(thesnowmobilemustbeoperatedintheextremeright-handlane,theentrancetotheroadwaymustbemadewithin100feetofthebridge,andcrossingmustbemadeasquicklyaspossible)•onstateandlocaltrails(seepage11-12forSnowmobileStateTrailStickerrequirements)•oniced-overwatersthathavelegalaccess(ifnotrestrictedbylaworlocalordinances)•ontownshiproadswhennotrestrictedbylocalordinance•onpubliclandsthatareopentomotorizedvehicles.Landusesvary.Besuretocheckallfederal,state,andlocalordinances.

Inside the seven-county metro area, you may ride:•onyourownland•onlandthatispostedwithsignsstating“snowmobilesallowed”•onlandotherthanyourown,withwrittenorspokenpermissionofthelandowner,occupant,orlessee•onthegroomedareaofasnowmobiletrail.

Outside the seven-county metro area, you may ride:•onyourownland•onagriculturallandthatyouhavebeengivenpermissionfromthelandowner•onland,otherthanagriculturalland,thatyouhavenotbeentoldverbally,bywrittenwarning,orbypostedsigns,thatridingisprohibited•onthegroomedareaofasnowmobiletrail.


When making a direct crossing of a street or road, you must:•bringthesnowmobiletoacompletestopbeforecrossing,whetherthereisastopsignornot•yieldtoallon-comingtraffic•havebothfrontandrearlightsonwhencrossingbetweenone-halfhouraftersunsettoone-halfhourbeforesunrise,orduringperiodsofreducedvisibility(seepage30forsunrise/sunsettable)•crossata90-degreeanglewithrespecttotheroad•crossadividedroadatanintersection.

Where You May NOT Ride:•ontheroadway,shoulder,orinnerslopeoftheditchofastateorcountyroad•onthemedianofafour-laneroadway•withintheright-of-wayofanyinterstate•ontheright-of-waybetweenopposinglanesoftraffic•againsttrafficatnightwithintheroadright-of-way•atairports•inanystatepark,staterecreationarea,statehistoricsite,wildlifemanagementarea,orstatescientificandnaturalareawiththeexceptionofpostedsnowmobiletrailsandareas•inanywildlifemanagementareasouthofU.S.Highway2fromGrandForkseasttoBemidji,thensouthalongU.S.Highway71toWadena,theneastalongU.S.Highway10toStaplesandU.S.Highway210totheeasternboundaryofthestate,withoutwrittenpermissionfromtheDNR•onanyiced-overwaterslocatedinarestrictedareaoriced-overwaterswhereyoudon’thavelegalaccess•inanyareasrestrictedbylocalordinancesormunicipalities•inatreenurseryorplantingarea•onstateforestlandsthatarepostedordesignatedclosedtosnowmobiling•onstateforestlandslocatedintheBoundaryWatersCanoeAreaWilderness,includingallofLakeIsabellaandInsula;andportionsofLakeJeanetteandBurntsideStateForests.•inNationalWildlifeRefuges,WaterfowlProductionAreas,ortheBoundaryWatersCanoeAreaWilderness.FormoreinformationcontactyourlocalU.S.FishandWildlifeService.


StateForestlandsclassifiedas“closed”areopentooff-trailsnowmobileuseunlessspecificallypostedclosedtosnowmobiling.

Municipalities,counties,schooldistricts,andotherpoliticalsubdivisionsorstateagenciesmayimposefurtherrestrictionsonsnowmobilingonpropertynotownedbytheoperator.Checklocalordinanceswhereyouwanttoride.

Inside the seven-county metro area, you may NOT ride:•onlandthatyoudonotown,unlessgivenwrittenororalpermissiontorideonthatlandbytheowner,occupant,orlessee,orunlesssignsarepostedstatingsnowmobilingisallowed.

Outside the seven-county metro area, you may NOT ride:•onlandthatyouhavebeentoldnottoorally,inwriting,orbypostedsigns•onagriculturallandwithoutthepermissionoftheowner.

Other Prohibitions

It is unlawful to:•operateyoursnowmobileinacareless,reckless,orheedlessmannerthatendangerstheoperator,orpropertyofanother,orcausesinjuryordamage(Intentionallydrivingoveropenwater,orwaterskipping,maybeconsideredcarelessorrecklessunlessdoneasaneventunderspecialpermitissuedbythelocalsheriff’soffice)•litter•enterorleavelandsbycuttingwireortearingdownafence•mutilate,destroy,damage,orremoveanyshelter,comfortstation,orfacilityonanystateorgrant-in-aidtrail•post,damage,orremoveanysignsonanylandsorwatersunlessyouarethelandowner,occupant,orlesseeoftheproperty•operateonstateforestlandsinamannerthatcauseserosionorrutting,damagesordestroystreesorgrowingcrops•operateonastateforesttrailthatispostedfornon-motorizeduseSpecial Provision - Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest: Motorvehiclesandsnowmobilesmayoperateonlyonforestroadsthatarenotpostedclosedandonforesttrailsthataredesignatedformotorizeduse.Nomotorizedtravelisallowedoffdesignatedtrailsunderanycircumstances.•operateasnowmobilewithmetaltractiondevicesonpavedpublictrailsexceptasspecificallyallowedbystateorlocalgovernment. Metal traction devicemeansanymetaldevice,orarrayofmetaldevices,attachedtoasnowmobiletracktoenhancetraction.Thisincludesmetalcomponentsthatextendmorethan


one-fourthinchfromthebottomofthetrack.Note: Metal cleats affixed perpendicular to the direction of travel of a 1981 or earlier snowmobile are not considered a metal traction device.

Snowmobiling While Intoxicated (SWI)Operatingasnowmobilewhileundertheinfluenceofalcohol,acontrolledsubstanceoritsmetabolite,orotherhazardoussubstanceisunlawful.Operatorswhoareimpairedmayberequiredtosubmittotestsbyanenforcementofficertodeterminethepresenceofthesesubstances.Thereisaseparateadditionalcriminalpenaltyforrefusaltosubmittothetests,andtheperson’ssnowmobilingprivilegeswillbesuspendedforoneyearuponrefusal.SWIconvictionsandrefusalsarerecordedontheviolator’sdriver’slicenserecordandmayaffecttheirdriver’slicenseprivileges.

Anoperatorwhoisfoundtobeimpairedorhasanalcoholconcentrationof.08ormore,canbechargedwithamisdemeanor,grossmisdemeanor,orfelonylevelDrivingWhileIntoxicated(DWI).Personsconvictedofamisdemeanorwillbesubjectto:upto$1000fine(plussurcharges);possiblejailsentence;andlossofsnowmobileoperatingprivilegesforoneyear.

Inadditiontotheabovemisdemeanorpenalties,thefollowinggrossmisdemeanorpenaltyprovisionsmayapplyifthepersonhasanypriorDWIviolations,hasanalcoholconcentrationoftwicethelegallimit,orhasachildunder16yearsofagewiththemonthesnowmobile:•upto$3,000fine•longer,mandatoryjailtime•chemicaluseassessmentandlong-termmonitoringprograms•lossofmotorvehicledriver’slicenseprivileges•motorvehicleplateimpoundmentofallmotorvehiclesownedorleasedindividuallyorjointlybytheperson•forfeitureofthesnowmobile,substantiallyhigherfines,andmandatoryjailtime.


Sunken SnowmobilesMinnesotalawrequiressnowmobilesandmotorvehicles(includingcars,trucks,watercraftandATVs)thatsinkinalakeorriver,beremovedbytheownerwithin30days.Ownersmustalsonotifythecountysheriffwithin48hours.Ifthesnowmobileorvehicleisnotremoved,thelocalunitofgovernmentcanremoveitandchargetheownertwotofivetimesthecostofremoval.

IfapersonhasthreeormoreDWIconvictionsorrevocationsinthelast10years,orhasapriorfelonyconviction,theycanbesentencedto3-7yearsinjail,upto$14,000fine,orboth.Longerlicenserevocationswouldalsobeimposed.

Open Bottle LawItisunlawfulforapersontodrinkorconsumealcoholicbeverageswhenasnowmobileisoperatedonaroadwayorshoulderofaroadwaythatisnotapartofadesignatedsnowmobiletrail.

Speed LimitsIt is unlawful to operate a snowmobile in excess of:•50MPHonanypubliclandsorwaters•thepostedspeedlimitsonatrail•aspeedgreaterthanvarioustrail,terrainandvisibilityconditionsdictate•thepostedroadspeedlimitor50MPH,whicheverisLOWER,whileoperatingintheditch•anygovernmentalunitsnowmobilespeedlimit.Governmentalunitsincludeanycity,county,municipality,township,or conservationdistrict.

Acountymayenactadaytime65mphspeedlimitformarkedtrailsonfrozenlakesthatareover10,000acres.ThecountywouldneedtopassanordinanceandreceiveapprovalbytheDNRCommissioner.Individualcountieswillhavemoreinformationonthelocationandstatusofanydesignated65mphtrails.

AccidentsMinnesotahasworkedhardtoreducesnowmobilingaccidents,injuries,andfatalitiesthrougheducationandsafetytrainingprograms.Thelargestcontributingfactortocrashesisexcessivespeed,followedbyalcoholusage.Ifyouareinvolvedinasnowmobileaccidentthatresultsininjuryrequiringmedicalattention,death,ordamageofmorethan$500,youmustfileanofficialaccidentreportwiththeDepartmentofNaturalResourceswithin48hoursoftheaccident.Accidentreportformsareavailableatwww.mndnr.gov/enforcementorcall1-800-366-8917.


EnforcementConservationofficers,statetroopers,deputysheriffs,policeofficersandotherpeaceofficersareresponsiblefortheenforcementofMinnesota’ssnowmobilelaws.Wheneveranenforcementofficersignalsyou,youmuststop.Fleeinganenforcementofficerisafelonyandthesnowmobileusedmaybeforfeited.

Partofaconservationofficer’sdutyistoensureyoursafetywhilesnowmobiling.Ifyouneedanenforcementofficer,contactyournearestStatePatroldispatchcenter.Yourlocalconservationofficercanalsobefoundatwww.mndnr.gov/enforcement.

PenaltiesViolationofmostsnowmobilestatutesandrulesaremisdemeanorsandcarryafineofupto$1,000andimprisonmentforupto90days.Youthviolationsmayresultinsnowmobilesafetycertificatesuspension.Also,snowmobilesusedinburglaries,fleeingapeaceofficer,oraDWI,maybesubjecttoseizureandconfiscationorforfeiture.

Theownerorpersoninlawfulcontrolofasnowmobileissubjecttopenaltiesifheorsheknowinglyallowsthesnowmobiletobeoperatedbysomeonephysicallyormentallyunabletodrivethevehiclesafely,orisundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcohol.

Apersonoperatingasnowmobilewithmetaltractiondevicesonanypavedtrailisguiltyofapettymisdemeanorpunishablebyacivilpenaltyorcriminalfineof$50forthefirstoffense,$200forthesecondoffense,and$500forthethirdorsubsequentoffense.Criminalfineswillbesubjecttocourtsurchargesandfeesinadditiontothispenaltyamount.

AnyoneoperatingasnowmobileinviolationoftheSnowmobileStateTrailStickerlawwillberequiredtopurchaseanannualpenaltystickerfor$31.00,inadditiontoanyticketorfine.

Training for Offenders Apersonwhoisconvictedoftwoormorespeedingviolationsinasnowmobileseason,orforcarelessorrecklessoperation,mustsuccessfullycompleteasnowmobilesafetytrainingcoursebeforeoperatingasnowmobile.


STAY RIGHT! Trails are two-way, always watch out for others!

Minnesota Trespass LawsTrespassisthemostfrequentcomplaintlandownershaveagainstsnowmobilers.Alwaysaskforpermissionbeforeenteringprivateland.

Respect private lands. ASK FIRST!•Alwaysaskfirstbeforeenteringprivatelandsevenifit’snotposted.Youwillimproverelationshipsbetweenlandownersandsnowmobilers.•Justbecausepropertyisn’tpostedthatdoesn’tmeanyouhavearighttoentersomeoneelse’sprivateproperty.Thepostedsignsindicatethelandowner’sintentiontopreventunauthorizedentry.

IfyouviolateMinnesota’strespasslawsyouwillbeguiltyofamisdemeanororgrossmisdemeanor,ormaybechargedwithacivilpenalty.Amisdemeanorispunishablebyfinesofupto$1,000andajailsentenceofupto90days.Civilpenaltiesrangefrom$50forafirsttimeviolationto$500andlossofregistrationforathirdviolation.

Youareguiltyofagrossmisdemeanorwhenyou:•knowinglydisregardsignsprohibitingtrespass•trespassafterthelandownertellsyounotto•violatethetrespasslawtwiceinthreeyears.

Ifyouareconvictedofagrossmisdemeanor,youwillbesubjecttofinesupto$3,000anduptooneyearinjail,yourmachine’sregistrationwillbenullandvoid,andyouwillloseallhuntingprivilegesfortwoyears.

Youmusthavepermissionto:•enterpostedland•enterlandinsidetheseven-countymetroareathatyoudonotown,unlessgivenwrittenororalpermissiontorideonthatlandbytheowner,occupant,orlessee,orunlesssignsarepostedstatingsnowmobilingisallowed•enteragriculturalland.Agriculturallandislandthatis plowedortilled;hasstandingcropsorcropresidue;iswithinamaintainedfenceforenclosingdomesticlivestock;isplantednativeorintroducedhaylandorgrassland;orisplantedtoshortrotationwoodycrops(hybridpoplarandotherwoodyplantsthatareharvestedfortheirfiberwithin15yearsofplanting).


Allplantedgrassland,hayland,andshortrotationwoodycroplandmeetthedefinitionofagriculturalland,includinggrasslandsenrolledinthefederalConservationReserveProgram(CRP),ConservationReserveEnhancementProgram(CREP),orthestateRIMReserveProgram.Theselandsdonotneedtobepostedtopreventunauthorizedtrespass.

It is unlawful to:•woundorkillanotherperson’sdomesticanimalordestroyprivateproperty•passthroughaclosedgatewithoutreturningittotheoriginalposition•strayoffthegroomedportionsofmarkedstatetrails.

Game Laws Related to Snowmobiling

General Restrictions•Apersonmaytransportanunloadedanduncasedshotgunorrifleinamotorvehiclewhile:1)atashootingrangewithpermission;2)lawfullyhuntingonpublicorprivateland;or3)travelingtoorfromasitethepersonintendstohuntthatdayorhashuntedthatday.•However,apersonMAYNOTtransportanuncasedshotgunorriflewithin:1)Anoka,Hennepin,orRamseycounties;2)anareawherethedischargeofafirearmisprohibitedbyordinance;3)acitywithapopulationof2,500ormore;4)schoolgrounds;5)gamerefuges;or6)asregulatedundershiningandnightvisionlaws.•Ahandgun/pistolcannotbetransporteduncasedwithoutavalidpermittocarry.SeeMinnesotaHuntingandTrappingRegulationsHandbookformoredetailedinformation. It is unlawful to:•useasnowmobiletochase,runover,orkillawildanimal•shootorattempttoshootananimalfromasnowmobile.

For operation restrictions during firearms deer season, please see the current Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook.


Special Permits for Disabled HuntersApermitmaybeissuedtoshootfromastandingmotorvehicleincludingasnowmobiletoalicensedhunterwhohasapermanentphysicaldisabilityandisunabletostepfromavehiclewithouttheaidofwheelchair,crutches,braces,orothermechanicalsupportorprostheticdevice;orisrequiredtousesupplementaloxygentoassistbreathingbecausetheyareunabletowalkanydistancebecauseofapermanentlung,heart,orotherinternaldisease.FormoredetailscontacttheDepartmentofNaturalResourcesInformationCenterintheTwinCities(651)296-6157,ortollfree1-888-MINNDNR(646-6367).

For More Information

For information on snowmobile trails; maps of state parks, forests, and state trails; weekly snow reports; and other information contact:

For information about snowmobile registration contact:DNRLicenseCenter500LafayetteRoadSt.Paul,MN55155-4026(651)296-2316•Toll-free:1-800-285-2000

To report a violation contact:YourlocalDNRconservationofficer,sheriff’soffice,policedepartmentorthestatepatrol.Conservationofficersaredispatchedthroughthestatepatrol.TofindyourlocalConservationOfficergoto:www.mndnr.gov/officerpatrolareasorcallyourneareststatepatrolheadquarters.

For information on scheduled snowmobile safety classes in different areas throughout the state: •www.mndnr.gov/snowmobiling•DNRInformationCenter:TwinCities(651)296-6157Toll-free1-888-MINNDNR(646-6367)•SnowmobileSafetyTrainingProgramHeadquartersCampRipley,LittleFalls,MN:1-800-366-8917.


DNRInformationCenter500LafayetteRoadSt.Paul,MN55155-4040TwinCities:(651)296-6157Toll-free1-888-MINNDNR(646-6367)

HearingimpairedTwinCities:(651)296-5484Toll-free:1-800-657-3929

DNRWebsitewww.mndnr.gov

Grant-In-Aid Program

TheGrant-in-AidProgramisacooperativeeffortbetweentheMinnesotaDNR,localgovernments,localsnowmobileorganizations,andprivatelandownerswhoprovidethemajorityofMinnesota’s22,000milesofsnowmobiletrails.FundedthroughsnowmobileregistrationandSnowmobileStateTrailStickerfeesandgastaxes,thegrant-in-aidprogramhelpslocalgroupsandclubsdevelopandmaintaintrailsandrecreationareas.•Grant-in-aidtrailsareopeneachyearfromDecember1throughApril1.•Manygrant-in-aidtrailsthroughoutthestaterunthroughprivateproperty.Stayongoodtermswiththeselandownersbystayingonmarkedtrails.Don’tjeopardizeyourabilitytouseprivatelands.•RememberyouneedaSnowmobileStateTrailStickerwhenoperatingongrant-in-aidtrails. .

Sunrise/Sunset Table

OCT.RiseSetAMPM

7:116:547:126:527:136:517:146:497:166:477:176:457:186:437:196:417:216:407:226:387:236:367:256:347:266:327:276:317:286:297:306:277:316:257:326:247:346:227:356:207:366:197:386:177:396:167:406:147:426:127:436:117:446:097:466:087:466:077:486:057:506:03

NOV.RiseSetAMPM

7:516:027:536:007:545:597:555:587:575:567:585:556:594:547:014:537:024:517:044:507:054:497:064:487:084:477:094:467:104:457:124:447:134:437:144:427:164:417:174:407:184:397:204:397:214:387:224:377:244:367:254:367:264:357:274:357:284:347:304:34


•ThetimesinthetableareforthelongitudinallinerunningnorthandsouththroughSt.Paul.Tousethetabletofindthesunriseorsunsethoursoftheareayouwishtosnowmobile,locatetheareaonthemapbelowandaddorsubtracttheminutesshownabovethemaptothetimeinthetable.

•TimesshownareCentralDaylightSavingTimethroughNovember7,2010.CentralStandardTimeappliesforalldatesthroughMarch13,2011.

DEC.RiseSetAMPM

7:314:337:324:337:334:337:344:327:354:327:364:327:374:327:384:327:394:327:404:327:414:327:424:327:434:327:444:327:444:327:454:327:464:337:464:337:474:337:484:347:484:347:494:357:494:357:504:367:504:377:504:377:514:387:514:397:514:397:514:407:514:41

JAN.RiseSetAMPM

7:524:427:524:437:524:447:524:457:514:467:514:477:514:487:514:497:514:507:504:527:504:537:504:547:494:557:494:567:484:587:484:597:475:007:465:017:465:037:455:047:445:057:435:077:425:087:425:107:415:117:405:127:395:147:385:157:375:177:365:187:355:19

FEB.RiseSetAMPM

7:335:217:325:227:315:247:305:257:295:277:275:287:265:297:255:317:235:327:225:347:205:357:195:377:185:387:165:397:155:417:135:427:125:447:105:457:085:467:075:487:055:497:045:517:025:527:005:536:595:556:575:566:555:586:535:59

MAR.RiseSetAMPM

6:526:006:506:026:486:036:466:046:456:066:436:076:416:086:396:106:376:116:366:126:346:146:326:157:307:167:287:187:267:197:257:207:237:217:217:237:197:247:177:257:157:277:137:287:117:297:107:307:087:327:067:337:047:347:027:357:007:376:587:386:567:39

APR.RiseSetAMPM

6:557:416:537:426:517:436:497:446:477:466:457:476:437:486:427:496:407:516:387:526:367:536:347:546:337:566:317:576:297:586:277:596:268:016:248:026:228:036:218:056:198:066:178:076:168:086:148:106:128:116:118:126:098:136:088:156:068:166:058:17

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2010 2011

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