minnesota snowmobile 2009 - 2010 - wildwood...

2009 - 2010Minnesota snowMobile

safety laws, Rules & Regulations

Minnesota Department of natural Resources1-888-MinnDnR • www.mndnr.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Conservation Officer Message 4

Registering Your Snowmobile 6

Fees 7

HowtoRegisterYourSnowmobile 7

RegistrationNumbersandValidationDecals 8

Snowmobile State Trail Sticker 12

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

ThisisasummaryofMinnesota2009-2010snowmobileregulations.Forcompleteregulations,consultthestatestatutesandrulesandcheckforanylocalordinances.

4•2009-2010WinterSeason

A Message From Your DNR Conservation OfficersWinter in Minnesota can bring some of the darkest of days.Lastyearover180snowmobileaccidentswerereportedincluding10tragicfatalities.Reduceddaylighthoursandvisibilityduringthewintermonths,mixedwithspeed,wasacontributingfactorinalargenumberoftheseaccidents.Evenunderidealconditions,youcannotseeasfaratnightasyoucaninthedaylight.Reduceyourrisk,please,slowdown,especiallyafterdark!Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix.Neverconsumealcoholbeforeoperatingasnowmobile.Alcoholaffectsyourjudgmentandyourbody’sbasicmotorskills. Don’t Drink & Drive!Waituntilyourridingisdonebeforeyouhaveone!Remember snowmobile trails are for Two-Way traffic!Alwaysstaytothefarrightandlookoutaheadofyouforoncomingsnowmobiles.Also,ifyouchoosetotowsomeoneorsomethingbehindyoursnowmobilewestronglyencourageyoutousearigidhitchsystem.Towingsomeonebehindasnowmobilewitharopecanendininjuryorworsewhenthesnowmobilestopsbutthepersonbehinddoesn’t!

Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Always!

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.Copyright2009,StateofMinnesota,DepartmentofNaturalResources.

RECYCLABLE:Thiscoatedpaperprotectsyourregulationsfromwaterandthewearandtearofconstantuse.Torecycle,removethestaplesandthenrecycle.

Thisinformationisavailableinanalternativeformatuponrequest.

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


WELCOME TO SNOWMOBILING

ThesenseoffreedomyougetwhileridingasnowmobileoverMinnesota’ssnow-coveredlandsandfrozenlakescanbeexhilarating.Yetwiththatfreedomcomesresponsibility.Minnesota’ssystemofmorethen20,000milesofsnowmobiletrailsdependsonthecooperationoflandowners,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.

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•Findoutabouticeandsnowconditions.•Tellsomeonewhereyouaregoingandwhenyouexpecttoreturn.

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

Obey all laws and regulations•MaximumspeedinMinnesotais50MPH.•Displaycurrentsnowmobileregistration.•DisplaySnowmobileStateTrailStickerifoperatingonstateorgrant-in-aidtrails(seepage12).•Stayofftheroadway,shoulder,andinsideslopeofstateandcountyroads(seepage14).•Operateyoursnowmobileinthesamedirectionasroadwaytrafficwhenridingone-halfhouraftersunsettoone-halfhourbeforesunrise.•Besureanyyouthoperatingyoursnowmobilehasasafetycertificate.•Stayoffthemedianoffour-laneroadways.•Cometoacompletestopandlookbothwaysbeforecrossingapublicroadwaywhetherthereisastopsignornot.•Crosspublicroadwaysata90degreeangle.•Checklocalordinancesonwhenandwhereyoumayride.

Registering Your Snowmobile

SnowmobilesoperatedortransportedinMinnesotamustberegisteredwiththeDNR.Ifyoursnowmobileisnotregistered,youmaynotoperate,transport,orpermitittobeoperated.Youmustbeatleast18yearsoldtoregisterasnowmobile.AlsoseeSnowmobileStateTrailStickerrequirementsonpage12.

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

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

Fees

Snowmobile registration fees: Type of License FeeSnowmobile $48.50everythreeyearsDuplicateRegistrationCard $7.50DuplicateDecal $1.50Transfer $7.50Dealer $53.50everyyearManufacturer $153.50everyyear

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 Duplicate

Theexpirationdateappearsonboththeregistrationcardandtheregistrationvalidationdecal.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.

Destroyed, Abandoned, or Stolen Snowmobile

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

Dealer and Manufacturer Registration

Dealersmustregistersnowmobilestheyownandusefordemonstrationpurposes.Aregistrationplatewillbeissuedalongwitharegistrationcertificatethatmustbedisplayedconspicuouslyintheplaceofbusiness.Additionalplatesareavailablefor$4.00,plusfilingfees.Manufacturersmustregistersnowmobilestheyownandoperateforresearch,testing,experimentation,ordemonstration.Aregistrationplate

willbeissuedalongwitharegistrationcertificatethatmustbedisplayedconspicuouslyintheplaceofmanufacture.Avalidregistrationnumberplatemustbedisplayedonsnowmobilesoperated,orpermittedtobeoperated,byadealerormanufacturer.Theregistrationsarenottransferable.

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

Snowmobile State Trail Sticker

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

PROTECT OUR TRAILSJOIN!

Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association

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

• AND MUCH MORE

ONLY $20* A YEARFOR A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP!

*MNUSA membership is not tax deductible.DOING MY SHARE; DISPLAY THE MnUSA DECAL ON YOUR SLEDJOIN MnUSA TODAY: 763.577.0185 • www.mnsnowmobiler.org

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

HAYDAYS IS MOVING IN 2010!Same great event relocates to

near North Branch, Minnesota

35

95

95

70

35

HARRIS 9

9

9

18

14

14

15

15

14

10

STACY

ToTAYLORS

FALLS

ALMELUND

NORTH BRANCH

30

HAYDAYS

Directions to the 2010 Haydays Site

From the south: North on I-35 to Stacy exit. Take a right on County Road 19 and then a left on County Road 30 to County Road 18. Take a right and go to County Road 14 and take a right. Take a left on County Road 15 and follow to Highway 70 and take a left.

From the north: South on I-35 to Harris/County Road 10 exit. Take County Road 10 east to County Road 9. Follow to County Road 15 and take a left. Go to Highway 70 and take a left.

From Taylors Falls: Take Highway 95 west to Almelund. Take a left onto County Road 15 and follow to

Highway 70. Take a right.

The Official Start of Winter

44th Annual HAYDAYSSaturday & Sunday

Sept 11th & 12th 2010

“Worlds Largest Snowmobile Event”

The Sno-Barons Snowmobile Club have a long-standing commitment of supporting snowmobiling, youth and safety in Minnesota. Proceeds from Haydays fund training, trails,

charities and club efforts.

Check Out Our Website: www.snobarons.comPaid Advertisement


*Additional$3.50servicefeeforphonepurchases.

A Snowmobile State Trail Sticker is not required for:•asnowmobilewhilebeingusedtogroomastateorgrant-in-aidtrail•federal,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

•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


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.•Headlightsmust beabletorevealpeopleandvehicles100feetaheadandaimedsotheywillnotblindanoncomingsnowmobiler.•ColoredlensesonheadlightsareNOTlawfulwhenthesnowmobileisoperatedonroadsorroadrights-of-way,includingcrossingroadsandoperatinginditchesoroutsideslopes.•Redtaillightsmustbevisiblefor500feettotherearofthesnowmobile.

Brakes•Brakesmustbeabletocontrolmovementandtostopandholdthesnowmobiletrack.

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

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


Thelegaldefinitionofasnowmobileisaself-propelledvehicledesignedfortravelonsnoworicesteeredbyskisorrunners.

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

Youth Snowmobile Safety TrainingTheYouthSnowmobileSafetyCourseisavailabletoyouthages11yearsandolder.(Safetytrainingcertificatesarenotvaliduntilage12.)Thiscourseisatleast8hoursinlengthandistaughtbyDNRcertifiedvolunteerinstructors.Thecourseteachesthebasicsofsafeandresponsiblesnowmobiling.Itcoversoperating procedures,machinemaintenance,rulesandregulations,accidentprevention,outdoorsurvival,environmentalawareness,andacodeofethics.Thecourseincludesbothawrittentestandaridingperformancetestthatmustbepassed.Afeeof$5.00-$10.00willbechargedtocoverthecostofmaterialsandcertification.

Adult Snowmobile Safety TrainingTheAdultSnowmobileSafetyTrainingCDisanindependentstudycourseonCD.Thecourseisavailabletopersons16yearsofageandolder.Itlooksatthecauseofaccidents,speedandreactiontime,stoppingdistances,groupridingandrulesandregulations.Thecourseisdesignedformultipleusersandincludesawrittentestandsend-incertificationform.Afeeof$10.00willbechargedtocovercostsofmaterialandcertification.Youthclassesaretaughtbycertifiedvolunteerinstructors,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 ResidentsAnyresidentofMinnesotabornafterDecember31,1976musthaveasnowmobilesafetycertificatetooperateasnowmobileinMinnesota.(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(seepage12forSnowmobileStateTrailStickerrequirements)•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,maybeconsideredcarelessorrecklessunlessdoneasaneventunderspecialpermit.)•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,hasanalcoholconcentrationof.20ormore,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,orasecondDWI,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;or5)gamerefuges;or6)asregulatedundershiningandnightvisionlaws.•Ahandgun/pistolcannotbetransporteduncasedwithoutavalidpermittocarry.SeeMNHuntingandTrappingRegulationsHandbookformoredetailedinformation. It is unlawful to:•useasnowmobiletochase,runover,orkillawildanimal•shootorattempttoshootananimalfromasnowmobile.

To reduce disturbance during prime hunting hours, a person possessing a valid deer license may operate a snowmobile during the firearms deer season only:•beforelegalshootinghours(one-halfhourbeforesunrise)•from11a.m.until2p.m.•afterlegalshootinghours(one-halfhouraftersunset).Seepage30forsunset/sunrisetable.

Apermittooperatesnowmobilesduringthelegalshootinghoursfordeermaybeissuedbyyourlocalconservationofficerintheeventofanemergencyoranotherunusualcondition.


Special Permits for Disabled HuntersApermitmaybeissuedtoshootfromastandingsnowmobiletoalicensedhunterwhohasapermanentphysicaldisabilityandisunabletostepfromavehiclewithouttheaidofwheelchair,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:Yourlocalpolicedepartment,sheriff’soffice,thestatepatrol,oraDNRconservationofficer.Conservationofficersaredispatchedthroughthestatepatrol.Toreachaconservationofficercallyourneareststatepatrolheadquarters.

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’s20,000milesofsnowmobiletrails.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

6:515:026:535:006:544:596:554:586:574:566:584:556:594:547:014:537:024:517:044:507:054:497:064:487:084:477:094:467:104:457:124:447:134:437:144:427:164:417:174:407:184:397:204:397:214:387:224:377:244:367:254:367:264:357:274:357:284:347:304:34


•ThetimesinthetableareforthelongitudinallinerunningnorthandsouththroughSt.Paul.Tousethetabletofindthesunriseorsunsethoursoftheareayouwishtosnowmobile,locatetheareaonthemapbelowandaddorsubtracttheminutesshownabovethemaptothetimeinthetable.

•TimesshownareCentralDaylightSavingTimethroughNovember1,2009.CentralStandardTimeappliesforalldatesthroughMarch14,2010.

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

6:526:006:506:026:486:036:466:046:456:066:436:076:316:087:397:107:377:117:367:127:347:147:327:157:307:167:287:187:267:197:257:207:237:217:217:237:197:247:177:257:157:277:137:287:117:297:107:307:087:327:067:337:047:347:027:357:007:376:587:386:567:39

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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