Post on 28-Mar-2015
2010-2011M i n n e s o ta SnowmobileSafety 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 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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2011 FX Nytro®
Class-dominating performance. Trail-dominating handling!
VISIT THESE DEALERS:
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SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•5
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
Paid Advertisement
THE PINNACLE OF COMFORT
6•2010-2011WinterSeason
•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.
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•7
Purchaseathree-year,$31.00SnowmobileStateTrailStickerwhenregisteringasnowmobile.Seepage12.
8•2010-2011WinterSeason
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.
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•9
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!
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
Paid Advertisement
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.
10•2010-2011WinterSeason
SLOW DOWN! Trails are NOT race tracks and ditches have many hazards!
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•11
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!
12•2010-2011WinterSeason
*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
HAYDAYS IS MOVING IN 2010!Same great event relocates to
near North Branch, Minnesota
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HARRIS 9
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STACY
ToTAYLORS
FALLS
ALMELUND
NORTH BRANCH
30
HAYDAYS
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.com
HAYDAYS45th Annual
SNOWMOBILE GRASS DRAGS THE GRANDDADDY OF THEM ALL
Saturday & SundaySept 10th & 11th, 2011
“WORLD’S LARGEST
SNOWMOBILE EVENT”
2012 SNOWMOBILE & ATV DISPLAYS200 + DEALER SITES
1000’S OF SWAP VENDORSATV DEMO TRACK & RIDESVINTAGE SLED DISPLAYS
FREE KIDS SNOWMOBILE RAFFLE DRAWINGS/RAFFLES/PRIZES
EXTREME EXPO: SNOWMOBILE, ATV, MC JUMPS & TRICKS
MN4WDA OFFOAD TRUCK EXPEDTION RACING STARTS AT 9:00 AM DAILY - $75,000 ESTIMATED PURSE
The Sno-Barons Snowmobile Club has a long-standing commitment of supporting snowmobile, youth and safety in Minnesota. Proceeds from Haydays fund training, trails, charities and club efforts.
Sno-Barons Hotline 763-274-0235Check Out Our Website: www.snobarons.com
Paid Advertisement
38740 Oriole Ave, Sunrise Township, MN
14•2010-2011WinterSeason
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.
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•15
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.
Ad
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.
18•2010-2011WinterSeason
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).
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•19
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.
20•2010-2011WinterSeason
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.
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•21
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.
22•2010-2011WinterSeason
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
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•23
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.
24•2010-2011WinterSeason
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.
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•25
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.
26•2010-2011WinterSeason
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).
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•27
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.
28•2010-2011WinterSeason
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.
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•29
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
30•2010-2011WinterSeason
•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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