Press Release
The OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs are reminding snowmobile riders that to have fun and peace of mind while snowmobiling this winter, riders must ensure they are compliant with the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.
Many of the rules governing motor vehicle drivers apply to snowmobile operators.
Examples include speeding, failing to stop at a road crossing, and driving with blood/alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit.
Failure to comply with the law carries penalties including fines, loss of driver’s licence, criminal charges, and/or imprisonment.
“A rider whose blood alcohol level is between 0.05 and 0.08 [‘warn’ range] can be issued the same three-day warning that suspends a driver’s licence on the road, with the result that the offending snowmobiler can no longer drive his/her sled to complete their ride,” said OPP Sgt. Michael Price, Off Road Safety Program co-ordinator of the OPP’s Highway Safety Division.
“More serious alcohol offences will result in licence suspensions that will prematurely finish a rider’s snowmobiling season.
“Consequences also get tougher for repeat occurrences,” Sgt. Price added.
To help educate Ontario snowmobilers, the OPP and the OFSC are providing the following check-list.
A compliant snowmobile operator always must have on their person or sled:
•a valid driver’s licence (or if under age 16, a Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence);
•proof of snowmobile ownership;
•sled registration (including properly placed registration numbers and validation sticker on sled);
•proof of sled insurance (pink slip);
•approved snowmobile helmet (for each rider); and
•2010 Snowmobile Trail Permit (properly displayed on the sled) with permit receipt;
The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario’s highways, trails, and waterways through the reduction of preventable injury and death.
Initiatives are developed and delivered through the Provincial Traffic Safety Program.
Visit opp.ca for more information.
For more information on the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, visit e-laws.gov.on.ca
