Press Release
The snowmobile season has arrived, with excellent trail conditions thanks to snowfall amounts and the hard work from all the volunteers with our local snowmobile clubs.
OPP officers in Rainy River District have been out on snowmobile patrol throughout December, and would like to remind operators to be aware of police presence and to be prepared to stop for police on the trails and waterways.
Over the holidays, police checked 52 snowmobiles. They issued 13 charges and gave 20 warnings.
Most of the charges related to operators not complying with the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act or Highway Traffic Act.
Police remind snowmobile operators to carry their documentation with them, including their driver’s licence or snowmobile operator’s licence, as well as the ownership and insurance for their machines.
Police also would like to remind operators of some important facts when operating their snowmachines this winter. When snowmobile operators are riding on OFSC trails, they are required to have a valid OFSC trail permit affixed to their snowmachine.
The fine for failing to have an OFSC trail permit is just over $200.
As well, the speed limit on an OFSC trail is 50 km/h. The speed limit is an important factor when riding because operators should be aware there are operators and passengers of all ages and skill levels using the trail systems.
Each year, there are more and more young people getting their operator’s licence. These operators are novice riders and often don’t have the skill levels to avoid collisions of speeding machines.
Police will continue to patrol over the winter season, and will be conducting random stops as well as R.I.D.E. check points. Police will be utilizing their portable radar units and have roadside screening devices to help detect impaired snowmobile operators.
Officers will be out there to help enforce the laws, and are working hard to prevent accidents and injury.
Please help them by doing your part: slow down and stay in control.
