the OPP
The Rainy River District OPP Traffic Unit was out on the snowmobile trails last Thursday.
Officers stopped several sleds and reminded riders about the importance of having their current legal documentation, as well as safe driving habits while on the trails and lakes.
Police noticed most operators were abiding by legal requirements but there were a few found to have significant contraventions of the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act.
The first example came when officers stopped a male westbound on Trail L601 within the Town of Fort Frances.
The sled in question had no registration numbers on display, no trail permit, and no insurance.
Furthermore, the operator told police he did not possess a driver’s licence or a snowmobile licence.
The second example came when officers located two people operating their own sleds on Trail L601 about a half-hour later.
Police found that both individuals had failed to register their snowmachines, and neither of them had a trail permit or insurance.
A further radio check with the OPP Communication Centre revealed one of parties had a suspended driver’s licence.
During the course of their duties on Thursday, officers issued seven Motorized Snow Vehicle Act charges resulting in more than $1,530 in fines.
Due to the fact that police found operators to be driving without a valid licences, police towed three motorized snow vehicles from the trail system.
Snowmobiling safety is everyone’s business. Individuals who ride without licences or insurance put us all at risk.
OPP officers will continue to patrol the snowmobile trails and lakes this winter to ensure snowmobiling is something we all can enjoy safely.
