Minnesota snowMobile 2009 - 2010 - Wildwood...
Transcript of 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.
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•5
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.
Honda HouseSt Cloud
320-252-4262www.hondahousemn.com
Ollie’s ServiceAlexandria
320-763-4455www.shopolliesservice.com
TRUE QUALITY
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
VISIT THESE DEALERS:
The RUSHThat Delivers
Visit these participating dealers :
Sette Sports CenterOwatonna
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Waldoch SportsForest Lake
651-464-5776www.waldochsports.com
Paid Advertisement
6•2009-2010WinterSeason
•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.
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•7
Purchaseathree-year,$31.00SnowmobileStateTrailStickerwhenregisteringasnowmobile.Seepage12.
8•2009-2010WinterSeason
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.
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.
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
Paid Advertisement
10•2009-2010WinterSeason
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
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STACY
ToTAYLORS
FALLS
ALMELUND
NORTH BRANCH
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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
12•2009-2010WinterSeason
*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
14•2009-2010WinterSeason
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.
Paid Advertisement
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.
18•2009-2010WinterSeason
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).
SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•19
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.
20•2009-2010WinterSeason
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.
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•2009-2010WinterSeason
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
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,hasanalcoholconcentrationof.20ormore,orhasachildunder16yearsofagewiththemonthesnowmobile:•upto$3,000fine•longer,mandatoryjailtime•chemicaluseassessmentandlong-termmonitoringprograms•lossofmotorvehicledriver’slicenseprivileges•motorvehicleplateimpoundmentofallmotorvehiclesownedorleasedindividuallyorjointlybytheperson•forfeitureofthesnowmobile,substantiallyhigherfines,andmandatoryjailtime.
24•2009-2010WinterSeason
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,orasecondDWI,maybesubjecttoseizureandconfiscationorforfeiture.
Theownerorpersoninlawfulcontrolofasnowmobileissubjecttopenaltiesifheorsheknowinglyallowsthesnowmobiletobeoperatedbysomeonephysicallyormentallyunabletodrivethevehiclesafely,orisundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcohol.
Apersonoperatingasnowmobilewithmetaltractiondevicesonanypavedtrailisguiltyofapettymisdemeanorpunishablebyacivilpenaltyorcriminalfineof$50forthefirstoffense,$200forthesecondoffense,and$500forthethirdorsubsequentoffense.Criminalfineswillbesubjecttocourtsurchargesandfeesinadditiontothispenaltyamount.
AnyoneoperatingasnowmobileinviolationoftheSnowmobileStateTrailStickerlawwillberequiredtopurchaseanannualpenaltystickerfor$31.00,inadditiontoanyticketorfine.
Training for Offenders Apersonwhoisconvictedoftwoormorespeedingviolationsinasnowmobileseason,orforcarelessorrecklessoperation,mustsuccessfullycompleteasnowmobilesafetytrainingcoursebeforeoperatingasnowmobile.
26•2009-2010WinterSeason
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;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.
28•2009-2010WinterSeason
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.
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’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
30•2009-2010WinterSeason
•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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