BOOK YOUR VACATION, FLIGHTS, HOTEL RENTALS EXC. BY CLICKING HERE

Michigan Regulations

SA snowmobile may not be operated on a public highway excepting the following:
A snowmobile maybe operated on the right-of-way of a public highway (except a limited access highway) if it is operated at the extreme right of the open portion of the right-of-way and with the flow of traffic on the highway. Snowmobiles operated on a road right-of-way must travel in single file and shall not be operated abreast except when overtaking or passing another snowmobile.

A snowmobile may be operated on the roadway or shoulder when necessary to cross a bridge or culvert if the snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before entering onto the roadway or shoulder and the operator yields the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle on the highway.

A snowmobile may be operated across a public highway, other than a limited access highway, at right angles to the highway for the purpose of getting from area to another when the operation can be done in safety and another vehicle is not crossing the highway at the same time in the immediate area. An operator must bring his or her snowmobile to a complete stop before proceeding across the public highway and must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic.

Snowmobiles may be operated on a highway in a county road system, which is not normally snowplowed for vehicular traffic; and on the right-of-way or shoulder when no right-of-way exists on a snowplowed highway in a county road system, outside the corporate limits of a city or village, which is designated and marked for snowmobile use by the county road commission having jurisdiction.

Prohibited Operation of a snowmobile. A person shall not operate a snowmobile:

While under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a combination of the two.

At a rate of speed that is greater than is reasonable for existing conditions.

In a forest nursery, planting area or public lands posted or reasonably identifiable as an area of forest reproduction when growing stock may be damaged; or as a natural dedicated area which is in zones 2 or 3.

On the frozen surfaces of public waters within 100 feet of a person, including a skater, not in or upon a snowmobile or within 100 feet of a fishing shanty or shelter except at a speed required to maintain forward movement of the snowmobile or on an area which has been cleared for ice skating, unless the area is necessary for gaining access to public water.

Within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling between 12midnight and 6a.m. at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain forward movement of the snowmobile.

In or upon the land of another without consent of the owner or his agent, when required by the recreational trespass act.

In an area open to public hunting during the firearm deer season from 7a.m. to 11a.m. and 2p.m. to 5p.m.

While transporting on the snowmobile a bow unless unstrung or a firearm unless unloaded and securely encased or equipped with and made inoperative by a key locked trigger locking device.

On or across a cemetery or burial ground, an airport, a public or private parking lot, within 100 feet of a slide, ski or skating area, a railroad or railroad right-of-way.

To chase, pursue, worry or kill any wild bird or animal.

Accident Reporting

The law requires that the operator of a snowmobile involved in an accident resulting in injury, or death of, any person, or property damage in an estimated amount of $100 or more, must immediately notify a law enforcement agency within the county in which the accident occurred.

Restrictions on youthful operations.
A person under the age of 12 may not:

Operate a snowmobile without direct supervision of the parent or guardian except on property owned or controlled by the parent.

Cross a highway or street.

A person who is at least 12 but less than 17 years of age may operate a snowmobile under the direct supervision of a person 21 years of age or older or have in their immediate possession a valid snowmobile safety certificate.

A person who is at least 12 but less than 17 years of age may not cross a highway or street without having a valid snowmobile safety certificate in their immediate possession.

Safety education and training
Snowmobile safety training is recommended for all snowmobile operators and required for youth ages 12 to 17.

For more information on snowmobile training, please contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources office in your area or call (517)373-1230, Law Enforcement Division, Lansing, Michigan. Or you can visit the DNR on the web at www.dnr.state.mi.us

Equipment Required

Brakes: Each snowmobile must have a braking system capable of:
a) Stopping a snowmobile in not more than 40 feet from an initial speed of 20mph while the snowmobile travels on packed snow carrying an operator who weighs 175lbs or more.

b)Locking the snowmobile's traction belt's).
Noise: Each snowmobile manufactured after July 1,1977, shall be equipped with a muffler which does not excee5 78 decibels of sound pressure at 50 feet as measured by the 1974 SAE J-192a.

Helmet: All persons operating or riding on a snowmobile must wear a Department of Transportation-approved crash helmet.

Lighting: All snowmobiles must display a lighted headlight and taillight at all times during operation.

Registration and Trail Permits

A snowmobile shall not be operated unless the owner first obtains a certificate of registration and a registration decal.

Before operating
If owned by a non-resident, before operation in Michigan, a snowmobile must display a valid registration from the operator's home state or province, or be registered in Michigan.

The registration certificate expires on Sept. 30 of the year indicated on the decal.

Any time a registered snowmobile is sold to another person, the registration must also be transferred. Contact the Secretary of State for transfer information.

State Law requires that you affix the registration decals issued to the snowmobile to each side of the forward half of the cowl above the foot well. Beginning on July 1,1999 the registration decals will include the registration numbers assigned to the snowmobile.

A person who desires to operate a snowmobile in this state shall obtain a snowmobile trail permit sticker. The snowmobile trail permit sticker shall be valid for the period of 1 year which begins October 1 and ends September 30 of the following year.

The trail permit sticker shall be permanently affixed to the forward half of the snowmobile directly above or below the headlight.

Snowmobile trail permits are available from snowmobile dealers, Department of Natural Resources and license agents.

Snowmobiles are exempt from Registration and Trail Permit if they are: operated on lands owned or under the control of the owner; used entirely in a safety education program conducted by a certified snowmobile safety instructor; or exclusively operated in a special event of limited duration which is conducted according to a prearranged schedule under a permit from the governmental unit having proper jurisdiction. In addition, a snowmobile used solely for transportation on the frozen surface of public waters for ice fishing is exempt from the trail sticker requirement, but must still be registered.

Beginning October 1, 2000

Suspended Operators License
If your license to operate an automobile has been suspended by Michigan or your home state, you may not operate a snowmobile.
Points assessed Operators License
A person convicted of manslaughter, negligent homicides or a felony resulting from snowmobile operation shall have 6 points assessed against their driver's license. A person convicted of operating a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or with an unlawful blood alcohol content shall have 6 points assessed against their driver's license. A person who is convicted of operating a snowmobile while visibly impaired due to consumption of alcohol or a controlled substance shall have 4 points assessed to their driver's license.