The snow has finally arrived in southwestern Ontario, prompting a warning from OPP to follow the rules.
Here are the laws in the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act:
-Snowmobile drivers must carry their driver’s licence or snowmobile operator’s card when they ride. If your licence is under suspension, you can’t drive a snowmobile either.
-Licence, proof of registration and proof of insurance must be produced to a police officer on demand, when operating a snowmobile.
-A snowmobile driver must stop for police when signalled.
-Speed limits must be obeyed. A snowmobile driver can be charged for speeding.
-A snowmobile must not be driven along the serviced portion of the roadway, except to cross at a right angle. This includes the shoulder of the road.
-Impaired driving laws apply to snowmobiles anywhere in Canada whether on private property or not.
-Don’t mix alcohol and snowmobiling. The Wellington County OPP and the OFSC have a zero tolerance for impaired operation.
-Snowmobiles must not be driven on private property without the owner’s permission; violators may be subject to a charge of Trespassing.
-A proper muffler and an approved, properly fit helmet are required by law.
-Drivers of a snowmobile directly or indirectly involved in a reportable collision are required to call police as soon as possible.
-A trail permit is required to use approved snowmobile trails, when they are declared open for use.
-Dress appropriately and let someone know where you plan to ride and for how long.
Snowmobile owners are encouraged to check out specific snowmobile by-laws with the municipality that they ride in.
