Minnesota snowMobile
Transcription
Minnesota snowMobile
Minnesota snowMobile 2009 - 2010 safety laws, Rules & Regulations Minnesota Department of natural Resources 1-888-MinnDnR • www.mndnr.gov SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ThisisasummaryofMinnesota2009-2010snowmobileregulations. Forcompleteregulations,consultthestatestatutesandrulesandcheck foranylocalordinances. 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 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 Equipment Requirements 4•2009-2010WinterSeason A Message From Your DNR Conservation Officers Winter in Minnesota can bring some of the darkest of days. Lastyearover180snowmobileaccidentswerereportedincluding10 tragicfatalities.Reduceddaylighthoursandvisibilityduringthewinter months,mixedwithspeed,wasacontributingfactorinalargenumber oftheseaccidents.Evenunderidealconditions,youcannotseeas faratnightasyoucaninthedaylight.Reduceyourrisk,please,slow down,especiallyafterdark! Snowmobiling and alcohol don’t mix.Neverconsume alcoholbeforeoperatingasnowmobile.Alcoholaffectsyourjudgment andyourbody’sbasicmotorskills. Don’t Drink & Drive!Wait untilyourridingisdonebeforeyouhaveone! Remember snowmobile trails are for Two-Way traffic! Alwaysstaytothefarrightandlookoutaheadofyouforoncoming snowmobiles. Also,ifyouchoosetotowsomeoneorsomethingbehindyour snowmobilewestronglyencourageyoutousearigidhitchsystem. Towingsomeonebehindasnowmobilewitharopecanendininjuryor worsewhenthesnowmobilestopsbutthepersonbehinddoesn’t! Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Always! Heading Out West? Didyouknowthatalmosthalfofsnowmobileavalanchefatalitiesin mountainousstatesinvolvepeoplefromtheupperMidwest.Preparefor yourmountainstatetripssoyoudon’tbecomeastatistic.Beforeyou leave,checkoutinformationonavalancheeducation,equipment,survival, andU.S.AvalancheCentersat:www.avalanche.org. Thispublicationispaidforthroughthesaleofadvertising.TheStateofMinnesotaandtheDepartmentofNaturalResources canneitherendorseproductsorservicesadvertisednoracceptanyliabilityarisingfromtheuseoftheseproductsorservices. Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is availabletoallindividualsregardlessofrace,color,creed,religion,nationalorigin,sex,maritalstatus,publicassistance status,age,sexualorientation,disability,oractivityonbehalfofalocalhumanrightscommission.Discriminationinquiries shouldbesenttoMN-DNR,500LafayetteRoad,St.Paul,MN55155-4031ortheEqualOpportunityOffice,Department oftheInterior,Washington,DC20240. Copyright2009,StateofMinnesota,DepartmentofNaturalResources. RECYCLABLE:Thiscoatedpaperprotectsyourregulationsfromwaterandthewearandtearofconstantuse.Torecycle, removethestaplesandthenrecycle. Thisinformationisavailableinanalternativeformatuponrequest. SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•5 WELCOME TO SNOWMOBILING ThesenseoffreedomyougetwhileridingasnowmobileoverMinnesota’s snow-coveredlandsandfrozenlakescanbeexhilarating.Yetwiththat freedomcomesresponsibility.Minnesota’ssystemofmorethen20,000 milesofsnowmobiletrailsdependsonthecooperationoflandowners,nonmotorizedtrailusers,otherrecreationists,andlocalunitsofgovernment. Keepinmindthattrespassisthemostfrequentcomplaint landownershaveagainstsnowmobilers.Trespassseriouslyimpacts theabilityofclubstogetprivatelandownerstoallowgrant-in-aid trailsontheirproperty.Werecommendthatallrecreationalusersask firstbeforeenteringprivatelands,evenifthelandisnotposted.That simplecourtesywillgoalongwaytoimproverelationshipsbetween landownersandsnowmobilers. Pleasereadthisbooklettolearnyourlegalobligationsasasnowmobiler.Bydrivingsafe,smart,andlegalyouprotectthefutureofyoursport. Before you ride •ReadyourMinnesotasnowmobileregulations. •Readyourowner’smanual. •Checkyoursnowmobileandequipment. •Wearahelmet,eyeprotection,andproperclothing. TRUE QUALITY The RUSH That Delivers Visit these participating dealers : Sette Sports Center Waldoch Sports Owatonna Forest Lake 507-451-6922 651-464-5776 www.settesportcenter.com www.waldochsports.com St Boni Motorsports St Bonifacius 952-446-1554 www.stboni.com Paid Advertisement VISIT THESE DEALERS: Honda House St Cloud 320-252-4262 www.hondahousemn.com Ollie’s Service Alexandria 320-763-4455 www.shopolliesservice.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. •DisplaySnowmobileStateTrailStickerifoperatingonstateor grant-in-aidtrails(seepage12). •Stayofftheroadway,shoulder,andinsideslopeofstateand countyroads(seepage14). •Operateyoursnowmobileinthesamedirectionasroadway trafficwhenridingone-halfhouraftersunsettoone-halfhour beforesunrise. •Besureanyyouthoperatingyoursnowmobilehasasafety certificate. •Stayoffthemedianoffour-laneroadways. •Cometoacompletestopandlookbothwaysbeforecrossinga publicroadwaywhetherthereisastopsignornot. •Crosspublicroadwaysata90degreeangle. •Checklocalordinancesonwhenandwhereyoumayride. Registering Your Snowmobile SnowmobilesoperatedortransportedinMinnesotamustberegistered withtheDNR.Ifyoursnowmobileisnotregistered,youmaynot operate,transport,orpermitittobeoperated.Youmustbeatleast18 yearsoldtoregisterasnowmobile. AlsoseeSnowmobileStateTrailStickerrequirementsonpage12. Snowmobiles do not need to be registered with the DNR if: •beingusedtogroomastateorgrant-in-aidtrail SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•7 •ownedandusedbythefederalgovernment,anotherstate,ora politicalsubdivision •registeredinacountryotherthantheU.S.beingusedtemporarily inMinnesota •currentlyregisteredinanotherstateandnotkeptinMinnesotafor morethan30consecutivedays •usedexclusivelyinorganizedtrack-racingevents •intransitbyamanufacturer,distributor,ordealer •atleast15yearsoldintransitbyanindividualforuseonland ownedorleasedbytheindividual •usedexclusivelyforagriculturalpurposes. Fees Snowmobile registration fees: Type of License Snowmobile DuplicateRegistrationCard DuplicateDecal Transfer Dealer Manufacturer Fee $48.50everythreeyears $7.50 $1.50 $7.50 $53.50everyyear $153.50everyyear How to Register Your Snowmobile Registeryoursnowmobileinpersonatanydeputyregistrarofmotor vehiclesorattheDNRLicenseCenterinSt.Paul.Whenyouregister yoursnowmobileyouwillneedthemake,model,year,serialnumber, enginesize,andsalesreceiptthatshowstheproofofsalestax payment.Salesbetweenprivatepartiesdonotrequirepaymentof salestax. Apersonmaynotsellasnowmobilewithoutfurnishingthe buyerwithabillofsale.Transfersandregistrationrenewalsarethe responsibilityoftheowner. Snowmobilespurchasedfromaretaildealermustberegisteredby thepurchaseratthedealer.Thedealerwillissueatemporary21-day registration.ThetemporaryregistrationwillindicateifaStateTrailSticker wasalsopurchased. Purchaseathree-year,$31.00SnowmobileStateTrailStickerwhen registeringasnowmobile.Seepage12. 8•2009-2010WinterSeason Registration Numbers and Validation Decal Whenyouregisteryoursnowmobile,youwillbeassignedasnowmobile registrationnumberandreceivearegistrationcard.Whenyoureceive yourregistrationcard,signitandkeepithandy.Youdonothaveto carryitwithyou,butifanenforcementofficeraskstoseeit,youmust produceitwithinareasonableamountoftime.Thecurrentregistration numberandvalidationdecalmustbedisplayed. Display of Registration Number and Validation Decal Where: •Displayinthe3”x7”spaceprovidedbythemanufactureronthe cowlingorpan,or •Ifnospaceisprovided,placeoneachsideofthesnowmobileon theupperhalf,forwardofthehandlebarsinavisiblelocation. How: TheDNRissuedvalidationdecalmustbeplacedtoimmediately followyourregistrationnumbers. Numbersandlettersmustbe: •1-7/8”high •3/16”strokewidth •contrastingcolorofthesnowmobile •intheEnglishlanguage •placedtoreadlefttoright. Expiration, Renewal, and Duplicate Theexpirationdateappearsonboththeregistrationcardandthe registrationvalidationdecal.Allsnowmobileregistrationsexpireon June30ofthelastyeartheregistrationisvalid. You shouldreceiveanoticebymailtorenewyourregistration. PleasenotifytheDNRofanyaddresschange.Whetheryouarenotified ornot,youareresponsibleforrenewingyoursnowmobileregistration. SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•9 Therenewalfeeisthesameasthefirst-timeregistrationfee. Whenyoupayit,youwillreceivenewvalidationdecalsanda registrationcard.Youmayrenewyourregistrationatwww.mndnr. gov/snowmobiling. Toobtainaduplicateregistrationcardordecal,contacttheDNR LicenseCenteroryourlocaldeputyregistrar.Forfeesseepage7. Transfer of Ownership IfyoubuyasnowmobilethatiscurrentlyregisteredinMinnesota,you mayuseatransferredregistrationforthetimeremainingontheprevious owner’sregistration. Simplyobtainthecurrentregistrationcardandbillofsalefromthe previousownerandsendit,alongwithatransferapplicationandthe transferfeeof$7.50,totheDNRLicenseCenteroradeputyregistrar. Transferapplicationsmustbemadewithin15daysafterthetransfer orsaleactuallyoccurs.Atransferredregistrationisonlyvaliduntilthe previousowner’sregistrationexpires. Collector Snowmobile Permit Aspecialpermitmaybeissuedtoapersonororganizationtooperate ortransportacollectorsnowmobilewithoutregistrationforparadesor organizedgroupoutings,suchasraces,rallies,andotherpromotional events,andforuptotendayseachyearforpersonaltransportation. “Collectorsnowmobile”meansasnowmobilethatis25yearsoldor older,wasoriginallyproducedasaseparateidentifiablemakebya manufacturer,andisownedandoperatedsolelyasacollectorsitem. Destroyed, Abandoned, or Stolen Snowmobile Ifyoursnowmobileisdestroyed,abandoned,orstolenoryounolonger registeritinMinnesota,notifytheDNRLicenseCenterat500Lafayette Rd,St.Paul,MN55155-4026,(651)296-2316or1-800-285-2000 within15days. Dealer and Manufacturer Registration Dealersmustregistersnowmobilestheyownandusefordemonstration purposes.Aregistrationplatewillbeissuedalongwitharegistration certificatethatmustbedisplayedconspicuouslyintheplaceofbusiness. Additionalplatesareavailablefor$4.00,plusfilingfees. Manufacturersmustregistersnowmobilestheyownandoperatefor research,testing,experimentation,ordemonstration.Aregistrationplate 10•2009-2010WinterSeason willbeissuedalongwitharegistrationcertificatethatmustbedisplayed conspicuouslyintheplaceofmanufacture. Avalidregistrationnumberplatemustbedisplayedonsnowmobiles operated,orpermittedtobeoperated,byadealerormanufacturer.The registrationsarenottransferable. Dealer and manufacturer registrations are valid from July 1 - June 30. Snowmobile State Trail Sticker Snowmobilesoperatingonstateandgrant-in-aidtrailsmusthavea SnowmobileStateTrailSticker.ASnowmobileStateTrailStickercosts $16.00andisvalidfromNovember 1 – June 30.Or,whenregistering asnowmobile,youmaypurchaseathree-yearstickerfor$31.00. Anyoneoperatingasnowmobileinviolationofthislawwillbe requiredtopurchaseanannualpenaltystickerfor$31.00,inaddition toanyticketorfine. SLOW DOWN! Trails are NOT race tracks and ditches have many hazards! PROTECT OUR TRAILS JOIN! Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association 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 www.mnsnowmobiler.org 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 YEAR FOR A FAMILY MEMBERSHIP! *MNUSA membership is not tax deductible. DOING MY SHARE; DISPLAY THE MnUSA DECAL ON YOUR SLED JOIN MnUSA TODAY: 763.577.0185 • www.mnsnowmobiler.org Paid Advertisement HAYDAYS IS MOVING IN 2010! Same great event relocates to near North Branch, Minnesota 35 The Official Start of Winter 9 HARRIS 10 9 NORTH BRANCH HAYDAYS 95 ALMELUND 15 14 15 9 14 35 70 95 14 18 To TAYLORS FALLS 30 STACY 44th Annual HAYDAYS Saturday & Sunday Sept 11th & 12th 2010 “Worlds Largest Snowmobile Event” 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 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.com Paid Advertisement 12•2009-2010WinterSeason State Trail Stickers Sticker Options: 3-Year Sticker (Availabileattimeof registrationonly) 1-Year Sticker Penalty Annual Sticker (Requiredtopurchaseif foundoperatingonastate orgrant-in-aidtrailwithout asticker) Cost: $16.00 $31.00 $31.00 Sticker Available At: •DNRLicenseCenter •DeputyRegistrars •Internet (RenewalOnly) •DNRLicenseCenter •DeputyRegistrars •GameandFish LicenseAgents •Phone* •DNRLicenseCenter •DeputyRegistrars •GameandFish LicenseAgents •Phone* •Internet Duplicates $2.50 Available At: •DNRLicenseCenter •DeputyRegistrars •Internet •DNRLicenseCenter •DeputyRegistrars •GameandFish LicenseAgents •DNRLicenseCenter •DeputyRegistrars •GameandFish LicenseAgents *Additional$3.50servicefeeforphonepurchases. A Snowmobile State Trail Sticker is not required for: •asnowmobilewhilebeingusedtogroomastateorgrant-in-aidtrail •federal,state,andpoliticalsubdivisions •operatingacollectorsnowmobilewithapermit •operatingasnowmobileonportionsofatrailownedbythe personortheperson’sspouse,child,orparent. The Snowmobile State Trail Sticker must be displayed in one of the following ways: •ontheforwardhalfofthesnowmobile,directlyaboveorbelow theheadlight •abovetheexpirationyearonthetopportionoftheregistration validationdecal •onthelowerrightcornerofadealerormanufacturerplate. Revenuegeneratedfromthetrailstickerwillbeusedforsnowmobile grants-in-aid,trailmaintenance,grooming,andeasementacquisition. 14•2009-2010WinterSeason Rules of the Road and Trail Passing Whenovertakinganother snowmobilegoinginthesame direction,alwayspassontheleft. Meeting Whenyoumeetanother snowmobile,alwaysslowdown andstaytotheright. Meeting at an intersection Whenmeetingatanintersection, theoperatortotherighthasthe rightofway. 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 Signs Snowmobileoperatorsshouldbefamiliarwiththemeaningofthe followingtrailsigns. Informational sign: indicatesintersectionsormajorchangesintraildirection. Directional blazer: indicateschangesintraildirection. Reassuring blazer: placedatintervalsalongthetrailtoreassureusersthatthey arestillonthetrail. Stop sign: placedataroadorhighwaycrossingindicatesa snowmobilemustcometoacompletestop. No-snowmobiling sign: indicatesatrailorareawheresnowmobilingisprohibited. No-studded tracks sign: indicatesnometaltractiondevicesallowedontrail. Two way trail sign: indicatestrailswithpermittedtwo-waytravel duringnighttimehourswithinthepublicroad right-of-way. Paid Advertisement 18•2009-2010WinterSeason Equipment Requirements Allsnowmobilesoperatedonpubliclands,waters,orroadwaysmustbe equippedasfollows: Helmet •Operatorsorridersunder18yearsofagemustwearanapproved helmet,exceptwhenparticipatinginaparadeoroperatingonland belongingtoaparent,grandparent,sibling,uncle,oraunt. Anapprovedhelmetmustmeetfederallaw,whichrequires thehelmettodisplaythesymbolDOT.DOTisthemanufacturer’s certificationthatthehelmetconformstomotorvehiclesafety standards.Standardbicycleandhockeyhelmetsarenotlegal helmetsforsnowmobiling. Lights •Headlightsandtaillightsmustbeonduringhoursofdarkness. •Headlightsmust beabletorevealpeopleandvehicles100feet aheadandaimedsotheywillnotblindanoncomingsnowmobiler. •ColoredlensesonheadlightsareNOTlawfulwhenthesnowmobile isoperatedonroadsorroadrights-of-way,includingcrossingroads andoperatinginditchesoroutsideslopes. •Redtaillightsmustbevisiblefor500feettotherearofthesnowmobile. Brakes •Brakesmustbeabletocontrolmovementandtostopandholdthe snowmobiletrack. Reflective Material •Snowmobilesmusthaveatleast16squareinchesofreflectormaterial oneachsideforwardofthehandlebars. •Anysled,trailer,orotherdevicethatistowedbyasnowmobileduring hoursofdarknessmustdisplayvisiblereflectormaterialoneachside andattherear. Mufflers •Snowmobilesmustbeequippedwithmufflersthatareingoodworking orderandthatdonotproducesharppoppingorcrackingsoundsor excessiveorunusualnoise.Someafter-marketexhaustsystemsmaynot meetthisrequirementandmaynotbelawfultooperate. •YoumaynotoperateorsellasnowmobilebuiltonorafterApril1, 1975thatexceeds78decibelsontheAscaleat50feet,except underapermitoftheDNRorcountysheriff. Thelegaldefinitionofasnowmobileisaself-propelledvehicledesigned fortravelonsnoworicesteeredbyskisorrunners. SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•19 Safety Training Requirements ResidentsbornafterDecember31,1976musthaveasnowmobilesafety certificateintheirpossession,orsnowmobilesafetycertificateindicatoron theirdriver’slicenseorontheirMinnesotaIDcard,tooperateasnowmobile inMinnesota.Tobecomecertifiedinsnowmobilesafety,studentsmustpassa Minnesotasnowmobilesafetytrainingcourse. Youth Snowmobile Safety Training TheYouthSnowmobileSafetyCourseisavailabletoyouthages11 yearsandolder.(Safetytrainingcertificatesarenotvaliduntilage 12.)Thiscourseisatleast8hoursinlengthandistaught byDNRcertifiedvolunteerinstructors.Thecourseteachesthebasics ofsafeandresponsiblesnowmobiling.Itcoversoperating procedures,machinemaintenance,rulesandregulations,accident prevention,outdoorsurvival,environmentalawareness,anda codeofethics.Thecourseincludesbothawrittentestandariding performancetestthatmustbepassed.Afeeof$5.00-$10.00will bechargedtocoverthecostofmaterialsandcertification. Adult Snowmobile Safety Training TheAdultSnowmobileSafetyTrainingCDisanindependentstudy courseonCD.Thecourseisavailabletopersons16yearsofage andolder.Itlooksatthecauseofaccidents,speedandreaction time,stoppingdistances,groupridingandrulesandregulations.The courseisdesignedformultipleusersandincludesawrittentestand send-incertificationform.Afeeof$10.00willbechargedtocover costsofmaterialandcertification. Youthclassesaretaughtbycertifiedvolunteerinstructors,usually betweenNovemberandMarch.Coursesareannouncedincommunities throughschoolsandthemedia.Tolearnthetimesanddatesofclasses inyourcommunity,ortoreceivetheAdultSnowmobileSafetyTraining CD,checktheDNRwebsitewww.mndnr.gov/snowmobiling;orcallthe DNRInformationCenter1-888-646-6367,metroarea(651)296-6157, ortheSnowmobileSafetyTrainingProgramHeadquartersat 1-800-366-8917. 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). 20•2009-2010WinterSeason Youth Operation Requirements •Theownerorpersoninlawfulcontrolofasnowmobileisjointly responsibleforlawsbrokenbyaminoronthatsnowmobile. •Anyoneunder18yearsoldmustwearanapprovedhelmet. •Toregisterasnowmobileyoumustbeatleast18yearsold. Snowmobile Safety Certificate Minnesota Residents AnyresidentofMinnesotabornafterDecember31,1976musthave asnowmobilesafetycertificatetooperateasnowmobileinMinnesota. (Seeexceptionbelow.) With the snowmobile safety certificate: •Anyone12and13yearsoldcanoperateasnowmobileonpublic lands,publicwaters,statetrails,andgrant-in-aidtrails.Theymay operateonprivatelandwithpermission.TheymayNOTcrossstate orcountyroads. •Anyone14yearsoldandoldercanoperateasnowmobilein Minnesota,includingcrossingstateandcountyroads.Remember youmusthavepermissiontooperateoncertainprivatelands. Non-Residents of Minnesota •Anyone12and13yearsoldmusthaveasnowmobilesafety certificatetooperateonpubliclands,publicwaters,state trails,andgrant-in-aidtrails.Theymayoperateonprivateland withpermission(seetrespasslaws).TheymayNOTcrossstateor countyroads. •Anyone14through17yearsoldmusthaveasnowmobilesafety certificatetocrossstateandcountyroads. •Anyone18yearsoldandolderdoesnotneedasnowmobile safetycertificate. •Nonresidentscertifiedinsnowmobilesafetytraininginanother statewillberecognizedinMinnesota. Exception for Residents and Non-Residents Withoutasnowmobilesafetycertificate,apersonundertheageof 14yearsmayoperateasnowmobileonlyiftheyaresupervisedor accompaniedbyoneofthefollowing:parent,legalguardian,orother person18yearsofageorolderdesignatedbytheparentorguardian. Thesupervisingoraccompanyingadultneedstobecloseenoughtobe abletodirecttheyouth’soperationoftheirsnowmobile.Thisexception doesnotallowanoperatorundertheageof14tocrossapublicroad. SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•21 General Operation Where You May Ride: •inthebottomoroutsideslopeofaditchofacountyorstate road(seepage14) •inthesamedirectionasroadtrafficintheditchfromone-halfhour aftersunsettoone-halfhourbeforesunrise(otherthanthistime, youcanrideineitherdirection) •one-halfhouraftersunsettoone-halfhourbeforesunriseontwo- waysnowmobiletrailsthatarelocatedwithintheditchesor adjacenttostreetsorhighwayswhenspecificallypermittedbythe roadauthority(lookforpostedtwo-waysigns,seepage15) •onabridge,otherthanabridgethatispartofthemain-traveled lanesofaninterstatehighway,inordertoavoidobstructionsto travelwhenabsolutelynecessary(thesnowmobilemustbeoperated intheextremeright-handlane,theentrancetotheroadwaymustbe madewithin100feetofthebridge,andcrossingmustbemadeas quicklyaspossible) •onstateandlocaltrails(seepage12forSnowmobileStateTrail Stickerrequirements) •oniced-overwatersthathavelegalaccess(ifnotrestrictedbylaw orlocalordinances) •ontownshiproadswhennotrestrictedbylocalordinance •onpubliclandsthatareopentomotorizedvehicles.Landuses vary.Besuretocheckallfederal,state,andlocalordinances. Inside the seven-county metro area, you may ride: •onyourownland •onlandthatispostedwithsignsstating“snowmobilesallowed” •onlandotherthanyourown,withwrittenorspokenpermission ofthelandowner,occupant,orlessee •onthegroomedareaofasnowmobiletrail. Outside the seven-county metro area, you may ride: •onyourownland •onagriculturallandthatyouhavebeen givenpermissionfromthelandowner •onland,otherthanagriculturalland,that youhavenotbeentoldverbally,by writtenwarning,orbypostedsigns,thatridingisprohibited •onthegroomedareaofasnowmobiletrail. 22•2009-2010WinterSeason When making a direct crossing of a street or road, you must: •bringthesnowmobiletoacompletestopbeforecrossing,whether thereisastopsignornot •yieldtoallon-comingtraffic •havebothfrontandrearlightsonwhencrossingbetweenone-half houraftersunsettoone-halfhourbeforesunrise,orduringperiods ofreducedvisibility(seepage30forsunrise/sunsettable) •crossata90-degreeanglewithrespecttotheroad •crossadividedroadatanintersection. StateForestlandsclassifiedas“closed”areopentooff-trailsnowmobile useunlessspecificallypostedclosedtosnowmobiling. Where You May NOT Ride: •ontheroadway,shoulder,orinnerslopeoftheditchofastateor countyroad •onthemedianofafour-laneroadway •withintheright-of-wayofanyinterstate •ontheright-of-waybetweenopposinglanesoftraffic •againsttrafficatnightwithintheroadright-of-way •atairports •inanystatepark,staterecreationarea,statehistoricsite,wildlife managementarea,orstatescientificandnaturalareawiththe exceptionofpostedsnowmobiletrailsandareas •inanywildlifemanagementareasouthofU.S.Highway2from GrandForkseasttoBemidji,thensouthalongU.S.Highway 71toWadena,theneastalongU.S.Highway10toStaplesand U.S.Highway210totheeasternboundaryofthestate,without writtenpermissionfromtheDNR •onanyiced-overwaterslocatedinarestrictedareaoriced-over waterswhereyoudon’thavelegalaccess •inanyareasrestrictedbylocalordinancesormunicipalities •inatreenurseryorplantingarea •onstateforestlandsthatarepostedordesignatedclosed tosnowmobiling •onstateforestlandslocatedintheBoundaryWatersCanoe AreaWilderness,includingallofLakeIsabellaandInsula;and portionsofLakeJeanetteandBurntsideStateForests. •inNationalWildlifeRefuges,WaterfowlProductionAreas,orthe BoundaryWatersCanoeAreaWilderness.Formoreinformation contactyourlocalU.S.FishandWildlifeService. Municipalities,counties,schooldistricts,andotherpoliticalsubdivisionsor stateagenciesmayimposefurtherrestrictionsonsnowmobilingonproperty notownedbytheoperator.Checklocalordinanceswhereyouwanttoride. SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•23 Inside the seven-county metro area, you may NOT ride: •onlandthatyoudonotown,unless givenwrittenororalpermissionto rideonthatlandbytheowner, occupant,orlessee,orunless signsarepostedstating snowmobilingisallowed. Outside the seven-county metro area, you may NOT ride: •onlandthatyouhavebeentoldnottoorally,inwriting,orby postedsigns •onagriculturallandwithoutthepermissionoftheowner. Other Prohibitions It is unlawful to: •operateyoursnowmobileinacareless,reckless,orheedless mannerthatendangerstheoperator,orpropertyofanother,or causesinjuryordamage(Intentionallydrivingoveropenwater, orwaterskipping,maybeconsideredcarelessorrecklessunless doneasaneventunderspecialpermit.) •litter •enterorleavelandsbycuttingwireortearingdownafence •mutilate,destroy,damage,orremoveanyshelter,comfortstation, orfacilityonanystateorgrant-in-aidtrail •post,damage,orremoveanysignsonanylandsorwatersunless youarethelandowner,occupant,orlesseeoftheproperty •operateonstateforestlandsinamannerthatcauseserosionorrutting, damagesordestroystreesorgrowingcrops •operateonastateforesttrailthatispostedfornon-motorizeduse Special Provision - Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest: Motorvehiclesandsnowmobilesmayoperateonlyonforest roadsthatarenotpostedclosedandonforesttrailsthatare designatedformotorizeduse.Nomotorizedtravelisallowed offdesignatedtrailsunderanycircumstances. •operateasnowmobilewithmetaltractiondevicesonpavedpublic trailsexceptasspecificallyallowedbystateorlocalgovernment. Metal traction devicemeansanymetaldevice,orarrayof metaldevices,attachedtoasnowmobiletracktoenhance traction.Thisincludesmetalcomponentsthatextendmorethan 24•2009-2010WinterSeason 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. Sunken Snowmobiles Minnesotalawrequiressnowmobilesandmotorvehicles(includingcars, trucks,watercraftandATVs)thatsinkinalakeorriver,beremovedbythe ownerwithin30days.Ownersmustalsonotifythecountysheriffwithin 48hours.Ifthesnowmobileorvehicleisnotremoved,thelocalunitof governmentcanremoveitandchargetheownertwotofivetimesthecost ofremoval. Snowmobiling While Intoxicated (SWI) Operatingasnowmobilewhileundertheinfluenceofalcohol,a controlledsubstanceoritsmetabolite,orotherhazardoussubstance isunlawful.Operatorswhoareimpairedmayberequiredtosubmit totestsbyanenforcementofficertodeterminethepresenceofthese substances.Thereisaseparateadditionalcriminalpenaltyforrefusal tosubmittothetests,andtheperson’ssnowmobilingprivilegeswillbe suspendedforoneyearuponrefusal.SWIconvictionsandrefusalsare recordedontheviolator’sdriver’slicenserecordandmayaffecttheir driver’slicenseprivileges. Anoperatorwhoisfoundtobeimpairedorhasanalcohol concentrationof.08ormore,canbechargedwithamisdemeanor, grossmisdemeanor,orfelonylevelDrivingWhileIntoxicated(DWI). Personsconvictedofamisdemeanorwillbesubjectto:upto$1000 fine(plussurcharges);possiblejailsentence;andlossofsnowmobile operatingprivilegesforoneyear. Inadditiontotheabovemisdemeanorpenalties,thefollowinggross misdemeanorpenaltyprovisionsmayapplyifthepersonhasanyprior DWIviolations,hasanalcoholconcentrationof.20ormore,orhasa childunder16yearsofagewiththemonthesnowmobile: •upto$3,000fine •longer,mandatoryjailtime •chemicaluseassessmentandlong-termmonitoringprograms •lossofmotorvehicledriver’slicenseprivileges •motorvehicleplateimpoundmentofallmotorvehiclesownedor leasedindividuallyorjointlybytheperson •forfeitureofthesnowmobile,substantiallyhigherfines,and mandatoryjailtime. SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•25 IfapersonhasthreeormoreDWIconvictionsorrevocationsinthe last10years,orhasapriorfelonyconviction,theycanbesentencedto 3-7yearsinjail,upto$14,000fine,orboth.Longerlicenserevocations wouldalsobeimposed. Open Bottle Law Itisunlawfulforapersontodrinkorconsumealcoholicbeverages whenasnowmobileisoperatedonaroadwayorshoulderofa roadwaythatisnotapartofadesignatedsnowmobiletrail. Speed Limits It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile in excess of: •50MPHonanypubliclandsorwaters •thepostedspeedlimitsonatrail •aspeedgreaterthanvarioustrail,terrainandvisibility conditionsdictate •thepostedroadspeedlimitor50MPH,whicheverisLOWER, whileoperatingintheditch •anygovernmentalunitsnowmobilespeedlimit.Governmental unitsincludeanycity,county,municipality,township,or conservationdistrict. Acountymayenactadaytime65mphspeedlimitformarkedtrails onfrozenlakesthatareover10,000acres.Thecountywouldneedto passanordinanceandreceiveapprovalbytheDNRCommissioner. Individualcountieswillhavemoreinformationonthelocationandstatus ofanydesignated65mphtrails. Accidents Minnesotahasworkedhardtoreducesnowmobilingaccidents, injuries,andfatalitiesthrougheducationandsafetytrainingprograms. Thelargestcontributingfactortocrashesisexcessivespeed,followedby alcoholusage. Ifyouareinvolvedinasnowmobileaccidentthatresultsininjury requiringmedicalattention,death,ordamageofmorethan$500, youmustfileanofficialaccidentreportwiththeDepartmentofNatural Resourceswithin48hoursoftheaccident.Accidentreportformsare availableatwww.mndnr.gov/enforcementorcall1-800-366-8917. 26•2009-2010WinterSeason Enforcement Conservationofficers,statetroopers,deputysheriffs,police officersandotherpeaceofficersareresponsiblefortheenforcementof Minnesota’ssnowmobilelaws.Wheneveranenforcementofficersignals you,youmuststop.Fleeinganenforcementofficerisafelonyandthe snowmobileusedmaybeforfeited. Partofaconservationofficer’sdutyistoensureyoursafetywhile snowmobiling.Ifyouneedanenforcementofficer,contactyournearest StatePatroldispatchcenter.Yourlocalconservationofficercanalsobe foundatwww.mndnr.gov/enforcement. Penalties Violationofmostsnowmobilestatutesandrulesaremisdemeanors andcarryafineofupto$1,000andimprisonmentforupto90days. Youthviolationsmayresultinsnowmobilesafetycertificatesuspension. Also,snowmobilesusedinburglaries,fleeingapeaceofficer,ora secondDWI,maybesubjecttoseizureandconfiscationorforfeiture. Theownerorpersoninlawfulcontrolofasnowmobileissubjectto penaltiesifheorsheknowinglyallowsthesnowmobiletobeoperated bysomeonephysicallyormentallyunabletodrivethevehiclesafely,or isundertheinfluenceofdrugsoralcohol. Apersonoperatingasnowmobilewithmetaltractiondevicesonany pavedtrailisguiltyofapettymisdemeanorpunishablebyacivilpenaltyor criminalfineof$50forthefirstoffense,$200forthesecondoffense,and $500forthethirdorsubsequentoffense.Criminalfineswillbesubjectto courtsurchargesandfeesinadditiontothispenaltyamount. AnyoneoperatingasnowmobileinviolationoftheSnowmobile StateTrailStickerlawwillberequiredtopurchaseanannualpenalty stickerfor$31.00,inadditiontoanyticketorfine. Training for Offenders Apersonwhoisconvictedoftwoormorespeedingviolations inasnowmobileseason,orforcarelessorrecklessoperation,must successfullycompleteasnowmobilesafetytrainingcoursebefore operatingasnowmobile. STAY RIGHT! Trails are two-way, always watch out for others! SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•27 Minnesota Trespass Laws Trespassisthemostfrequentcomplaintlandowners haveagainstsnowmobilers.Alwaysaskfor permissionbeforeenteringprivateland. Respect private lands. ASK FIRST! •Alwaysaskfirstbeforeenteringprivatelandsevenifit’snot posted.Youwillimproverelationshipsbetweenlandowners andsnowmobilers. •Justbecausepropertyisn’tpostedthatdoesn’tmeanyouhavea righttoentersomeoneelse’sprivateproperty.Thepostedsigns indicatethelandowner’sintentiontopreventunauthorizedentry. IfyouviolateMinnesota’strespasslawsyouwillbeguiltyofa misdemeanororgrossmisdemeanor,ormaybechargedwithacivil penalty.Amisdemeanorispunishablebyfinesofupto$1,000anda jailsentenceofupto90days.Civilpenaltiesrangefrom$50forafirst timeviolationto$500andlossofregistrationforathirdviolation. You areguiltyofagrossmisdemeanorwhenyou: •knowinglydisregardsignsprohibitingtrespass •trespassafterthelandownertellsyounotto •violatethetrespasslawtwiceinthreeyears. Ifyouareconvictedofagrossmisdemeanor,youwillbesubject tofinesupto$3,000anduptooneyearinjail,yourmachine’s registrationwillbenullandvoid,andyouwillloseallhunting privilegesfortwoyears. Youmusthavepermissionto: •enterpostedland •enterlandinsidetheseven-countymetroareathatyoudonot own,unlessgivenwrittenororalpermissiontorideonthatland bytheowner,occupant,orlessee,orunlesssignsareposted statingsnowmobilingisallowed •enteragriculturalland.Agriculturallandislandthatis plowedortilled;hasstandingcropsorcropresidue;iswithin amaintainedfenceforenclosingdomesticlivestock;isplanted nativeorintroducedhaylandorgrassland;orisplantedtoshort rotationwoodycrops(hybridpoplarandotherwoodyplantsthat areharvestedfortheirfiberwithin15yearsofplanting). 28•2009-2010WinterSeason Allplantedgrassland,hayland,andshortrotationwoodycrop landmeetthedefinitionofagriculturalland,includinggrasslands enrolledinthefederalConservationReserveProgram(CRP), ConservationReserveEnhancementProgram(CREP),orthestate RIMReserveProgram.Theselandsdonotneedtobepostedto preventunauthorizedtrespass. It is unlawful to: •woundorkillanotherperson’sdomesticanimalordestroyprivate property •passthroughaclosedgatewithoutreturningittotheoriginal position •strayoffthegroomedportionsofmarkedstatetrails. Game Laws Related to Snowmobiling General Restrictions •ApersonMAYtransportanunloadedanduncasedshotgun orrifleinamotorvehiclewhile:1)atashootingrangewith permission;2)lawfullyhuntingonpublicorprivateland;or 3)travelingtoorfromasitethepersonintendstohuntthatdayor hashuntedthatday. •However,apersonMAYNOTtransportanuncasedshotgunor riflewithin:1)Anoka,Hennepin,orRamseycounties;2)anarea wherethedischargeofafirearmisprohibitedbyordinance;3)a citywithapopulationof2,500ormore;4)schoolgrounds;or 5)gamerefuges;or6)asregulatedundershiningandnight visionlaws. •Ahandgun/pistolcannotbetransporteduncasedwithouta validpermittocarry.SeeMNHuntingandTrappingRegulations Handbookformoredetailedinformation. 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. SafetyLaws,Rules&Regulations•29 Special Permits for Disabled Hunters Apermitmaybeissuedtoshootfromastandingsnowmobiletoa licensedhunterwhohasapermanentphysicaldisabilityandisunable tostepfromavehiclewithouttheaidofwheelchair,crutches,braces, orothermechanicalsupportorprostheticdevice;orisrequiredtouse supplementaloxygentoassistbreathingbecausetheyareunableto walkanydistancebecauseofapermanentlung,heart,orotherinternal disease.FormoredetailscontacttheDepartmentofNaturalResources InformationCenterintheTwinCities(651)296-6157,ortollfree1-888MINNDNR(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: DNRInformationCenter Hearingimpaired 500LafayetteRoad TwinCities:(651)296-5484 St.Paul,MN55155-4040 Toll-free:1-800-657-3929 TwinCities:(651)296-6157 Toll-free1-888-MINNDNR DNRWebSite (646-6367) www.mndnr.gov For information about snowmobile registration contact: DNRLicenseCenter 500LafayetteRoad St.Paul,MN55155-4026 (651)296-2316•Toll-free:1-800-285-2000 To report a violation contact: Yourlocalpolicedepartment,sheriff’soffice,thestatepatrol,ora DNRconservationofficer.Conservationofficersaredispatchedthrough thestatepatrol.Toreachaconservationofficercallyourneareststate patrolheadquarters. For information on scheduled snowmobile safety classes in different areas throughout the state: •www.mndnr.gov/snowmobiling •DNRInformationCenter:TwinCities(651)296-6157 Toll-free1-888-MINNDNR(646-6367) •SnowmobileSafetyTrainingProgramHeadquarters CampRipley,LittleFalls,MN:1-800-366-8917. 30•2009-2010WinterSeason Grant-In-Aid Program TheGrant-in-AidProgramisacooperativeeffortbetweentheMinnesota DNR,localgovernments,localsnowmobileorganizations,andprivate landownerswhoprovidethemajorityofMinnesota’s20,000miles ofsnowmobiletrails.Fundedthroughsnowmobileregistrationand SnowmobileStateTrailStickerfeesandgastaxes,thegrant-in-aid programhelpslocalgroupsandclubsdevelopandmaintaintrailsand recreationareas. •Grant-in-aidtrailsareopeneachyearfromDecember1through April1. •Manygrant-in-aidtrailsthroughoutthestaterunthroughprivate property.Stayongoodtermswiththeselandownersbystayingon markedtrails.Don’tjeopardizeyourabilitytouseprivatelands. •RememberyouneedaSnowmobileStateTrailStickerwhen operatingongrant-in-aidtrails. . Sunrise/Sunset Table •TimesshownareCentralDaylight SavingTimethroughNovember1, 2009.CentralStandardTimeapplies foralldatesthroughMarch14,2010. •Thetimesinthetableareforthe longitudinallinerunningnorthand souththroughSt.Paul.Tousethe tabletofindthesunriseorsunset hoursoftheareayouwishtosnow mobile,locatetheareaonthemap belowandaddorsubtractthe minutesshownabovethemaptothe timeinthetable. 2010 2009 OCT. RiseSet AMPM 7:116:54 7:126:52 7:136:51 7:146:49 7:166:47 7:176:45 7:186:43 7:196:41 7:216:40 7:226:38 7:236:36 7:256:34 7:266:32 7:276:31 7:286:29 7:306:27 7:316:25 7:326:24 7:346:22 7:356:20 7:366:19 7:386:17 7:396:16 7:406:14 7:426:12 7:436:11 7:446:09 7:466:08 7:466:07 7:486:05 7:506:03 NOV. RiseSet AMPM 6:515:02 6:535:00 6:544:59 6:554:58 6:574:56 6:584:55 6:594:54 7:014:53 7:024:51 7:044:50 7:054:49 7:064:48 7:084:47 7:094:46 7:104:45 7:124:44 7:134:43 7:144:42 7:164:41 7:174:40 7:184:39 7:204:39 7:214:38 7:224:37 7:244:36 7:254:36 7:264:35 7:274:35 7:284:34 7:304:34 DEC. RiseSet AMPM 7:314:33 7:324:33 7:334:33 7:344:32 7:354:32 7:364:32 7:374:32 7:384:32 7:394:32 7:404:32 7:414:32 7:424:32 7:434:32 7:444:32 7:444:32 7:454:32 7:464:33 7:464:33 7:474:33 7:484:34 7:484:34 7:494:35 7:494:35 7:504:36 7:504:37 7:504:37 7:514:38 7:514:39 7:514:39 7:514:40 7:514:41 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 JAN. RiseSet AMPM 7:524:42 7:524:43 7:524:44 7:524:45 7:514:46 7:514:47 7:514:48 7:514:49 7:514:50 7:504:52 7:504:53 7:504:54 7:494:55 7:494:56 7:484:58 7:484:59 7:475:00 7:465:01 7:465:03 7:455:04 7:445:05 7:435:07 7:425:08 7:425:10 7:415:11 7:405:12 7:395:14 7:385:15 7:375:17 7:365:18 7:355:19 FEB. RiseSet AMPM 7:335:21 7:325:22 7:315:24 7:305:25 7:295:27 7:275:28 7:265:29 7:255:31 7:235:32 7:225:34 7:205:35 7:195:37 7:185:38 7:165:39 7:155:41 7:135:42 7:125:44 7:105:45 7:085:46 7:075:48 7:055:49 7:045:51 7:025:52 7:005:53 6:595:55 6:575:56 6:555:58 6:535:59 MAR. APR. RiseSet RiseSet AMPM AMPM 6:557:41 6:526:00 6:537:42 6:506:02 6:517:43 6:486:03 6:497:44 6:466:04 6:477:46 6:456:06 6:457:47 6:436:07 6:316:08 6:437:48 7:397:10 6:427:49 7:377:11 6:407:51 6:387:52 7:367:12 6:367:53 7:347:14 6:347:54 7:327:15 6:337:56 7:307:16 6:317:57 7:287:18 6:297:58 7:267:19 6:277:59 7:257:20 6:268:01 7:237:21 6:248:02 7:217:23 6:228:03 7:197:24 6:218:05 7:177:25 6:198:06 7:157:27 6:178:07 7:137:28 6:168:08 7:117:29 6:148:10 7:107:30 6:128:11 7:087:32 6:118:12 7:067:33 7:047:34 6:098:13 7:027:35 6:088:15 7:007:37 6:068:16 6:587:38 6:058:17 6:567:39