Slow Down, Be Sensible
Going easy on the gas pedal saves you money in two ways. First, at the pump: slower driver means better mileage, so you'll need to buy less gas. Second, in your premiums: fewer speeding tickets means lower premiums on your next car insurance policy.
Motorized Snow Vehicle
REGISTRATION
- All motorized snow vehicles must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation-even if operated only on your premises. A one-time permit fee is payable at a Driver and Vehicle License Issuing Office. A decal bearing the registration number is provided, together with mounting instructions.
FARM USE
- There are no special exemptions for snowmobiles used in a farming operation. The same rules apply to all snowmobiles regardless of the purpose of its operation.
GENERAL OPERATION
- You may operate your MSV on your own premises, on private trails of organizations to which you are a member, or on other lands provided you have the owners written permission. You may drive in public parks and conservations areas except where prohibited. Local municipalities have the right to regulate or prohibit the operation of snowmobiles within their jurisdictions both on or off the roadway.
OPERATION ON PUBLIC ROADS
- You may not drive an MSV anywhere on any 400 series highway or other major expressway in Ontario. On any other roadway you may not drive on the serviced (paved) portion or even on the plowed portion of the adjacent shoulder-except to cross, and crossing can only be done at a 90 degree (right angle) to the road. - Except where prohibited, you may drive your MSV along the road allowance between the plowed portion of the shoulder and the adjacent property line or fence, provided you drive as far away from the serviced road as possible. - You may not drive faster than 20 km/h where the speed limit for cars is 50 km/h or less. You may not drive faster than 50 km/h where the speed limit for cars is more than 50 km/h.
JOINT RESPONSIBILITY
- Both the owner of the snowmobile (MSV) and the operator are responsible for any violations of the Act and both are liable for any injury or property damage caused by the vehicle.
DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
- To drive along or across a highway or public roadway a person must be at least 16 years of age and must hold either a valid drivers license or an Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicle Operators License. - Under no circumstance may anyone under the age of 16 operate an MSV along or across any public roadway. Persons between 12 and 15 years of age who hold an Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicle Operators License may operate a snow vehicle on trails which are established and maintained by a formal snow vehicle recreational organization. - Helmets meeting the standard of the Act must be worn when operating or riding a snowmobile and any attached cutters, anywhere other than on premises owned by the vehicle owner.
NOTE:
This material is provided for information and illustration purposes only. For more information, obtain your own copy of the official Off Road Vehicles Handbook available at a Driver Examination Office or Vehicle License Issuing Office near you.
