General Information
Snowmobiling Legalities
As an off-road experience, snowmobiling is an inherently risky activity. The OFSC assumes every rider using an OFSC Prescribed Trail understands and accepts that:
- All snowmobiles will be operated under a lawful
trail use permit
- All operators and passengers willingly use the trails at their own risk
- Operators and passengers know and will obey the law, including, The Occupiers' Liability Act, The Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and the Trespass to Property Act
- It is recognized and accepted that snowmobiling is essentially an off-road activity taking place in the natural environment
- The OFSC is a volunteer-based organization with finite resources and manpower
- It is not practical, possible or desirable to maintain all trails uniformly or to remove all potential hazards
- The OFSC is providing the privilege of trail access without any guarantee of service or quality
- Operators and passengers will not consume alcohol prior to or while using the trails
- Operators and passengers will be prudent and responsible and shall ensure that snowmobiles are operated with appropriate care and control at all times
- Operators and passengers know how to snowmobile competently and understand that the operation of snowmobiles requires full cognitive abilities
- Weather conditions affect trails and snowmobile operation and they may change without warning
- The maximum speed on trails is 50 km/h unless reduced by law or conditions
- There may be permitted users on the trail other than snowmobilers
- Operators will stay to the right of the trail notwithstanding that there are no centre lines
- Operators know that there may be grooming or other maintenance activities under way at any time of the day or night which may take up the whole or any part of the trail and have the right of way
- Operators and passengers know that snowmobile trails are not engineered highways
- All operators and passengers know and will adhere to the principles published as the Safe Riders Pledge by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers' Association
- Operators and passengers are aware that emergency and cell phone service may not be available
- Operators and passengers are aware that there are generally no legal requirements for signage on trails and, when provided, it is only for assistance and convenience
- Operators and passengers know that snowmobiling on OFSC trails is regarded as a family-oriented activity
- Operators and passengers know the unique and particular dangers of ice crossing
- The grooming and maintenance of trails, when provided, is meant solely to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of the safe and prudent operators and passengers
- Operators and passengers will dress appropriately for all conditions and will have appropriate safety and emergency equipment at all times
To snowmobile legally in Ontario, you must have:
- valid driver's license
- proof of snowmobile ownership
- registration
- proof of insurance
- helmet
- snowmobile trail permit
For Ontario Residents:
- All Ontario residents must register their motorized snow vehicles (MSV) with the Ministry of Transportation, display the registration numbers and show proof of insurance.
- All Ontario residents must display a current validation of their MSV.
For Non-Residents:
- All non-residents must produce evidence of insurance and registration, or bill of sale and comply with Ontario's snowmobile regulations.
- U.S. residents who are not compelled to insure their snowmobile in their own state must have liability coverage while in Ontario (minimum $500,000). They may do so through their car insurance.
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