Laws governing the operation of a snowmobile differ for private and public property in Alberta.

Legal Requirements

In a Public Place:

• The rider must have a properly registered and insured machine.

• The driver must be at least 14 years of age to operate a machine independently.

• A person younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, or supervised closely while receiving instruction.

• An operator of a snowmobile must produce insurance and registration when requested to do so by an enforcement or peace officer.

On Private Land - Ensure you ask permission before entering

• You do not need a driver’s licence, registration or insurance if you are riding on land you own or have acquired the right to access.
• There is no age requirement when riding on private land that you own or have established the right to access.
• Entering without permission makes you a trespasser: Petty Trespass Act (June 1, 2004 Amendment)
  • Previously, a property owner had to appear before a justice of the peace in order to lay charges. Now, a peace officer can issue a ticket in the amount of $250, and the alleged trespasser may then either voluntarily pay the fine or set a date to appear in court to dispute the charge or amount of the fine.
  • In more serious incidents of trespass, in either case, the maximum fine available is $2,000 (from $100) for a first offence.
    
  • When a person is charged with a second or subsequent offence with respect to the same property the person is required to appear before a justice without the alternative of making a voluntary payment. The maximum penalty is $5,000.

Insurance is required on public property.

• To be properly insured, you must have a minimum coverage of $200,000 public liability and property damage.
• A $1,000,000 public liability and property damage insurance is commonly carried.

Know the registration rules.

• Registration papers may be obtained from any licensing and registry agent.
• The minimum age required to register a snowmobile is 18 years.
• A license plate must be securely attached in a visible location to the front or rear of the snowmobile

Enforcing Safe Sledding

Law enforcement plays an important role in the safety of all Albertans who enjoy outdoor activities. Here are a few things you should know about the law and snowmobiling.

Riding with Care and Caution

Riders found guilty of operating a snowmobile without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons or property (Section 120 (2)(a) of the Traffic Safety Act) can be fined $402.

Don't Mix Alcohol and Snowmobiling -- ZERO TOLERANCE!

• In Alberta, a snowmobile driver can be charged with the same impaired driving charges as a driver of a motor vehicle for blowing over 0.08mg, and could face license suspension.
• “Zero Tolerance” is the only way to ride safely.
• Snowmobile collisions involving alcohol are often fatal.
• Mixing alcohol and night driving can be a deadly nightcap.
• It’s a criminal charge under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Stay off the Road

A snowmobiler is prohibited from riding on any portion of a highway (Section 120 (2)(b) of the Traffic Safety Act).

Exceptions to this law:

• Be careful when crossing roads of any kind. Come to a complete stop and make absolutely sure no traffic is approaching from any direction. Then cross at a right angle to traffic. Cross by the most direct, shortest and safest route available.
  (Note: Persons under the age of 14 are not permitted to drive on a highway as per Off Highway Vehicle Regulation Prohibition Section 2(1).
• Snowmobilers may ride in ditches alongside highways for a specified amount of time during daylight hours only with special permission granted from the provincial government for a special event, or special permission (bylaw) from the municipal government.

Mufflers are a Must

No rider can operate a snowmobile without a muffler. It is illegal to ride if your muffler has:

• been cut off or disconnected.
• the baffle plate removed.
• an attachment or device that increases the noise.
  (Section 8 of the Off-Highway Vehicle Regulation).

All "after market mufflers" that increase noise, are illegal.

Deal with Collisions Responsibly

• Whenever you come across a snowmobile collision, you should give your
  assistance.
• If you are involved in a collision, you must produce your name, address,
  registration, insurance and any other information requested by an enforcement
  officer.
• If there has been an injury, death or property damage of $1,000 or more, the
  rider must report to the police station in that area and make a written report just
  as you would in the event of a motor vehicle collision (Section 126 of the Traffic
  Safety Act).

Enforcing snowmobile safety starts with you.
Know the rules before you make tracks.

If you have any suggestions on traffic safety issues that are of interest to you and your community or for more information, please contact:

Updated January 2008