Observing Snowmobile Laws in Vermont

Operating Your Snowmobile Legally

Controlling Your Speed

• You must operate your snowmobile at a reasonable, prudent speed, taking into consideration weather conditions as well as trail conditions, traffic, and hazards.
• The maximum speed limit on state lands is 35 mph.
• A frozen lake is considered a public highway, and the maximum speed limit is 50 mph.
• You must obey posted speed limits if operating on public roads that are open to snowmobile traffic.

Observing Trail Hours of Operation

• Landowners, towns, and municipalities have the right to set a curfew on snowmobile trails between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Trails with restricted hours of operation will be posted.
• The “closed season” for snowmobile operation is from April 16 to December 15.
• Trails may be closed if poor or hazardous conditions are determined by VAST.

Respecting Property and Wildlife

• Off-trail riding is illegal. If you operate your snowmobile on private land, you must carry written permission to do so from the landowner and with a current date.
• Never chase or harass wildlife. Respect their wintering habits.

Meeting Vehicle Size Requirements

• A snowmobile may not exceed 48 inches in width or weigh more than 1,750 pounds.
• An all-terrain vehicle converted to operate with tracks is not considered a snowmobile.

Carrying Required Documentation

• You must carry certain documentation any time you operate a snowmobile.
• If asked by any law enforcement officer, you must present this documentation:
  • Registration certificate
  • Proof of insurance (insurance card)
  • TMA certificate (when operating on the SSTS)
  • Snowmobile safety certificate (if required by law for you to operate)

A copy of the TMA application receipt must be carried in the snowmobile at all times.

Equipping a Snowmobile

• Your snowmobile should have the following equipment.
  • Working headlight with a clear lens
  • Red rear light
  • Windshield free from sharp or jagged edges, or eye protection
  • Fully functional brake in good condition
  • Efficient exhaust system
    • The system must not exceed 73 decibels on the “A” scale at 50 feet away in a normal operating environment.
    • Replacement “after-market” exhaust systems that exceed the manufacturer’s original equipment specifications are illegal.
• While on the SSTS, you must wear:
  • A safety helmet approved by the Department of Transportation
  • Eyeglasses, goggles, or face shield, if a windshield is not present on the snowmobile

Responding After an Accident

If you are involved in an accident, you must:

• Stop and render aid.
• Give the other party your name, address, and the registration number and owner’s name of the snowmobile you’re riding.
• Immediately notify a law enforcement officer and file a report within 72 hours, if the injury or damage is significant (as described on www.dmv.state.vt.us).

Snowmobiling While Intoxicated (SWI)

• Vermont endorses zero tolerance for SWI offenses. Vermont’s legal limit of intoxication is:
  • 0.08% blood alcohol concentration for an adult 21 or older or…
  • 0.02% blood alcohol concentration for anyone under 21.
• SWI carries the same penalties as driving while intoxicated (DWI).
• A conviction can cost you your certificate to operate a snowmobile as well as your license to operate an automobile.

Stay Safe: Don’t Drink and Ride!
Remember: “‘Zero Tolerance,’ I say, till I’m done for the day!”