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In Alberta, the laws regarding the operation of a snowmobile differ for private land and public property.
In a Public Place:
The rider must have a properly registered and insured machine.
The driver must be 14 years of age or older to operate a machine independently.
A person younger that 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:
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 acquired the right to access.
Insurance Requirements
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.
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 licence plate must be securely attached in a visible location on
the front or rear of the snowmobile.
Enforcing the Rules
Alberta enforcement agencies are an integral part of ensuring the safety
of snowmobilers and other Albertans out enjoying the great outdoors during
our winters.
Riding with Care and Caution
Did you know that a snowmobile rider can be guilty of operating a snowmobile
without due care and caution or without reasonable consideration for other
persons or property under Section 23 of the Off-Highway Vehicles Act?
If convicted, the driver is liable for a fine of as much as \$1,000. Failure to pay the fine could result in a jail term of as much as six months with or without the option of another fine.
Don't Drink and Ride
Drinking and Driving is Drinking and Driving. In Alberta, a snowmobile
driver, just like any other motor vehicle driver can be charged with impaired
driving charges.
Statistics show that the majority of snowmobile collisions involve drinking and the result is often fatal.
Alcohol impairs your ability to operate a snowmobile just as it impairs your ability to drive any motor vehicle. Don't become a statistic.
My Way or the Highway. . . Sorry - No
Under Section 18 of the Off-Highway Vehicle Act snowmobilers are prohibited
from riding on any portion of a highway. The exceptions to this law are:
When crossing a highway. Stop, yield to all traffic and have your passengers
get off. Cross the highway taking the most direct, and safest available
route.
By permission granted from the provincial government for a special event.
Even then, snowmobilers are only granted the right to ride in ditches alongside
highways for a specified amount of time only during daylight hours.
By special permission (bylaw) from the municipal government.
Muffling your Excitement
No rider can operate a snowmobile without a muffler. Under Section
14 of the Off-Highway Vehicle Regulation Act you cannot legally ride your
snowmobile if:
your sled's muffler has been cut off or disconnected,
the baffle plate is removed, opened or widened, or
an attachment or device that increases the noise is added.
For these reasons, most "after market mufflers" that increase noise,
are illegal. Noise is a key complaint some people have regarding snowmobiling.
Being on a Collision Course
Whenever you come across a snowmobile collision, you should give your
assistance.
If you are involved in a collision, you must give 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, under Section 20 of the Off-Highway Vehicle Act, 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.