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DNR: Use caution on snowmobiles [UPDATED]
Published 10:58am Monday, January 7, 2013 Updated 10:58am Monday, January 7, 2013Now that a base of snow is evident in many communities, Department of Natural Resources officials are reminding people to stay safe while operating a snowmobile.
“Each snowmobile must be registered and have a trail sticker,” said Marge Hage, DNR information officer, who also advises to be aware of your surroundings. “Watch your speed on lakes. Sometime ice fishermen leave ice blocks out, and you don’t want to hit one of those.”
Snowmobile registrations can be done at local Minneosta Department of Motor Vehicle offices.
Youth ages 12 to 15 can operate a snowmobile while supervised after completing snowmobile safety training. Adults need to be certified too.
“Adult snowmobile safety certification is required for those born after 1976,” said Hage. “The adult certification information can be downloaded from the DNR website.”
Hage adds that while you can travel anywhere on a lake or your own land, there are restrictions in other areas, and snowmobiles cannot exceed 50 mph, or lower if posted.
Snowmobiles are allowed on agricultural land that you have been given permission from the landowner, on land, other than agricultural land, that you have not been told verbally, by written warning, or by posted signs, that riding is prohibited and on the groomed area of a snowmobile trail.
The state DNR website has complete information on snowmobile safety, including a schedule of upcoming youth classes. You can also download a free pamphlet on Minnesota snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules and Regulations.
For information go to www.dnr.state.mn.us. Snowmobile safety is under the Education/Safety tab, and information on registration and laws can be found under the Licenses/permits/regs tab.
