MANITOUWADGE—The Manitouwadge Volunteer Fire Department is focusing on “Snow Moiling Tips” this week, and it reminds enthusiasts to know the laws for snowmobiling in Ontario.
Fire officials took the time to present some key laws for snowmobiling in Ontario, on their Facebook page.
Know the laws for Snowmobiling in Ontario. A snowmobile is a motorized vehicle, so naturally there are specific laws in Ontario that dictate how you can operate it.
- You need to be at least 12 years old to legally operate a snowmobile on public property.
- If you’re looking for some winter fun with the kids, and they’re under 12, you need to stay on private property if they’re operating a snowmobile.
- If your kids are 12 to 16 years old, they’ll need a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s License (MSVOL). You can get this license by completing a program at the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC).
- You don’t need a MSVOL if you have a valid Ontario driver’s license, but you will need to register your snowmobile with the Ministry of Transportation and have valid snowmobile insurance.
- Every time you take your snowmobile out on the road, make sure you have your MSVOL or driver’s license, insurance card, and your snowmobile registration permit with you.
Once this is all set, you can take your snowmobile out on any snowmobile trails, private property (with permission), and on the side of public roads.
One final tip the MFD offered was to never ride on highways, paved roads where cars drive, or private property without the owner’s permission. You need to be at least 12 years old to legally operate a snowmobile on public property.
