Want to have a really bad day on the trail? Fail to follow some common snowmobiling regulations and face penalties that include violations and forfeitures. Here are seven common infractions.
- Fail to display a registration number decal (for Wisconsin residents operating on Wisconsin trails) or trail use sticker (for non-residents operating on Wisconsin trails). What it will cost you: $162.70.
- Operate at speeds greater than 10 mph within 100-feet of a person who is not on a snowmobile, or in or on a vehicle, or when you are riding within 100-feet of an ice fishing shanty. What it will cost you: $175.30.
- Fail to comply with regulatory signs. What it will cost you: $175.30.
- Operate a snowmobile without valid registration. What it will cost you: $199.00.
- Operate at an unreasonable, improper speed. What it will cost you: $200.50.
- Operate a snowmobile in excess of 55 mph during the hours of darkness (night-time speed limit). What it will cost you: The violation varies depending on your actual speed. For instance, if caught exceeding the 55 mph night-time speed limit by between 11 and 20 mph, the violation is $263.50.
- Fail to stop for law enforcement office or warden. What it will cost you: $300.00.
Like driving, operating a snowmobile while intoxicated is expensive and risky. So here’s one more potential penalty to keep in mind when you head out:
- Receive a citation for intoxicated operation of a snowmobile (first offense). What it will cost you: $641.50.
Of course, your snowmobiling experience doesn’t have to involve any violations! The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources publishes an easy-to-read overview of snowmobiling rules [PDF]. Know the rules, stay on the trails and be safe.
“Creative Commons Warren County Sheriff, Snowmobile Unit” by diane cordell is licensed under CC BY 2.0
