Members of the Traffic Management Unit and Rural Squad of the Greater Sudbury Police Service are patrolling trails and frozen waterways on snow machines, ensuring compliance and also enforcing the Trespass to Property Act, the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act and CGS By-laws.
The Service has received complaints from various parts of the City, regarding snowmobiles accessing private and prohibited areas. It is the responsibility of every operator to ensure they ride only where permitted to do so.
"Enter premises when entry prohibited" is the most common offence for motorized snow vehicles. Riders are only legally permitted to operate a snowmobile on their own property, private property with permission (written permission is best), on approved roadways or Crown land. With a valid trail permit, they may ride on any open OFSC trail which may cross private property or Crown land. Land use permissions have been revoked recently due to trespassing and loud snow machines.
In addition to the Trespass to Property Act (fine $50.00 / $65.00 with costs), City of Greater Sudbury By-law 2013-54 prohibits all motorized recreational vehicles in any Park. It states:
Sec 38(2) No Person shall drive, operate, ride, park or be in possession or control of any Motorized Recreational Vehicle in any Park.
"Motorized Recreational Vehicle" includes a snowmobile as defined in the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act, an off-road vehicle as defined in the Off-Road Vehicle Act, including, an all-terrain vehicle, a go cart, a motor-assisted bicycle, power-assisted bicycle, golf cart, pocket bike or any other device which is capable of being driven, propelled or drawn by any kind of combustible, battery, solar or electric power.
Sec 38(2) Part 1 Fine $225.00 - Drive, operate, ride or be in possession or control of motorized recreation vehicle in park
Sec 38(2) Part 2 Fine $20 / $26 - Park Motorized Recreational Vehicle in Park
Other common infractions for snow machine riders are:
-1- "Owner-drive motorized snow vehicle, permit not issued";
-2- "Fail to display registration number ";
-3- “Improper helmet”;
-4- “Careless” (operate snow machine on open water);
-5- “Drive motorized snow vehicle while license suspended” - You cannot operate a snowmobile if you are convicted for impaired driving;
-6- “No license-drive along highway” - You must be 16 years of age, with a proper G or G1 license - a motorized snow vehicle license is not sufficient;
-7- “Speeding” - Maximum speed is 20 km/h on a highway where the limit is 50km/h and 50km/h in an 80km/h zone. The maximum speed on a trail is 50km/h;
-8- “Fail to produce license”;
-9- “Disobey police officer”;
-10- “Drive snowmobile no insurance”;
-11- “Improper Muffler”
Every rider must familiarize themselves with the respective Acts and By-laws because `Ignorance of the law is no excuse`. A zero tolerance policy is in place for those individuals who commit infractions.
Additional tips:
- Do not travel alone, if possible;
- Let someone know your destination and expected return time;
- Always carry an emergency kit (first aid, cell phone, GPS, tools etc.).
Be courteous!
Ride safe & Ride sober!