Snowmobile Safety Week nets fines

Three snowmobilers were caught on OFSC trails without trail permits during Snowmobile Safety Week which took place Jan. 17–25, said Greater Sudbury Police Service.

Officers set up checks on trails and lakes throughout Azilda, Chelmsford, Valley East, Hanmer, Capreol, Garson, Skead and Lively. They checked about 450 snowmobiles.

In addition to the charged for not having a trail permit, officers doled out fines and warnings for the following:
- two for speeding;
- five for no insurance;
- four for improper muffler;
- one for no helmet
- one for under-age road crossing (under 16 years, the parent had to come out to get snowmobile on a trailer);
- two for fail to produce licence;
- six rail road crossing offences.

“Safe snowmobiling means riding within your own capabilities, operating at safe and appropriate speeds for the conditions and terrain, and never drinking alcoholic beverages before or while driving,” said a news release. “Furthermore, always wear a helmet and adequate clothing, stay within designated riding areas, and always snowmobile with another person, never alone.”

Greater Sudbury Police has also received complaints regarding snowmobiles accessing private and prohibited areas.

It this the responsibility of every operator to ensure they ride only where permitted to do so, said police.

"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 Land use permissions have been revoked recently due to trespassing and loud snow machines.