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SNOWMOBILE SAFETY EDUCATION

New Law
SB 434 - Mandatory Snowmobile Education Change
Requires all students at least age 11, but under 16 to attend classroom training. Riders 16 and older can still be certified using the department's CD ROM course. This bill did not change the certification requirement certified for all riders if they are at least age 12 and born on or after 1-1-85.

Soon, you will see a new form inserted into the student packets. The new form is the Zero Tolerance pledge. Students signing the pledge promise not to consume dugs or alcohol before or during a ride. The pledge is also being adopted into the Boat and Hunter Eduction programs and will be part of our(DNR) safety messages statewide.

This idea came from Snowmobile Instructor Glen Jones during one of our Snowmobile/ATV workshops. Glen has been using this pledge idea in his classroom for sometime now and it's worked very well. Thanks Glen, Excellent work!

Snowmobiling provides opportunities for family recreation during the winter months in Wisconsin. Snowmobile Safety Classes are provide throughtout the State of Wisconsin by Volunteer Instuctors of which most are AWSC member. The purpose of snowmobile safety training is to expose new users to the basic mechanical functions and safe operations of snowmobiles. It is also important that snowmobilers understand their responsibility to other recreational users and the outdoor environment. The Volunteer Instuctors with the DNR offers safety training throughout the state. The course is comprised of six hours of classroom study and two hours of hands-on operation of a snowmobile. Anyone 11 years of age or older is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education certificate.

This does not apply to the operation of snowmobiles upon lands owned or leased by the operator's parent or guardian. As used in this section, "leased lands" does not include lands leased by an organization of which said operator or the operator's parent or guardian is a member.

No person under the age of 12 years may operate a snowmobile unless the person is accompanied either by a parent or guardian or by a person over 18 years of age. Accompanied means to be on the same snowmobile as the operator.

The certificate is not valid until the child reaches 12 years of age. Beginning Jan 1, 2001, any person who is born on or after Jan. 1, 1985 must have completed and received a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin. The certificate must be carried while operating the snowmobile, and displayed to a law enforcement officer upon demand. The cost of the course is $10.00.

For Course Information On Upcoming Snowmobile Safety Classes

Other States and Provinces that issue a snowmobile safety certificate to snowmobilers will be honored in Wisconsin.

ATTENTION NON-RESIDENT SNOWMOBILERS

Snowmobiles bearing Wisconsin registration are not required to have a non-resident trail pass, even if the owner is from out of state. A 2 year Wisconsin registration is $30, compared to 2 trail passes at $18. Due to the formula used to transfer gas tax revenue to the state snowmobile fund, about twice as much money is generated with a 2 year registration as is with 2 trail passes. The state snowmobile fund is where the money comes from for grooming and trail maintenance. By having Wisconsin registration instead of a trail pass, you save $3/yr and contribute more money to the state fund.

It is perfectly legal to have Wisconsin registration on your snowmobile in addition to your home state's registration. You do not need a Wisconsin address; your home address can be used for a Wisconsin registration. Once you have a Wisconsin registration, it can be renewed online at the DNR website. Wisconsin registration applications can be obtained at any DNR office, at any dealer who sells snowmobiles in Wisconsin, and at many dealers out of state near the Wisconsin border.