Snowmobile owners reminded to register sleds
Dec. 11—The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually.
The DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office.
"Winter activities like snowmobiling are important to many of us here in New York," said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV commissioner and chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. "DMV is happy to assist customers in getting their snowmobiles registered and ready for use, and we urge all enthusiasts to ride responsibly and never while they are impaired."
Information about registering a snowmobile in New York State is on the DMV's website at dmv.ny.gov/registration.
Members of the New York State Snowmobile Association or a local NYSSA-affiliated snowmobile club receive a $55 discount on snowmobile registrations. More information can be found here: nysnowmobiler.com/membership.
All snowmobiles operated in New York must be registered and marked with a validation sticker. Riders who complete a registration online can print a temporary certificate, which is valid for 15 days. DMV generates a permanent registration card and mails it to the recipient along with their validation sticker. There is no added charge for the temporary certificate.
Snowmobilers from outside the state who wish to ride in New York can register a snowmobile if it is already registered in their home state. They can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get the 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.
New York offers great opportunities for snowmobile enthusiasts. There are more than 10,500 miles in the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System, traversing 46 counties maintained by more than 230 clubs.
"We are looking forward to another great season of snowmobiling in New York State. As they prepare for this winter, I encourage snowmobilers to make safety a top priority for themselves and others out on the trail," State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said in a statement. "Knowing and following safety recommendations will help ensure we all have a great time on the trail."
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "New York is home to thousands of miles of snowmobile trails statewide for riders to enjoy this popular winter activity in the great outdoors. These trails offer riders the opportunity to enjoy a variety of experiences, winding through hilly or mountainous terrain in a natural setting. DEC encourages New Yorkers to renew their snowmobile registrations and ride responsibly this winter."
Revenue obtained through snowmobile registrations is used to support local areas through grants for snowmobile trail development and maintenance, administered through 52 municipal sponsors.
This vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Canal Corporation, national forest land, local governments and many private landowners who have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling with insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.
New York also is a leader in snowmobile education and offers operator training courses for snowmobilers ages 10 and older. This course, taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time, provides information that all snowmobilers should possess to ensure the safety of riders and other trail users.
Successful completion of this course results in the awarding of an NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate. For more information, visit parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx.
Snowmobilers must always carry registration and proof of insurance on them while snowmobiling. Riders must produce the documents at the request of any law enforcement officer or magistrate.
Riders also must produce insurance documentation at the request of anyone who is injured or suffers property damage as a result of operating a snowmobile. Holders of snowmobile safety certificates must carry the certificate when they are snowmobiling.
The DMV also reminds snowmobilers that it is illegal to operate a snowmobile while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and drivers and passengers must wear helmets on the state snowmobile trail system.
Contact a local club or tourism department for trail status and trail conditions where you want to ride.
A map of New York's extensive snowmobile trails is available at webapps2.cgis-solutions.com/nysnowmobile.
