Observing Snowmobile Laws in Vermont

Operating Your Snowmobile Legally

You must operate your snowmobile at a reasonable, prudent speed, taking into consideration weather conditions as well as trail conditions, traffic, and hazards.
The maximum speed limit on state lands is 35 mph.
A frozen lake is considered a public highway, and the maximum speed limit is 50 mph.
You must obey posted speed limits if operating on public roads that are open to snowmobile traffic.

Landowners, towns, and municipalities have the right to set a curfew on snowmobile trails between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Trails with restricted hours of operation will be posted.
The “closed season” for snowmobile operation is from April 16 to December 15.
Trails may be closed if poor or hazardous conditions are determined by VAST.

Off-trail riding is illegal. If you operate your snowmobile on private land, you must carry written permission to do so from the landowner and with a current date.
Never chase or harass wildlife. Respect their wintering habits.

A snowmobile may not exceed 48 inches in width or weigh more than 1,750 pounds.
An all-terrain vehicle converted to operate with tracks is not considered a snowmobile.

You must carry certain documentation any time you operate a snowmobile.
If asked by any law enforcement officer, you must present this documentation:
- Registration certificate
- Proof of insurance (insurance card)
- TMA certificate (when operating on the SSTS)
- Snowmobile safety certificate (if required by law for you to operate)

A copy of the TMA application receipt must be carried in the snowmobile at all times.

Your snowmobile should have the following equipment.
- Working headlight with a clear lens
- Red rear light
- Windshield free from sharp or jagged edges, or eye protection
- Fully functional brake in good condition
- Efficient exhaust system
  - The system must not exceed 73 decibels on the “A” scale at 50 feet away in a normal operating environment.
  - Replacement “after-market” exhaust systems that exceed the manufacturer’s original equipment specifications are illegal.
While on the SSTS, you must wear:
- A safety helmet approved by the Department of Transportation
- Eyeglasses, goggles, or face shield, if a windshield is not present on the snowmobile

If you are involved in an accident, you must:

Stop and render aid.
Give the other party your name, address, and the registration number and owner’s name of the snowmobile you’re riding.
Immediately notify a law enforcement officer and file a report within 72 hours, if the injury or damage is significant (as described on www.dmv.state.vt.us).

Vermont endorses zero tolerance for SWI offenses. Vermont’s legal limit of intoxication is:
- 0.08% blood alcohol concentration for an adult 21 or older or…
- 0.02% blood alcohol concentration for anyone under 21.
SWI carries the same penalties as driving while intoxicated (DWI).
A conviction can cost you your certificate to operate a snowmobile as well as your license to operate an automobile.
Vermont snowmobilers have a choice to make about drinking before venturing out on the trails. The International Association of Snowmobile Administrators has developed a new Zero Alcohol Campaign. This program urges every snowmobiler to choose to be 100% alcohol-free prior to going snowmobiling and during any ride. This is a peer-topeer recommendation among riders to ride responsibly and alcohol free—it's the smart choice for safer snowmobiling.

Zero Tolerance logo

Stay Safe: Don’t Drink and Ride!
Remember: “‘Zero Tolerance,’ I say, till I’m done for the day!”