Observing Snowmobile Laws in Wisconsin

Snowmobiling in Wisconsin

• You cannot operate a snowmobile on any state highway unless the Department of Transportation (DOT) authorizes snowmobiling on that highway.
• After stopping and yielding the right-of-way to all vehicles, you can:
  • Cross roads with fewer than five lanes. You can cross roads with five or more lanes only if crossing is authorized by the DOT.
  • Ride on a highway to cross a bridge, culvert, or railroad right-of-way unless there is a sign to prohibit it.
• You can ride on any road that is not maintained for vehicles through snow removal.
• You can ride on county, town, city, or village roads when you are participating in an authorized snowmobile event such as a race or derby.
• When riding next to a road during daylight hours, you may travel in either direction. At night, you must travel in the same direction as the vehicles in the lane closest to you.

Riding on Snowmobile Routes

You can ride your snowmobile on local roads, bridges, or sidewalks that have signs posted to designate them as snowmobile routes. When you are snowmobiling in a town, city, or village, you must:

• Stay on the far right of the roadway.
• Make left turns as safely as possible based on the snow cover and other conditions.
• Yield the right-of-way to other vehicle traffic and pedestrians.