Observing Snowmobile Laws in Wisconsin

Operating Your Snowmobile Legally

Controlling Your Speed

• Do not operate your snowmobile at speeds that are unreasonable or improper.
• Slow to 10 mph or less and yield the right-of-way when you are riding:
  • Within 100 feet of a person who is not on a snowmobile or in or on a vehicle
  • Within 100 feet of an ice fishing shanty
• When you are snowmobiling within 150 feet of a home or dwelling between 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., do not exceed 10 mph.
• When riding next to a road, observe the posted speed limits.
• At night, do not exceed 55 mph. This applies to all public and private property.

Respecting Property and Wildlife

Do not operate a snowmobile:

• In a careless manner that would endanger a person or property
• On private property without consent from the owner or lessee
• Off the designated trail
• In unauthorized areas on public property

Equipment Requirements

Your snowmobile should have the following equipment.

• White headlight and a taillight, both of which must be on at night or when you are riding on a highway right-of-way
• At least one brake, operated by hand or by foot
• Side marker reflectors (if manufactured after July 1, 1972)
• A muffler in good working order
  • You cannot modify the exhaust in a way that will exceed the original noise level from the manufacturer.
  • For snowmobiles manufactured after July 1, 1975, the combined noise level from the exhaust and engine also cannot exceed 88 decibels.

Trailer Requirements

• If the combined weight of the snowmobile(s) and trailer is over 3,000 pounds, the trailer must be titled. Contact the Wisconsin DOT.
• All trailers must have brakes and brake lights.
• You cannot operate a trailer at night unless it displays the proper lights.
• All towed vehicles and trailers must have safety chains.

Responding After an Accident

If you are involved in an accident, you must:

• Stop and render aid, unless you are physically incapable of doing so.
• Give the other party your name and address.
• Immediately notify a law enforcement officer and file a written report within 10 days, if the accident causes a death or an injury requiring treatment by a physician. Forms are available from any DNR or sheriff’s office.

Snowmobiling While Intoxicated (SWI)

• It is illegal to operate a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs when you are on any property that is open to the public.
• Wisconsin’s prohibited limit of intoxication is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration. This limit is strictly enforced.
• By operating a snowmobile in an area open to the public, you must provide a breath, blood, or urine sample if requested by a law enforcement officer. If you refuse, you will be charged with an additional violation.

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