Observing Snowmobile Laws in Wisconsin

Following Safety Certificate Requirements

Anyone born after January 1, 1985, who is 12 years of age and older must have a valid Snowmobile Safety Certificate to operate a snowmobile in public areas.
You must keep the safety certificate with you while snowmobiling, and you must show it to a law enforcement officer when requested.
To receive a safety certificate, you must take and pass a snowmobile safety course that is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
- All riders under 16 years of age must take a classroom course.
- Riders 16 years of age and older may take a classroom course or an Internet based course.
For information about safety courses, contact the nearest DNR office or visit the website at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/snowed.html.

Understanding Age Requirements

Requirements for Operating a Snowmobile
Age	Certificate Required?	Exceptions
Born before 1/1/1985	No	None
Born on or after 1/1/1985 and 12 years of age or older	Yes	No certificate is required for persons operating on lands owned or leased by the operator’s parent or guardian. This does not include land leased by an organization of which the operator or the operator’s parents or guardians are members.
Under age 12	No	A parent, guardian, or person 18 years old or older must accompany the child on the same snowmobile when operating on public areas. No certificate or accompanying adult is required for persons operating on lands owned or leased by the operator’s parent or guardian. This does not include land leased by an organization of which the operator or the operator’s parents or guardians are members.

Registering Your Snowmobile

Snowmobile registration decals are:

Issued by the Wisconsin DNR. For locations or to register over the internet, visit the DNR website.
Required for every snowmobile.
- Public registration: Snowmobiles that will be operated on public areas or on another person’s private property must have a public registration. These registrations are valid for two years, beginning on July 1. There is a fee for this registration.
- Private registration: Any snowmobiles that you own, that will be operated only on your own property or on property that you lease, and that will be operated only by you or an immediate family member can have a private registration. There is no fee for this registration.
- Antique registration: Snowmobiles that were built before 1967 may be registered as an antique. This registration does not expire.
To be displayed prominently on both sides of the cowling.
Not required for out-of-state snowmobiles with current registration that will be using Wisconsin trails for no more than 15 consecutive days. However, these snowmobiles must have a Wisconsin Nonresident Snowmobile Trail Pass.
The registration certificate must be shown to a law enforcement officer when asked.

Registration Decal: Decals must be placed on both sides of the cowling.

The Registration Certificate must be carried with you while riding and must be shown to an enforcement officer when requested.

Meeting Vehicle Size Requirements

A snowmobile manufactured after May 7, 1994, may not be more than 48 inches wide.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Course Overview

Course Chapters

Review Questions

Testing

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Official snowmobile safety course for Wisconsin snowmobile riders last modified: February 25, 2010
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Questions? Call Snowmobile Ed at 1-800-830-2268