(TOWNSHIP OF CHATSWORTH, ON – On Sunday, February 1, 2015, Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers conducted motorized snow vehicle patrols on OFSC (Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club) trails in the Township of Chatsworth and the Township of Georgian Bluffs.
As a result, two snowmobile operators were charged under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act (MSVA).
James Patrick HAYES, 30, of Lakeshore, Ontario was issued a Provincial Offence Notice (PON) for failing to produce evidence of insurance.
Christopher SPEARS, 28, of Owen Sound, Ontario was issued a PON for failing to produce evidence of registration.
Grey County OPP remind snowmobilers that many of the rules governing motor vehicle drivers apply to snowmobile operators. Failure to comply with the law may carry penalties such as fines, loss of driver’s licence and criminal charges.
To ride legally, snowmobile operators must always carry a valid driver’s licence (or if under age 16, a Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence); proof of snowmobile ownership; snowmobile registration; proof of snowmobile insurance; and a valid OFSC Snowmobile Trail Permit if snowmobiling on an OFSC trail.