Snowmobiles In St. Marys

(ST.MARYS, ON) As a result of resident’s questions about the operation of snowmobiles in St. Marys, the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wishes to remind Motorized Snow Vehicle (MSV) operators (snowmobilers), of the By-Law pertaining to the driving of MSV’s within the town.

The By-Law states that no MSV shall be:

– driven along the sidewalks or boulevards in town

– driven in town after 11 p.m. and before 7 a.m.

– driven within the boundaries of the St.Marys Cemetery

– operated on any St.Marys parkland

Contravention of this By-Law may result in the operator being served a $110 ticket.

MSV operators should also be aware that under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act of Ontario, the speed of MSV’s shall be no greater than 20 km/h on a highway where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less. (Therefore on roads within the St.Marys Town limit MSV’s should never exceed a speed of 20 km/h) The speed limit on a trail is generally 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated. The fine for exceeding the speed limit on an MSV is $110.

Perth County OPP officers will be enforcing the laws pertaining to MSV’s during their general patrols and their MSV patrols on the trails.

MSV operators should also be aware of the following:

Snowmobile drivers must carry their driver’s licence or snowmobile operator’s card when they ride. If your licence is under suspension, you can’t drive a snowmobile either.

Licence, proof of registration and proof of insurance must be produced to a police officer on demand, when operating a snowmobile.

A snowmobile driver must stop for police when signalled.

Impaired driving laws apply to snowmobiles anywhere in Canada whether on private property or not. Don’t mix alcohol and snowmobiling. The Perth County OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) have a zero tolerance for impaired operation.

Snowmobiles must not be driven on private property without the owner’s permission; violators may be subject to a charge of Trespassing.

A proper muffler and an approved, properly fit helmet are required by law.

Drivers of a snowmobile directly or indirectly involved in a reportable collision are required to call police as soon as possible.

A trail permit is required to use approved snowmobile trails, when they are declared open for use.

Dress appropriately and let someone know where you plan to ride and for how long.

Snowmobiling can be an enjoyable winter activity. Follow the rules, be respectful of others and ride safely.

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