Here's a look at some of the rules of the trail for snowmobilers in Minnesota and North Dakota:
Minnesota
- Snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails must have a snowmobile state trail sticker. Stickers are valid from Nov. 1-April 30 and cost $16; three-year stickers are available for $31, but can only be purchased in conjunction with a registration.
- Youths age 11 to 15 can take the state youth snowmobile safety training course, and certification becomes valid at age 12. Info: (888) 646-6367 or (651) 296-6157.
- Anyone age 16 and older can take the adult snowmobiling training course, which is required for everyone born after Dec. 31, 1976. Anyone required to take the training must complete and pass an Independent Study Snowmobile CD or a youth snowmobile certification class. Info: (888) 646-6367, (651) 296-6157, (800) 366-8917 or by e-mail at info.dnr@state.mn.us .
ADVERTISEMENT
- Info/regulations: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/snowmobile/snowmobileregs.pdf
North Dakota
- Youths must be at least 12 years old and possess a valid driver's license or permit or have completed a snowmobile safety training course from the state Parks and Recreation Department. There is no age or license requirement for youths riding on private land owned by a parent or guardian.
- Out-of-state riders must purchase an out-of-state riders permit for $15. The permits, which are good for one year, are available through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department at www.ndparks.com .
- Unlike Minnesota, which has a speed limit of 50 mph for snowmobiles, North Dakota law says riders must travel at "a reasonable and proper rate of speed in relation to all surrounding circumstances and not exceeding the posted speed limit of the associated roadway."
- Info/regulations: www.ndparks.com/recreation/snowmobile/index.html .
