Press Release
March 04, 2022
Dan Keefe | Brian Nearing
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
New York State Reminds Snowmobilers to Ride Safely
Increased law enforcement
patrols will be out this weekend
Free Snowmobile Weekend March 5-6 and March 12-13
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation, New York State Park Police, New York State Police and
the Department of Environmental Conservation remind snowmobilers to ride
responsibly and exercise caution as they enjoy the state's abundant
snowmobiling opportunities. Park Police, State Police and DEC Forest Rangers and
Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) are increasing snowmobile
patrols this weekend to ensure that operators are complying with speed
regulations, as well as regulations involving alcohol and drugs.
"Alcohol use and unsafe speed are the leading causes of snowmobile crashes," State Parks
Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. "While riding a snowmobile, be sure to
avoid alcohol, drive within your abilities, within speed limits, and to reduce
speeds during inclement or nighttime operation. Following these basic safety
recommendations and paying attention to trail conditions will help to ensure
you and your friends have a fun and enjoyable day in New York's great outdoors."
"We want
snowmobile enthusiasts to take advantage of the beautiful trails throughout the
state, but we want them to do so safely," said State Police Superintendent
Kevin P. Bruen. "Our snowmobile patrols will be highly visible and will
have no tolerance for reckless operation or those who operate a machine while
impaired. We urge everyone to make responsible and safe choices before
operating a snowmobile or any other vehicle."
"Each winter,
thousands of people visit the hundreds of miles of snowmobiling trails
crisscrossing New York State. To enjoy this activity, and protect themselves
and others, snowmobilers are advised to ride and drive safely," DEC
Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Staying on designated trails, wearing a
helmet, observing the speed limit, and eliminating alcohol when riding or
driving a snowmobile are critical to getting home safely and protecting our
resources."
In New
York, a snowmobile driver can be charged with Snowmobiling While Intoxicated
(SWI) if he or she operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Any
snowmobile driver with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher
can be charged with an SWI, the snowmobile equivalent of a Driving While
Intoxicated (DWI) offense. A misdemeanor conviction can result in a permanent
criminal record, a maximum fine of $1500, up to 90 days in jail, and a 12-month
suspension of snowmobiling privileges. Intoxication can be proven through
different types of evidence including BAC chemical tests (breath, blood, or
urine), law enforcement's observations, and other factors. An SWI charge is
upgraded to a felony when there are two prior convictions.
Also,
a snowmobile driver can be charged with Snowmobiling While Ability Impaired
(SWAI). The penalty for a SWAI conviction can include a fine up to $350, jail
time up to 15 days, and a suspension of snowmobile privileges for six months. A
second type of SWAI charge involves driving a snowmobile while under the
influence of drugs. Similar to a DWAI-Drugs, the SWAI-Drugs charge is a
misdemeanor offense that can be brought against any snowmobiler who operates
the vehicle while on drugs. If convicted, an SWAI-Drugs charge can bring harsh
penalties, including a fine up to $500, jail time up to 90 days, and a one-year
suspension of your snowmobile registration and privileges.
Everyone
operating a snowmobile should be familiar with safe riding practices and all
applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The best way to learn is by taking a
snowmobile safety course. To find a course, go to https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx.
A safety certificate is required for youth between ages 10 and 18.
Top safety
recommendations include:
- Check over your snowmobile; make sure it is in good working order and carry emergency supplies.
- Always wear a helmet and make sure you wear the proper snowmobile gear including bibs, jackets, boots, and gloves.
- Always ride with a buddy or at least one other person.
- Ride responsibly. Ride within your ability, ride to the right and operate at a safe and prudent speed. Respect landowners, obey posted signs and stay on the marked trail.
- Frozen Bodies of water are not designated trails; if you plan to ride on ice, proceed with caution and be aware of potential hazards under the snow.
- Never drink alcohol or use drugs and ride.
Governor Kathy Hochul designated March 5-6 and March 12-13 free
snowmobile weekends in New York State. Snowmobiling fees will be waived for
out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers during the promotional weekend.
Currently, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register
their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the state's trails.
Snowmobile registration costs $100, but is decreased to $45 for those who join
a local snowmobile club affiliated with the New York State Snowmobile
Association.
Participants in free snowmobiling weekend must operate a
snowmobile that is validly registered in their home state/Canadian Province and
must carry any applicable insurance as required by their home state/province.
For information on snowmobiling, including online registration for out-of-state
snowmobilers, during non-promotional times, click here.
The Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) oversees the development,
maintenance and oversight of a statewide snowmobile program, which features more
than 10,500 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails. For more information on
snowmobiling in New York, visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/.