Todd Boeske
New member
Does any one know exactly how to interpit the laws reguarding youth under age 12 operating a snowmobile? The DNR page states that a person under the age of 12 may not opperate a snowmobile without direct adult supervision, what exactly does that mean, And they shall not cross a road. Acording to my local MSA office they can ride on the trails if you are in close proxsimity and when crossing a road you ( the adult must drive the sled across the road) I would like to hear from anyone who has any knowledge or experience with this.
Thanks
Thanks
Dave M
New member
The under 12 must be riding with you.... under normal trail riding conditions and distance. Not 1/2 hour ahead or behind you. And they are not allowed to pilot the sled across a public road.... any seasonal road that is MARKED (groomed) trail they should be ok on...
They also must have a snowmobile safety course cert.
FuzzButt
New member
The course certificate will only allow persons who have reached 12 years to cross the roads and for them to ride without direct supervision. As a former MI snowmobile safety instructor that is what we were teaching and were told by the Conservation Officers. A person who is not going to reach his/her 12th birthday during the season will likely not be allowed to take the course.
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Todd Boeske
New member
Thanks, But can they ride the trails with you on their own sled not crossing any roads before they are 12?
Yamadooed
New member
No you have to be on the same sled.
FuzzButt
New member
"A person under the age of 12 may not operate a snowmobile without direct supervision of the parent or guardian except on property owned by parent. May not cross a street or highway."
I read that and have it understood as as long as there is close direct supervision and they are not crossing any roads then it is allowed. If you really need clarification call the Michigan DNR or a local Conservation Officer (think State Police of the woods). You can call one of the 9 DNR offices during the week. The contact information is on this page http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_10389_39013-21107--,00.html
It's a real gray area. You should take note that the MSA is not the "law" and any information from them should not be taken as something representing authority. The MSA is simply a lobby group. If you want the real facts you need to talk to either the DNR, a CO or the Sheriff's office in a county that patrols the trails. Anyhow if you're really serious about it request it in writing. You will likely get stopped in the woods if your kids are driving their own sleds so having proof of course completion also helps.
I read that and have it understood as as long as there is close direct supervision and they are not crossing any roads then it is allowed. If you really need clarification call the Michigan DNR or a local Conservation Officer (think State Police of the woods). You can call one of the 9 DNR offices during the week. The contact information is on this page http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_10389_39013-21107--,00.html
It's a real gray area. You should take note that the MSA is not the "law" and any information from them should not be taken as something representing authority. The MSA is simply a lobby group. If you want the real facts you need to talk to either the DNR, a CO or the Sheriff's office in a county that patrols the trails. Anyhow if you're really serious about it request it in writing. You will likely get stopped in the woods if your kids are driving their own sleds so having proof of course completion also helps.
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