Snowmobile Patrol:
In winter, the Sheriff's Office patrols all Kalkaska area snowmobile
trails and forest roads.
Snowmobile Patrol is assigned to deputies that have proven proficiency
on the machines in addition to specialized training in the statutory aspects
of the operation, licensing, and registration of these vehicles.
This patrol normally operates on weekends and will occasionally work
special events. Selective enforcement may be necessary based upon special
requests or complaints received from citizens. Typically, deputies patrol
the snowmobile trails and selected areas conducting inspections and compliance
checks to ensure that operators adhere to state and local laws. The snowmobile
patrol may be requested to assist at accident scenes and could at any time,
be called out for search and rescue operations.
Michigan Snowmobile Law:
The following is a summary of important highlights from the Michigan
Snowmobile Law that every owner/operator is expected to know, understand
and obey. This Fact Sheet is provided as a service to encourage safety,
awareness and responsibility.
Effective 10/01/00, a person is NOT permitted to operate a
snowmobile, if his/her Michigan operator's license is suspended or revoked.
Non-residents with suspended or revoked licenses in the state in which
he/she resides, are also not permitted to operate a snowmobile in Michigan.
REGISTRATION
1. All snowmobiles must be registered in Michigan, except:
-Those operated exclusively on lands owned or under the control
of the snowmobile owner;
-Those registered in another state; or
-Those operated exclusively in a special event conducted under a
permit from a governmental unit.
2. A person who desires to operate a snowmobile in this state shall
purchase a Michigan snowmobile trail permit sticker. The trail permit
stickers shall be permanently affixed to the forward half of the snowmobile
directly above or below the headlight of the snowmobile. A snowmobile
used solely for transportation on the frozen surface of public water for
the purpose of ice fishing is exempt for the requirement of purchasing
and displaying the trail permit sticker.
3. The owner of a snowmobile having been issued a certificate
of registration for a snowmobile shall affix to each side of the forward
half of the cowl above the footwell of the snowmobile, the registration
decal assigned to that snowmobile. Beginning July 1, 2000 the registration
decal will include the registration expiration date and a registration
number which will contain 2 letters and 4 numbers.
4. The operator of a snowmobile is required to carry the registration
certificate for the snowmobile when operating the snowmobile.
This registration certificate must be presented to a law enforcement
officer, upon demand.
 REGULATIONS
1. A person shall NOT operate a snowmobile:
-At a rate of speed greater than is reasonable for conditions. Many
snowmobilers believe there is no speed limit. The fact is, the highest
legal speed for any vehicle anywhere in the county is 55 mph.
-While under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance.
-Without an operating headlight, taillight, brake light or brakes
that are in good working condition.
-Within 100 feet of any person on ice or ice shanty; or any slide,
ski or skating area.
-Without a muffler no louder than 78 decibels measured at a distance
of 50 feet.
-Within 100 feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6:00 a.m.,
except at a very slow speed.
-In, on or across a cemetery, airport, railroad right of way, or
forest nursery.
-While carrying an uncased or loaded firearm or strung bow.
-On private property without written permission of owner.
-On a public or private parking lot.
-On a public highway, street, or sidewalk.
-Upon a highway, public trail, frozen surface of a lake or other
public place including an area designated for the parking of snowmobiles
in a careless or negligent manner.
HUNTING REGULATIONS
1. A person shall NOT operate a snowmobile:
-To hunt, pursue, worry or kill any wild bird or animal.
-While carrying an uncased or loaded firearm or strung bow.
RESTRICTIONS ON YOUTHFUL OPERATORS
1. Operators under 12 years of age:
-Must be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian,
except when operating on land or under control of parent or legal guardian.
The adult or person of direct supervision must be a person who is 21 years
of age of older.
-Cannot cross a highway or street while operating a snowmobile.
-An adult having responsibility for a youthful operator may beheld
accountable for any violations of the law committed by the youth.
2. Operators between 12 and 17 years of age:
-Must be under the direct supervision of an adult who is 21 years
of age or older and in the immediate vicinity and directly observing the
youthful operator; or
-Have an approved snowmobile safety certificate in their possession
before being allowed to operate alone, or
-Be operating on land owned or under the control of their parent
or legal guardian.
-Can cross a highway or street if they have a valid snowmobile
safety certificate in their possession.
3. Snowmobile Safety Certificates shall be presented to any
peace officer upon demand.
4. The owner of a snowmobile is responsible for operation contrary
to this section.
5. Snowmobile Safety Training classes are offered throughout the
state. Information on classes may be obtained for any DNR District
Headquarters.
 EQUIPMENT
1. A snowmobile shall NOT be operated unless it has
at least:
-One headlight that emits a white light; and
-One taillight; and
-Operating brake light; and
-Adequate brakes; and
-A muffler no louder than 78 decibels, measured at 50 feet.
-A person operating or riding on a snowmobile shall wear a crash
helmet on his/her head.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
1. The following equipment is not required by law, but is
recommended for safety:
-Approved eye protection.
-An insulated snowmobile suit.
-Heavy duty gloves that provide both hand and finger protection
and secure grip on the controls.
-Insulated boots for ankle and foot protection.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
1. The following equipment is not required by law, but is
recommended for emergency situations:
-Tool kit (knife, pliers, adjustable wrench, electrical tape, plug
wrench and screwdriver).
-Flashlight (extra battery and bulb)
-Matches (candles).
-Disposable blanket (heat reflecting type).
-First Aid kit.
-Maps and compass (extra copies).
SNOWMOBILE AREAS OF OPERATION
1. A person may NOT operate a snowmobile in the following
places:
-On an airport; or
-On a public or private parking lot; or
-On a railroad right of way; or
-In a cemetery; or
-On a forest nursery; or
-On private property or farm fields without permission, (posted
or unposted); or
-On a public highway, street, or sidewalk; or
-On the shoulder of any state highway, including M-72, M-66, and
US-131 in Kalkaska County, when no unplowed right of way exists.
2. A person may operate a snowmobile in the following places:
-On a designated trail system; or
-On the unplowed right of way of a State Highway (US131, M72, M66)
if operated with the flow of traffic and in a single file; or
-On the roadway or shoulder when necessary to cross a bridge or
culvert. The snowmobile MUST be brought to a complete stop before
entering the roadway and MUST yield to approaching traffic; or
-Across a public highway, other than a limited access highway,
at right angles for the purposes of getting from one area to another.
The snowmobile must be brought to a complete stop before crossing.
Children under 12 cannot operate a snowmobile while crossing a roadway.
-On all County Roads when operating to the extreme right with the
flow of traffic.
TRESPASS
1. A person shall NOT operate a snowmobile:
-On private property whether open, fenced, enclosed, posted
or unposted; or
-When notice against trespass is personally communicated by the
owner, or other authorized person; or
-In or upon farmlands, farm wood lots or platted property without
written permission of the land owner.
ACCIDENTS
1. An operator of a snowmobile involved in an accident resulting
in injuries, death, or property damage of
$100 or more, must immediately notify
the nearest law enforcement agency.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
1. An operator of a snowmobile must bring their snowmobile to a
complete stop when signaled to do so by a law enforcement officer.
FAILURE TO DO SO IS A MISDEMEANOR.
PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OWNER IS OPERATOR
1. The registration number displayed on a snowmobile constitutes
prima facie evidence that the owner of the snowmobile was the operator
at the time of the offense. Any violations, or warrants for arrest,
will be sought against the owner of the snowmobile.
LOCAL LAWS
1. Cities, villages or townships may have passed local snowmobile
ordinances. Operators are responsible to find out if any local regulations
are in effect and comply.
2. The Village of Kalkaska does have such an ordinance. For
example, the pathway south of Island Lake Road is a non-motorized path.
Snowmobiles are prohibited from using this path and associated bridge.
To cross the Boardman River, snowmobiles should use the bridge pathway
connected to the highway bridge.
3. Copies of local ordinances are available at all gas stations and
restaurants, as well as, village offices. Specific attention should
be given to designated routes and the 15MPH speed limit within the village
of Kalkaska.
PENALTY
1. Any person who violates the provisions of Act 74-PA 1968
(Snowmobile Law) is guilty of a misdemeanor.
SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
1. Most accidents are caused by operator error. The
most common causes of snowmobile accidents are:
Excessive Speed .... Terrain Unfamiliarity .... Failure to Signal
Intentions .... Observe Hazards .... Faulty Equipment
AS A SNOWMOBILER OWNER/OPERATOR, USE THE SAME CARE, CAUTION AND
RESPECT THAT
YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM OTHERS.
 EMERGENCY
TRAIL LOCATOR SYSTEM
Throughout the snowmobile trails of Kalkaska County, you will see
these signs. The first set of red numbers designate the trail that
you are on and the second set is your location.
These signs can be found at all road crossings; as well as, along
the trails. Each of these locations are mapped with GPS co-ordinates
to assist emergency personnel in locating those in need of help.
If you need help, dial 911 and give the operator the number on the
sign. |
