All states have laws and rules regarding the operation of snowmobiles. This article provides a detailed overview of Minnesota's specific regulations to ensure safe and legal snowmobiling.
Registration and Permits
Snowmobiles must be currently registered either in Minnesota or with another jurisdiction for nonresidents. The Minnesota registration fee is $78.50 for three years.
Trail permits are required for all snowmobiles in Minnesota, costing $36 per season.
Point of Sale Registration is Required - $10.00 for 2 years. Decals & Registration # Required.
Safety Requirements
Helmets must be worn by everyone under 18 years old in Minnesota.
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Any Minnesota resident snowmobile rider born after 12/31/76 must possess a snowmobile safety certificate. For out-of-state riders, specific rules apply:
- Anyone 12 and 13 years old must have a safety certificate to ride but may NOT cross state or county roads.
- Anyone 14 through 17 must have a snowmobile safety certificate to cross state and county roads.
- Anyone 18 years old and older does not need a snowmobile safety certificate.
Nonresidents certified in snowmobile safety training in another state will be recognized in Minnesota.
Operational Regulations
Roads and shoulders are not open for snowmobiles in Minnesota. Snowmobiles are allowed in road ditches, but travel must be with the flow of traffic after dark unless on a two-way signed trail.
The speed limit on the road sets the speed limit on the trail. The maximum speed limit for a snowmobile in Minnesota is 50 mph.
No metal traction devices are allowed on blacktop trails unless trails are specifically signed to allow them.
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Operation of snowmobiles while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is illegal (Minnesota Statute 84.91, 169A).
Snowmobiles must be equipped with a muffler or other device which effectively prevents loud or explosive noise and complies with state laws and regulations.
Towing a person or an object with your snowmobile is not allowed except with the use of a rigid tow bar attached to the rear of the snowmobile.
When using the snowmobile trail maintained by the Washington County Star Trail Association, you must stay within the marked and groomed trail area.
Snowmobiles may be operated on any public waterway for which there is public access. Please use extreme caution if you ride on frozen lakes.
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You may operate a snowmobile on your own property or on other private property if you have the written and dated permission of the land owner.
You must be 18 years of age or older to operate a snowmobile on public roads and/or public property. Persons under 18 must follow Department of Natural Resources restrictions regarding snowmobile use.
Local Ordinances in Woodbury
Snowmobile operators, preparing to hit the trails after a fresh snowfall, need to be aware of the regulations that govern snowmobile use in Woodbury. While snowmobiles are permitted in the city, local ordinances restrict their use.
The city's goal is to protect everyone's safety and to reduce the number of complaints we receive about snowmobiles. In particular, snowmobiles are prohibited in city parks including HealthEast Sports Center and the Eagle Valley Golf Course. They also are not allowed on walking paths, bike paths, and on school sites.
To summarize, city regulations stipulate that:
- You may operate a snowmobile only between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm.
- In residential areas, you may operate a snowmobile on the right hand side of the road while obeying all traffic laws.
- Riding on the boulevard of city streets is prohibited.
- Snowmobiles are prohibited in parks, on walking paths, bike paths and trails unless specifically designated as a snowmobile trail.
In Woodbury, snowmobiles generally are ridden in the ditches along county roads and trunk highways. After dark, be sure to ride on the same side of the road and in the same direction as traffic is flowing.
Additional Hazards
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has warned snowmobile operators to watch out for construction-related materials, such as soil stockpiles, pieces of unused concrete culverts, wooden survey stakes and steel right-of-way markers that might be buried beneath the snow.
Silt fences, which control water runoff during the spring, also pose a threat to snowmobile riders. The fences are made of black fabric reinforced with woven wire and held in place by steel posts. They are usually placed across ditch bottoms located near culverts, bridges, streams and lakes.
For more information, contact the Minnesota DNR at 1-888-MINNDNR.
Summary of Minnesota Snowmobile Regulations
Here's a summary table of the key snowmobile regulations in Minnesota:
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $78.50 for three years |
| Point of Sale Registration | $10.00 for 2 years |
| Trail Permit | $36 per season |
| Helmet Requirement | Mandatory for riders under 18 |
| Safety Certificate | Required for residents born after 12/31/76; specific rules for non-residents |
| Road Use | Roads and shoulders are not open; ditches allowed with traffic flow |
| Speed Limit | Maximum 50 mph |
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