FAQs About Michigan Snowmobile Laws

Keeping to our wintery themed blogs this week, we want to answer some common questions about Michigan snowmobile laws.

How is a Snowmobile Defined?

This might seem like a silly question, but it’s important to understand what exactly is considered a snowmobile under Michigan law. A snowmobile is defined, according to our legislature, as any motor-driven vehicle designed for travel primarily on snow or ice of a type that utilizes sled-type runners or skis, an endless belt tread, or any combination of these or other similar means of contact with the surface upon which it is operated.

How Old Do You Need to Be to Use a Snowmobile in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, you cannot operate a snowmobile if you’re under 12 years of age. If you’re over 12 years old, but under 17, then there are certain requirements that must be met:

• The person is under the direct supervision of a person who is 21 years of age or older.
• The person has in his or her immediate possession a snowmobile safety certificate issued pursuant to a program conducted under section 82107.
• The person is on land owned or under the control of his or her parent or legal guardian.
• The person possesses a snowmobile safety certificate issued to the person under the authority of a law of another state or province of Canada.
• A person who is operating a snowmobile pursuant to subsection (2)(b) shall present the snowmobile safety certificate to any peace officer upon demand.

Do Snowmobiles Need to be Registered in Michigan?

Not only must a person register their snowmobile with the state of Michigan, but they must also purchase a Michigan snowmobile trail permit sticker to ride on Michigan’s designated public trails.

Do you need to wear a helmet while riding a snowmobile in Michigan?

If you’re riding on public trails, then you need a helmet:

Sec. 82123. A person operating or riding on a snowmobile shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head. Crash helmets shall be approved by the United States department of transportation.

However, this section does not apply to a person riding on or operating a snowmobile on his or her own private property, but we recommend that you always wear a helmet while riding.

Stay tuned to our blog for more information on Michigan snowmobiling. We use our blog as a place to give you important information about Michigan law, offer tips to avoid injury, and more.

Our firm has been handling Michigan personal injury claims for over 30 years. If you’ve been injured in a snowmobile accident, then Goodwin & Scieszka are your snowmobile lawyers.

We use our blog as a place to give you important information, we offer tips to avoid injury, our blog is a place to give you Michigan’s breaking news, and we can update you on Michigan’s ever-changing laws.

Help With Michigan Snowmobile Accident Lawsuits

If you’ve been injured in a snowmobile accident, give us a call. Goodwin & Scieszka has been handling Michigan personal injury claims for over 30 years and have experience with a wide range of cases, including:

• Car crashes
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian injuries
• Slip and fall claims
• Birth traumas
• Skiing injuries
• Negligence claims
• Any and all injuries

Get the recovery that you deserve. We are tough on your competitors and compassionate for your injuries. Our personal injury firm is located in Birmingham, Michigan. We service Detroit and all of the Metro Detroit areas.