Officials remind public to register their snowmobiles

NEWYORK » New Yorkers are being reminded to register their snowmobiles for the winter season.

Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office.

“To promote [the] use of New York’s beautiful and extensive snowmobiling trails we have made the registration process easy,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair. “We want all snowmobilers to have fun, but we urge them to be safe and responsible on the trails.”

All snowmobiles operated in New York must be registered and marked with a validation sticker. Riders who complete registration online can print a temporary certificate, which is valid for 15 days. DMV generates a permanent registration and mails it to the recipient along with their validation sticker. There is no additional charge for the temporary certificate, according to state officials.

Non-New Yorkers who wish to ride in New York can register a snowmobile if it is already registered in their home state. They can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get the 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.

The Statewide Snowmobile Trail System covers more than 10,500 miles across 45 New York counties. It is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and is maintained by more than 200 clubs. It is funded by a portion of snowmobile registration fees and through 51 municipal sponsors. Members of a New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) Snowmobile Club can receive a voucher to reduce the registration fee.

“With a seemingly early start to winter, State Parks wants to encourage snowmobilers to take a safety course and get familiar with safety tips to help prevent crashes from spoiling an enjoyable day on the trail. Also, sledders should not use trails before they are declared open. Operators who ride on unopened trails risk arrest for trespassing, as well as risking that public ac

cess to trails could be revoked by displeased private landowners whose property might be damaged,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid in a news release.

Kul leseid reminded snowmobilers that basic safety rules include not drinking alcohol before or during sledding, respecting private property and trail markers, riding within one’s ability, sharing the trail and keeping to the right, and being aware of changing trail and weather conditions.

DMV also reminds snowmobilers that it is illegal to operate a snowmobile while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and drivers and passengers must wear helmets on the state snowmobile trail system.

“With a vast network of groomed trails, New York has some of the most spectacular and exhilarating snowmobile opportunities in the nation. Snowmobile registrations support trail maintenance and grooming on state lands and I encourage New York’s large snowmobile community to register their sleds so they can enjoy this popular winter activity safely,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.

Snowmobilers must always carry registration and proof of insurance documents on them while snowmobiling. Riders must produce the documents at the request of any law enforcement officer or magistrate, officials noted.

Additionally, riders must produce insurance documentation at the request of anyone who is injured or suffers property damage as a result of operating a snowmobile. Holders of snowmobile safety certificates must carry the certificate when they are snowmobiling.

You can learn more about registering a snowmobile in New York State on the DMV’s website at https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-snowmobile.

For more info on the New York State Snowmobile Trail System and tips for operation, please visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7718.html and https:// parks. ny.gov/recreation/ snowmobiles/.

A map of New York’s extensive snowmobile trails is available at https://parks. ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/maps.aspx.

FILE PHOTO People look at vintage snowmobiles during the Sons of the American Legion Post 54Munnsville fourth annual vintage snowmobile show and swap meet on Sunday, March 1, 2015in Munnsville.

FILE PHOTO Scott Henry of Oneida sits on his all-original, two-piece 1964Hus-Ski snowmobile during the Snow Show and Swap Meet at the Munnsville American Legion on Sunday. He said the top speed of the Hus-Ski is about 18mph.

FILE PHOTO The Snow Show and Swap Meet at the Munnsville American Legion on Sunday brought out snowmobile enthusiasts from both central New York and across the state.