Snowmobile Education
Snow Safety Course Availability
Rider Training
New York State is a leader in snowmobile education and offers one operator training course for snowmobilers of
all ages beginning at age 10. This course provides fundamental information which all
snowmobilers should possess in order to ensure the safety of riders and other trail users. Successful completion
of this course results in the award of a NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate.
Courses are taught by experienced snowmobilers who volunteer their time to make the sport safer and more enjoyable
for everyone. They are usually sponsored by snowmobile clubs, agricultural extension offices, law enforcement
agencies, or similar groups, and are available in fall and early winter. Click here
for a list of courses being offered throughout New York State. This list is updated on a weekly basis during
the snowmobile season.
Youth ages 14 through 17 years old may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed,
without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the
State of New York. If youth ages 14 through 17 years have not completed the training course, they may operate a
snowmobile if accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age. Youth ages 10 through
13 may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, if they have completed a snowmobile
safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person
who is at least 18 years of age.
Children less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate may operate a snowmobile only on lands
owned or leased by their parent or guardian.
A non-resident operator who is a resident of another state or country and is the holder of a valid snowmobile
safety certificate issued by that state or country shall be considered the same as the holder of a New York State
Safety Certificate.
Law Enforcement Training
All law enforcement officers of the state, including Park Police, Sheriffs, local and State Police,
Environmental Conservation Officers, and Forest Rangers are authorized to enforce snowmobile laws and
regulations. Law enforcement agencies actively patrol New York State snowmobile trails. It is increasingly
common to find a road block manned by officers checking compliance with legal requirements, frequently at the
request of the organized snowmobile community.
State Aid
State law enforcement aid is available to municipalities for law enforcement programs. Participating agencies
are reimbursed up to 50% of their approved expenditures. For further information regarding local participation
in the law enforcement funding program, contact us.
Training
OPRHP conducts a snowmobile law enforcement school during the month of January of each year. Students are
welcome from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. Instructors are drawn from a variety of
agencies, as well as from other states, and private industry.
Topics of instruction include:
- Survival Skills
- Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
- Noise Enforcement
- Patrol Operations
- Ice Rescue
- Snowmobile Handling & Crash Avoidance
- Snowmobile Law
For further information regarding law enforcement training, contact us. |
