Public Service Announcement
Snowmobile Safety Regulations
Information for the Public
Release Date: February 25, 2020
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Municipal Enforcement Department, and the Grand River Snowmobile Club are reaching out to the community to help raise awareness on Snowmobile Safety and the Municipal Snow Vehicle Regulations.
On Sunday, February 23, 2020, Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Municipal Enforcement Officer Larry Baker, along with Greg Wheeler of the Grand River Snowmobile Club, conducted a Safety Checkpoint to help raise awareness on the importance of snowmobile safety and the value of having a Trail Pass.
Violations and complaints received are mostly related to individuals operating snowmobiles on municipal roadways, exceeding the 15 km/ hour speed limit for the purpose of accessing the nearest possible Trail and crossing a highway where the operator has less than 100 metres visibility.
Individuals who do not comply with the Snow Vehicle Regulations could be subject to a $100 – $500 fine for the first offence and a $500 – $1,000 fine for the second offence.
The Town’s priority is the safety of its residents. We are encouraging members of the public to help increase snowmobile safety by reporting any snowmachine violations to the Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP Detachment at 896-3383 or the Town’s Municipal Enforcement Department at 896-3322.
Please report violations of snow machines operating:
- On municipal roadways;
- Without due care and attention; and
- Without reasonable consideration for other persons or property
- With modified equipment which results in an increased noise level
Under the Municipal Snow Vehicle Regulations, all snow machines must be registered and insured in accordance with the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act or the Highway Traffic Act.
The regulations cover a variety of other information, including:
- Equipment:
- Must be equipped with adequate headlight;
- An adequate taillight;
- Adequate reflectors (conditions apply);
- An adequate and efficient operating braking system; and,
- A Muffler designed by the manufacturer for use on such a vehicle.
- A person is prohibited from altering or modifying an approved Snow Vehicle muffler in any many that results in an increased noise level when the vehicle is in operation
- Prohibited operations:
- Areas designated as a park or playground;
- Sidewalks or designated walking paths;
- Private properties without the express permission of the property owner or occupant;
- Property of any hospital, health centre, school or senior citizen’s home;
- Within 15 metres of airport terminal buildings or the ends and sides of airport runways or ramps;
- Any area where signs prohibit the use and operation of a snow vehicle; and
- Areas where persons engage in skiing, skating, tobogganing, or another outdoor recreational activity.
- Operation on highways
- Age of Operators (Operation prohibited under 13 years of age unless accompanied by a person who is 19 years of age or older).
- Penalties
Members of the community are encouraged to become familiar with the municipal Snow Vehicle Regulations, found on the Town Website; a copy can also be obtained from the Town Hall, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
In addition to the municipal regulations, owners and operators should also become familiar with the regulations set by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. These regulations include specifications for noise-reducing equipment.
The Town also encourages snowmobiles to have a valid Trail Pass from the Grand River Snowmobile Club. Established in 1998, the Grand River Snowmobile Club is an incorporated, not-for-profit club that aims to see a system of national standard trails established in the Upper Lake Melville area.
For more information on Trail Passes, contact the Grand River Snowmobile Club by visiting their Facebook. Click on the below link to download a copy of the Municipal Snow Vehicle Regulations:
https://happyvalley-goosebay.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/snow_vehicle_regulations.pdf
The Town appreciates the public’s assistance in making our public areas safe and raising awareness on snowmobile safety.