Maine Snowmobile Laws,
Rules and Regulations

HIGHLIGHTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST

§7821. Definitions:

Unless a different meaning is plainly required for the purposes of this subchapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings.

1-A. "Antique snowmobile" means a snowmobile more than 25 years old that is registered as an antique snowmobile under section 7824, subsection 2-B.

1.  "Cowling" means the forward or rear portion of the vehicle, usually of fiberglass or similar material, surrounding the motor and clutch assembly.

2.  "Dwelling" means any building used as a permanent residence or place of domicile.

3.  "To Operate" in all its moods and tenses, when it refers to a snowmobile, means to use a snowmobile in any manner within the jurisdiction of the State, whether or not the vehicle is under way.

4.  "Owner" for the purposes of registration, means any person holding title to a snowmobile or having exclusive right to the use of a snowmobile for a period greater than 30 days.

5.  "Snowmobile" means any vehicle propelled by mechanical power that is primarily designed to travel over ice or snow supported in part by skis, belts or cleats.

§7823. License

No operator's license is required for the operation of a snowmobile.

§7824. Registration

2.  Fee. Except as provided in 2-B (antique snowmobiles), the annual snowmobile registration fee is as follows:

A. For residents, $33. The registration for a snowmobile owned by a resident is valid for one year, commencing on July 1st; and

 B. For nonresidents:

(1) $43 for a 3-consecutive day registration.

(2) $58 for a 10-consecutive day registration.

NOTE:  A person may purchase more than one 3-day or 10-day registration in any season.

(3) $68 for a seasonal registration.  The registration for a snowmobile owned by a nonresident must specify the dates for which the registration is valid.

2-A.  Servicemen permanently stationed in Maine. The following persons are eligible to register any snowmobile owned by them at the resident fee:

Any person serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who is permanently stationed at a military or naval post, station or base in the State; and the spouse and children of that person, provided they permanently reside with that person.

Certification from the commander (or designated agent) of his post, station or base, that the person mentioned in the certificate is permanently stationed at that post, station or base is required. 

Registration fees shall be allocated as if the person registering the snowmobile was a resident of the municipality in which the post, station or base is situated.

2-B.  Antique snowmobile registration fee.   A resident who owns a snowmobile that is more than 25 years old and that is substantially maintained in original or restored condition may register that snowmobile under this subsection as an antique snowmobile. An antique snowmobile registration authorizes that snowmobile to be operated only for the purpose of traveling to, returning from and participating in an exhibition, parade or other event of interest to the public, or for occasional personal use. The fee for an antique snowmobile registration is $33. An antique snowmobile registration is valid until the ownership of that antique snowmobile is transferred to another person. Upon the transfer of ownership, the new owner may reregister that snowmobile as an antique snowmobile by paying the $33 antique snowmobile registration fee. The registration fee for an antique snowmobile is allocated according to subsection 3, paragraph 

   A.  (NOTE: Snowmobiles registered under this section are not required to display the registration numbers).

3.  Allocation of Fees.    The Legislature shall appropriate to the department in each fiscal year an amount equal to the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting revenue under this subsection. The department's administrative costs must be verified by the Department of Conservation and the Department of Administrative and Financial Services.

A. The registration fee for residents is credited as follows 

(1) Twenty-two percent is credited to the General Fund as undedicated revenue; 

(2) Fifty-two percent is credited to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands and;

(3) Twenty-six percent is annually distributed to the municipality of the owner's residence as shown on the owners registration certificate, except that in unorganized territory, 26% is annually distributed to the county of the owner's residence as shown on the owner's registration certificate.

11. Operating a snowmobile at greater than reasonable and prudent speed.  A person is guilty of operating a snowmobile at greater than a reasonable and prudent speed if he operates any snowmobile except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions [on any trail].

12. Unlawfully operating a snowmobile while underage. A person is guilty of unlawfully operating a snowmobile while under age if he is under the age of 14 years and operates a snowmobile across any public way maintained for travel.

13. Permitting an unaccompanied child to operate a snowmobile.  A person is guilty, except as provided in sub-§23, paragraph E, of permitting an unaccompanied child to operate a snowmobile if he permits a child under 10 years of age to operate any snowmobile unless accompanied by an adult (within visual and voice contact and under the effective control of a child's parent or guardian or another person 21 years of age or older).

13-A. Headgear required.  A person operating a snowmobile on a snowmobile trail identified by the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands as having been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund pursuant to section 7824, subsection 4, may not:

A.  If the person is under 18 years of age, fail to wear protective headgear that conforms to the standards established under Title 29-A, section 3: or

B.  If carrying a passenger under 18 years of age on the snowmobile unless the passenger is wearing protective headgear that conforms to the standards established under Title 29-A, section 2038, subsection 3.

A person who violates this subsection commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

The Department of Conservation,  Bureau of Parks and Lands shall develop an administratively simple means of identifying trails that have been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund so that snowmobile riders can readily determine to what trails this subsection applies.

14. Operating a snowmobile which exceeds noise limit.  A person is guilty, except as provided in sub-§23, paragraphs A and F, of operating a snowmobile which exceeds the noise limit if he operates a snowmobile above the following noise limits.

A. Every snowmobile manufactured after 10/1/73, and offered for sale or sold in this State shall be constructed to limit the total vehicle noise to  not more than 82 decibels of sound pressure level at 50 feet on the A scale, as measured by the SAE standards J-192.

B. Every snowmobile manufactured after 2/1/75, and offered for sale or sold in this State shall be constructed to limit total vehicle noise to not more than 78 decibels of sound pressure level at 50 feet on the A scale, as measured by the SAE standards J-192.

15. Unlawfully modifying snowmobile.  A person is guilty, except as provided in sub-§23, paragraph A, of unlawfully modifying a snowmobile if he modifies any snowmobile in a manner that amplifies or otherwise increases total noise emission above that emitted by the snowmobile as originally constructed, regardless of the date of the manufacture.

16. Operating a snowmobile with insufficient lights.  A person is guilty, except as provided in sub-§23, paragraph A, of operating a snowmobile with insufficient lights if he operates a snowmobile which is not equipped as follows:

A. Every snowmobile shall have mounted on the front at least one headlight capable of casting a white beam for a distance of at least 100 feet directly ahead of the snowmobile; and

B. Every snowmobile shall have mounted on the rear at least one lamp capable of displaying a red light which shall be visible at a distance of at least 100 feet behind the snowmobile.

17. Failure to use snowmobile lights.  A person is guilty, except as provided in sub-§23, paragraph A, of failure to use snowmobile lights if he fails to use the lights required under sub-§16 as follows:

A.  During the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; and

B.  At any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions caused by fog or otherwise, other persons, vehicles and other objects are not clearly discernible for a distance of 500 feet ahead.

18.Operating a snowmobile on railroad tracks.  A person is guilty, except as provided in sub-§23, paragraph F-1, of unlawfully operating a snowmobile on railroad tracks, if that person:

A. Operates any snowmobile along or adjacent and parallel to the tracks of any railroad within the limits of any railroad right-of-way without written permission from the railroad owning the right-of-way; or

B. Operates any snowmobile across the tracks of any railroad after having been forbidden to do so by the railroad owning the railroad right-of-way, or by an agent of that railroad, either personally or by appropriate notices posted conspicuously along the railroad right-of-way.

19. Operating a snowmobile in a cemetery.  A person is guilty of operating a snowmobile in a cemetery if he operates any snowmobile in any cemetery, burial place or burying ground.

20. Operating too close to certain buildings.  A person is guilty, except as provided in sub-§23, paragraph G, of operating too close to a dwelling, hospital, nursing home, convalescent home or church if he operates a snowmobile within 200 feet of any of those buildings.

20-A. Abuse of another person's property.  A person is guilty of abuse of another persons property if, while operating a snowmobile, that person tears down or destroys a fence or wall on another person's land, leaves open a gate or bars on another person's land or tramples or destroys crops on another person's land.

21. Unlawfully permitting operation.  A person is guilty of unlawfully permitting operation of a snowmobile if that person owns a snowmobile that is operated by another person in violation of any section of this subchapter.  A person is guilty of unlawfully permitting operation of a snowmobile if that person is the parent or guardian responsible for the care of a minor under 18 years of age who operates a snowmobile in violation of this subchapter.

22. Failure to report accident.  A person is guilty of failure to report a snowmobile accident if that person:

A. Is the operator of any snowmobile involved in any accident resulting in injuries requiring the services of a physician, in death of any person; some person acting for such an operator; or the owner of the involved snowmobile having knowledge of the accident, should the operator of the snowmobile be unknown; and

B. Fails to give notice of the accident, by the quickest means, to a law enforcement officer available nearest to the place where the accident occurred.

Accidents involving only property damage to the estimated amount of $1,000 or more must be reported within 72 hours on accident report forms provided by the department.

Failure to give notice of certain snowmobile accidents under §7827, sub-§22 to the nearest available law enforcement officer to the place where the accident occurred shall be prima facie evidence that the accident was not reported.   (12 MRSA Section 7952).

A. Notwithstanding subsections 1, 14, 15, 16 and 17, snowmobiles operated at a prearranged racing meet whose sponsor has obtained a permit to hold such a meet from the commissioner are exempt from the provisions of this subchapter concerning registration, noise, horsepower, and lights during the time of operation at such meets and at all pre-race practice at the location of the meet.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-§1:   

(1) No registration shall be required for a snowmobile operated over the snow on land on which the owner lives or is domiciled, provided the snowmobile is not operated elsewhere within the jurisdiction of this State,

(2) No registration shall be required for a snowmobile operated by a commercial ski area for the purpose of packing snow or for rescue operation thereon, unless the snowmobile is required to cross a  public way during that operation; and

(3) Snowmobiles owned and operated in this State by the Federal Government, the State or political subdivision of the State shall be exempt from registration fees, but shall be registered and required to display numbers.

(4) Registration is not required to field test repairs to a snowmobile if valid snowmobile repair shop number plates issued under section 7825-A are affixed to the snowmobile during the field test and the snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any repair shop employee; and

(5) Registration is not required to field test repairs to a snowmobile if the snowmobile is tested on the premises of the repair shop when the snowmobile repair shop is open and the snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any repair shop employee.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-§2:

(1) Properly registered snowmobiles may cross controlled access highways by use of bridges over or roads under those highways, or by use of roads crossing controlled access highways at grade;  and

(2) The Commissioner of Transportation may issue special permits for designated crossings of controlled access highways.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-§4:

(1) Properly registered snowmobiles may operate on a public way only the distance necessary, but in no case to exceed 300 yards on the extreme right of the traveled way for the purpose of crossing, as directly as possible, a public way, sidewalk or culvert;

(2) Properly registered snowmobiles may operate on a public way only the distance necessary, but in no case to exceed 500 yards on the extreme right of the traveled way for the sole purpose of crossing, as directly as possible, a bridge, overpass or underpass, provided that the operation can be made in safety and that it does not interfere with vehicular traffic approaching from either direction on the public way;

(3) Snowmobiles may operate on any portion of public ways when the public way has been closed in accordance with Title 23, §2953;

(4) If the main traveled portion of a public way is publicly plowed and utilized by conventional motor vehicles, snowmobiles may operate only on that portion of the way not maintained or utilized for the operation of conventional motor vehicles, except that operation on the left side of the way is prohibited during the hours from sunset to sunrise on the portion of the way not maintained or utilized for the operation of conventional motor vehicles. This subparagraph does not apply to a snowmobile operated by a public utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission while being operated in the course of the utility's corporate function, so that public utilities may effectively and speedily carry out their obligations to the public.

(5) Snowmobiles may be operated on streets and public ways during a period of emergency when the emergency has been so declared by a police agency having jurisdiction and when travel by conventional motor vehicles is not practicable. This subparagraph shall not apply to a snowmobile operated by a public utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission while being operated in the course of the utilities corporate function, so that public utilities may effectively and speedily carry out their obligations to the public; and

(6) Snowmobiles may be operated on streets and public ways in special snowmobile events of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule, under a permit from the governmental unit having jurisdiction.

(7) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (1) to (6), snowmobiles may be operated on the extreme right of a public way within the built-up portion of a municipality, unorganized or unincorporated township if the appropriate governmental unit has designated the public way as a snowmobile access route for the purpose of allowing snowmobiles access to places of business. A public way designated by an appropriate governmental unit as a snowmobile-access route must be posted conspicuously at regular intervals by that governmental unit with highly visible signs designating the snowmobile-access route. Before designating a public way as a snowmobile-access route, the appropriate governmental unit shall make appropriate determinations that snowmobile travel on the extreme right of the public way may be conducted safely and will not interfere with vehicular traffic on the public way. For purposes of this subparagraph, "appropriate governmental unit" means the Dept. of  Transportation, county commissioners or municipal officers within their respective jurisdictions. The jurisdiction of each appropriate governmental unit over public ways pursuant to this subparagraph is the same as its jurisdiction over the passage of vehicles on public ways  pursuant to Title 29 §902. Municipal or county law enforcement officials having jurisdiction have primary enforcement authority over any route established under this paragraph.

E. Notwithstanding sub-§13, that subsection does not apply on land which is owned by the parent or guardian or on land where permission for use has been granted to the parent or guardian.

F. Notwithstanding sub-§14:

(1) Snowmobiles manufactured on or before 10/1/73 may be operated without reference to that subsection, unless they have been modified in violation of sub-§15; and

(2) Snowmobiles manufactured after 10/1/73, but on or before 2/1/75, may be operated without reference to the requirements of that subsection concerning the noise limit of  78 decibels of sound pressure.

F-1. Notwithstanding sub-§18: a person is not guilty of operating a snowmobile on railroad tracks if he is operating within the right-of-way of a portion of railroad line which has been officially abandoned under the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission.

G. Notwithstanding sub-§20, that subsection does not apply in the following situations:

(1) When operating on public ways in accordance with sub-§§4, 5, 6 and 7 and sub-§23, 
paragraph C;

(2) When operating on the frozen surface of any body of water; and 

(3) When operating on land which the operator owns or is permitted to use.

24. Unlawful issuance of snowmobile registration.  An agent is guilty of unlawfully issuing a snowmobile registration if that agent issues a resident snowmobile registration to a nonresident or a nonresident snowmobile registration to a resident.

25. Fraudulent acquisition of a snowmobile registration. A person is guilty of fraudulently obtaining a snowmobile registration if that person obtains that registration through fraud, misstatement or misrepresentation.

26. Unlawfully renting or leasing a snowmobile.  A person is guilty of unlawfully renting or leasing a snowmobile if that person rents or leases a snowmobile in violation of section 7825-B.

§7828. Implied consent to chemical tests

Any person who operates or attempts to operate a snowmobile within this State has a duty to submit to a test to determine that person's blood-alcohol level or drug concentration by analysis of blood, breath or urine if there is probable cause to believe that the person has operated or attempted to operate a snowmobile while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. The duty to submit to a blood alcohol or drug concentration test includes the duty to complete either a blood, breath or urine test or any combination of those tests. Tests and procedures applicable in determining whether a person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs are governed by §7912.

§7829. Liability for damage by other persons.

The owner of a snowmobile, the person who gives or furnishes that snowmobile to a person under 18 years of age and the parent or guardian responsible for the care of that minor are jointly and severally liable with the minor for any damages caused in the operation of the snowmobile by that minor. 

§7830. Impoundment of snowmobiles.

When a law enforcement officer issues a summons for a violation under this subchapter, the officer may impound the snowmobile operated by the person who receives the summons if, in the judgment of the officer, based on actual previous offenses by the operator or other considerations, the operator will continue to operate the machine in violation of this subchapter and that operation may be a hazard to the safety of persons or property. 

The operator or owner of an impounded snowmobile may reclaim the snowmobile at any time subsequent to 24 hours after the issuance of the summons upon payment of the costs of impoundment to the enforcement agency impounding the snowmobile.

In addition to the snowmobile law, the following provisions apply to snowmobiles and are found elsewhere in the Inland Fisheries & Wildlife laws:

§7035. Powers

The commissioner may adopt, amend and repeal reasonable rules, including emergency rules, necessary for the proper administration, implementation, enforcement and interpretation of any provision of law that he is charged with the duty of administering. These rules duly promulgated shall have the full force and effect of law and shall be effective upon filing with the Secretary of State, unless a later date is required by statute or specified in the rule.

No municipality or political subdivision of the State shall enact any ordinance, law or rule regulating the operation, registration or numbering of snowmobiles, or any other matter of chapter 715, subchapters I and II.

§7053 Game Warden's Duties and Powers

In addition to other powers granted in chapters 701 to 721, game wardens may: Stop and examine any snowmobile to ascertain whether it is being operated in compliance with chapter 715, subchapter 11; demand and inspect the operator's certificate of registration; and examine the identification numbers of the snowmobile and any marks on it.

§7056.  Officials with certain powers and duties of game wardens

Snowmobile laws.  All law enforcement personnel of the State, including those of the Bureau of Forestry and supervisors and rangers of the State Bureau of Parks and Lands and Allagash Wilderness Waterway shall have the same powers and duties as game wardens to enforce chapter 715, subchapter 11.

§7060. Failure to stop for a law enforcement officer.

A person is guilty of failure to stop for a law enforcement officer if he fails or refuses to stop any snowmobile on request or signal of any law enforcement officer in uniform whose duty it is to enforce chapter 715, subchapter 11.

§7901-A.  Penalties. 

Violation of a prohibited act in chapter 715 is a civil violation, except for the following criminal violations: Reckless operation of a snowmobile (7827, sub-§8); operating under the influence (7827, sub-§9); operating to endanger (7827, sub-§10); operating at greater than reasonable/prudent speed (7827, sub-§11); unlawful issuance/fraudulent acquisition of a snowmobile registration (7827, sub-§§24 & 25).

§7910. Collection and disposition of money.

Moneys relating to snowmobile laws and rules shall be collected and expended in accordance with §7824, subsections 3-4.

The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has adopted the following regulations pertaining to snowmobiles in the State of Maine.

Chapter (9.02). Displaying registration number and validation stickers

Other provisions of posting.

• Signs or paint markings must be at all vehicular access entrances from a public way.
  
• It is unlawful to post the land of another and to remove, destroy, mutilate or deface any signs or paint marks.
  
• Trespass by a motor vehicle is a violation of the trespass law.

Damage to Another's Property (14 MRSA, §7551-B):  

Any person who intentionally enters the land of another without permission and causes damage to property is liable to the owner in a civil action if the person: damages or throws down any fence, bar or gate; leaves a gate open; breaks glass; damages any road, drainage ditch,  culvert, bridge, sign or paint marking; or does other damage to any structure on property not that person's own or throws, drops, deposits, discards, dumps or otherwise disposes of litter, as defined in Title 17, section 2263, subsection 2, in any manner or amount, on property not that persons own. 

If the damage is intentional the person doing the damage is liable to the owner for 2 times the actual damage plus additional costs which includes the attorney fees of the landowner, costs and the value of the owner's time spent on involvement in an enforcement proceeding; if the damage is not caused intentionally, the person is liable to the owner for the actual damages plus the costs described above.

Unlawful cutting of trees (14 MRSA §7552 and 17 MRSA, §2510):   

It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently cut down or fell any tree without the consent of the owner of the property on which the tree stands.

Operating on land of another (12 MRSA §7826):

Any person operating a snowmobile upon the land of another shall stop and identify himself upon the request of the landowner or his duly authorized representative. Any person in violation shall be held accountable to the owner under existing law.

For information on other provisions of these laws, call Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife's Landowner Coordinator at 287-8091.

CANADIAN BORDER CROSSING NOTES

1) You must stop at customs to cross a Canadian/U.S. border. The penalty for not stopping is $5,000 and loss of your snowmobile.

2) You must have a Trail Pass to ride Quebec and New Brunswick trails. In Quebec pick up your pass from the first club or the Federation of Clubs for Snowmobiles; telephone: (514) 252-3076.  In New Brunswick pick up your pass from the first New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (NBFSC) checkpoint (on the trail) or arrange to purchase from the NBFSC, telephone: (506) 325-2625; Fax: (506) 325-2627.

3) Trail 89/75 (Jackman) and Trail 85/19 (Fort Kent) crossing is open 24 hours/ 7 days a week.

4) Trail 92/95 crossing is only open:

5) Major ME/NB crossings are all open 24 hours/7 days a week. For local information contact: Ross Antworth,  New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (506) 325-2625. A trail pass is required and you must have personal liability insurance, by New Brunswick law, on your snowmobile. The insurance can be from your state of origin and must be available for viewing if asked for by a peace officer. Collision, theft and fire insurance are recommended but not mandatory.

6) You must have your snowmobile registered, by New Brunswick law, in your state of origin.

TIPS TO SAFE SNOWMOBILING

• Travel in groups and inform some responsible person of your plans. Fill out a trip itinerary.
• Know your machine and its capabilities.
• Respect the rights and property of others.
• If it is necessary to travel on frozen bodies of waters, do so with extra caution.
• When crossing a highway be sure the way is clear and cross as directly as possible.
• Know and obey Maine snowmobile laws.
• Do not use your machine to harass wildlife, or in areas frequented by game.

TRAIL ETHICS

• I will always operate at a reasonable and prudent speed for trail conditions;
• I will always drive to the right side of the trail and park to the right in single file or stop off the edge of the groomed surface;
• I will not pass unless recognized and motioned to pass by the snowmobile operator ahead;
• I will respect the trail groomer operator and leave the trail in the same condition I found it;
• I will not drink and drive;
• I will not ride on plowed roads except at legal crossings.

JUDGING ICE CONDITIONS

"Thick and blue, tried and true.  Thin and crispy, way to risky."

The ice traveler should look for bluish ice that is at least 4 to 6 inches thick, in order to support people and their gear.  Even if the weather has been below freezing for several days, don't guess about ice thickness.  Check ice in several places.  Use an auger, spud, or axe to make a test hole, beginning at shore and continuing as you go out.

If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off.  Don't go on the ice during thaws.  Watch out for thin, clear or honeycomb-shaped ice.  Dark snow and dark ice are other signs of weak spots.

Choose small bodies of water.  Rivers and lakes are prone to wind and wave action, which can break ice up quickly.  Avoid areas with currents, around bridges and pressure ridges.

In the wintertime, outdoor enthusiasts frequently need to know how thick the ice is and whether it is safe to walk across it.  The American Pulpwood Association has published a hand reference chart that gives a good rule-of-thumb for ponds and lake ice thickness.

This table is for clear, blue ice on lakes.  Reduce the strength values by 15% for clear blue river ice.  Slush ice is only one-half the strength of blue ice.  This table does not apply for parked loads. 

What if I break through the ice?

• If you break through the ice, don't panic.
• Don't try to climb out - you'll probably break the ice again.
• Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard.  This will help lift your body onto the ice.  Roll to safety.
• To help someone who has fallen in, lie down flat and reach with a branch, plank, or rope; or form a  human chain.  Don't stand.  After securing the victim, wiggle backwards to the solid ice.
• The victim may need treatment for hypothermia (cold exposure), artificial respiration or CPR.

"If your feet are cold, put on your hat."

That may seem odd, but it's good advice.  Most of our body heat is lost through your head and neck.  So wear a hat and cover your face and neck.

Dress in layers.  Wool, silk and certain synthetics are best; they'll keep you warm even if they're wet.

Insulated, waterproof boots, gloves and a windbreaker are very important.  Take extra clothing.

WARNING: Hypothermia is the
NUMBER ONE killer in the outdoors!