Snowmobiling is a fun and family-oriented activity.

A vast amount of National Forest land is open for winter travel. In some areas those traveling by skis, snowshoes, and snowmobiles must share the same routes and areas. Common sense and courtesy will provide a safe and pleasant experience for everyone.

Represent the sport well

• Be a savvy sports enthusiast. Recognize that people judge all snowmobile owners by your actions.
• Use your influence with other snowmobile owners to promote good conduct.
• Promote proper snowmobile education and training.

Care for the environment

• Do not litter trails or camping areas. Do not pollute lakes or streams.
• Snowmobile only when there is sufficient snow so you will not damage the land.
• Do not damage living trees, shrubs, or other natural features.
• Do not harass wildlife. Avoid areas posted for the protection or feeding of wildlife.

Be considerate of others

• Respect other people's property and rights.
• Do not interfere with hikers, skiers, snowshoers, ice fishermen, or other winter sports enthusiasts. Operate at minimum speeds near other recreationists and do not accelerate until well beyond those on foot. Stop and yeild the trail to dogsleds. Skiers and snowshoers should yield the track to oncoming and overtaking snowmobilers, unless the track is wide enough for safe passage.
• Lend a helping hand when you see someone in need.
• Make yourself and your vehicle available to assist search and rescue parties.

Respect wildlife

All winter recreationists should be aware that they have an impact on wintering wild animals, most notably that disturbing or displacing them causes them to burn more energy. Minimize your impact on wintering animals by following these guidelines:

• Avoid winter range whenever possible.
• Do not linger in the presence of animals, move along in a steady, deliberate fashion.
• It is unlawful to chase, harass, herd, or rally wild animals.
• Keep your machine in well-tuned condition to minimize noise and pollution.
• Avoid areas designated as "closed" for wildlife protection.

Practice safety

Snowmobiling is a fun and exciting sport the whole family can enjoy. However, winter offers certain challenges that require snowmobilers to take precautions.

• Ride smart, be prepared, and stay in control.
• Check ice and weather conditions before riding. Dress appropriately.
• Practice Zero Tolerance with respect to impaired riding.
• Never travel alone. Let others know where you are going.

Perform a pre-ride inspection

The performance of a pre-ride inspection is paramount to a safe, stress-free ride. Most equipment failures can be avoided by periodic maintenance and inspection. [Learn more]

Safety on ice: know the rules

The safest snowmobiling rule is never to cross lakes or rivers. Besides the danger of plunging through the ice, you have far less traction for starting, turning, and stopping on ice than on snow.

Collisions on lakes account for a significant number of accidents. Don't hold the attitude that lakes are flat, wide open areas, free of obstructions. Remember, if you can ride and turn in any direction, without boundaries, so can other riders. Therefore, the threat of a collision can come from any direction.

If you do snowmobile on the ice, make absolutely sure the ice is safely frozen. Don't trust the judgment of other snowmobilers. You are responsible for your own safety. Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatalities. Know what to do if you go through the ice. [Learn more]

Be Avalanche Aware

Learn to recognize avalanche areas and avoid them. Carry avalanche rescue equipment including a transceiver, probe pole and shovel, and know how to use them. Review the local avalanche advisory when available.

It is your responsibility to know and follow established rules and regulations. The following is a summary of those rules, but you should also review additional information available from your county treasurer's office, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, U.S. Forest Service offices and ranger stations, and other state and county government sources.

Laws for Road Riding

MCA 23-2-631 states that snowmobiles may operate on maintained streets, roads, or highways only if:

• the roadway is drifted or covered by snow to such an extent that travel is impossible by other motor vehicles;
• the local government allows snowmobiles to travel on plowed roads with wheeled vehicles;
• the snowmobile operator possesses a motor vehicle driver's license or a snowmobile safety certificate and travels under the visual supervision of an adult.

General Snowmobiling Laws

MCA 23-2-6 defines the rules for operating a snowmobile in Montana.

• Operating on roads — Individuals wanting to ride on SPECIFICALLY designated roads or streets are required to have a driver's license. Minors must have a Snowmobile Safety Education Course certificate and be accompanied by an adult within eyesight.
• Crossing roads — Be careful when crossing roads of any kind. Come to a complete stop and make absolutely sure no traffic is approaching from any direction. Then cross at a right angle to traffic.
• Operation at night — When operating during the hours between dusk and dawn a snowmobile must use a lighted headlight and taillight.
• Accidents — The owner or operator of a snowmobile that is involved in any accident, collision, or upset in which personal injury or fatality occurs to any person shall report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency immediately.
• Firearms — A person may not discharge a firearm from or upon a snowmobile.