So many changes have happened to the sport of snowmobiling in the last few years, better trails, improved and more reliable snowmobiles, and stronger organizations directing the sport.
It is about time the laws have caught up to the changes.
Bill 101 was introduced at its first reading June 20th 2000 and become law in May of 2001.
The Bill was introduced to promote snowmobile trail sustainability and enhance safety and enforcement. The Minister of Tourism, The Honorable C. Jackson, introduced this Bill.
One of the first changes to snowmobiling in the year 2001 as a result of this new law will be that all snowmobiles will be required to have a trail permit while on designated trails (Sec. 2.1 (1) Motorized Snow Vehicles Act). In the past this was a trespassing offence, now anyone failing to have a trail permit will receive a fine from between $200.00 and $1000.00. This change to the law means no more free rides. Enforcing the use of trail permits will guarantee the survival of this sport. The snowmobilers who use the 49,000 kilometers of groomed trails in this province will have to pay their share of the building, maintenance, and repair costs of these trails.
To deter people from running from the police, there has been some changes to the wording in the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, such as the driver of a snowmobile is required to carry with him or her their driver’s licence, snowmobile operators licence, and the motorized snow vehicle registration at all times. They must also stop when directed by a police officer and produce those documents. Bill 101 has brought into effect a new law that if a person fails to stop for police they could be fined $1,000.00 to $10,000.00 and/or imprisonment up to six months. The driver could also have his driver’s licence suspended for up to five years on the first conviction. If death or injury occurs as a result of a pursuit the driver could loose his or her licence for life. Sec. 17.1 (4) MSVA.
The wording in the new law has also changed to state that the snowmobile must be insured rather than the person driving it.
There is a new offence for driving while your licence is under suspension. Sec. 17.1 (11) MSVA. The Highway Traffic Act Sec.54 has also been amended so that your driver’s licence may be suspended for MSVA offences.
The Trespass to Property Act has also been changed as a result of Bill 101. Now the owner of a snowmobile can be convicted for trespassing offences involving his or her snowmobile.
These changes are long over due and will know doubt improve the sport of snowmobiling in our region.
Remember to ride safe and ride sober.
Cst. Douglas Morse
Durham Regional Police Service S.T.O.P Coordinator