New York, NY - November 30, 2018 - As winter approaches, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is reminding New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office.
“We’ve made the registration process as simple as possible to encourage snowmobile enthusiasts to take advantage of New York’s scenic and expansive snowmobiling trails across the state,” said Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner. “We also urge every snowmobiler to enjoy the coming season safely and responsibly.”
All snowmobiles operated in New York must be registered and marked with a validation sticker. Riders who complete a registration online can print a temporary certificate, which is valid for 15 days. DMV generates a permanent registration and mails it to the recipient, along with their validation sticker. There is no additional charge for the temporary certificate.
Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State can register if it is already registered in their home state. They can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get the 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.
The Statewide Snowmobile Trail System covers more than 10,000 miles across 45 New York counties. It is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and is maintained by more than 200 clubs. It is funded by a portion of snowmobile registration fees and through 51 municipal sponsors. Members of a New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) Snowmobile Club can receive a voucher to reduce the registration fee.
In addition, New York State is a leader in snowmobile education and offers operator training courses for snowmobilers of all ages beginning at age 10. For more information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/education.aspx.
State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, "Snowmobiling is one of many exceptional options New York State offers outdoor winter recreation enthusiasts. As the season approaches, State Parks encourages snowmobilers to take a safety course and get familiar with safety tips to help prevent accidents from spoiling an enjoyable day on the trail."
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Each winter, New York’s magnificent landscapes transform into a winter wonderland for outdoor adventurers to explore and enjoy. DEC maintains a vast network of more than 1,800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails across the state connecting riders of all abilities with New York’s unmatched beauty while boosting local tourism economies. Snowmobile registrations support new trail construction and ongoing maintenance of snowmobile trails on state land. I encourage New York’s large snowmobiling community to register their sleds and ride safely this winter.”
Snowmobilers must always carry registration and proof of insurance documents on them while snowmobiling. Riders must produce the documents at the request of any law enforcement officer or magistrate. Additionally, riders must produce insurance documentation at the request of anyone who is injured or suffers property damage as a result of operating a snowmobile. Holders of snowmobile safety certificates must carry the certificate when they are snowmobiling.
DMV also reminds snowmobilers that it is illegal to operate a snowmobile while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and drivers and passengers must wear helmets on the state snowmobile trail system.
You can learn more about registering a snowmobile in New York State on the DMV’s website at https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/register-snowmobile.
For more info on the New York State Snowmobile Trail System and tips for operation please visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7718.html and https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles.
A map of New York’s extensive snowmobile trails is available at https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/maps.aspx.