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There were 161,404 licensed snowmobiles in Québec in 2005. For the many enthusiasts who visit from all over North America and Europe, the 33,500 kilometres of trails in Québec make it the ideal snowmobiling destination.

Unfortunately, this picture is marred by an excessive number of accidents that result in serious or fatal injuries. For example, 21 snowmobilers died as a result of accidents during the 2005-2006 season.

For close to 10 years now, the reports issued by the Office of the Chief Coroner have clearly indicated that speeding, alcohol abuse, and carelessness are the main causes of fatal snowmobile accidents, both on public roads and on off-road trails.

In 1996, after consulting with various parties who have an interest in this activity, the Ministère des Transports (MTQ) asked the National Assembly to adopt the Act respecting off-highway vehicles. This legislation brought in rules governing the use of all OHVs, including snowmobiles, in order to counter the increasing number of serious accidents and deaths.

In 2006, the Act was amended to tighten rules and improve coexistence between snowmobile trail users and neighbouring residents.

Comparative table of the number of licensed snowmobiles and deaths resulting from accidents in Québec
	1999- 2000	2000- 2001	2001- 2002	2002- 2003	2003- 2004	2004- 2005	2005- 2006
Deaths	20	30	27	37	29	43	21
Snowmobiles	151,608	148,498	149,915	145,843	157,370	161,440	161,404

Safety helmet

Wearing a safety helmet is compulsory, regardless of where you operate a snowmobile.

Minimum age and training

The minimum age for operating a snowmobile is 16. In addition, a certificate of competence is compulsory for riders aged 16 or 17. This certificate is issued by the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec after the completion of a training course.

Speed limit

Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit for snowmobiles is 70 km/h. The speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h within 30 m of a dwelling.

Mandatory equipment

Snowmobiles must have the mandatory safety equipment, and removing or modifying it is prohibited. It is also illegal to modify the muffler of a snowmobile or any of its components.

Driving on public roads and driver’s permit

Every year, approximately one quarter of fatal snowmobile accidents occur on public roads.

• Except as provided in the Act respecting off-highway vehicles, it is illegal to operate a snowmobile on public roads.
• Snowmobiles can only cross or drive on public roads at authorized locations that are identified by the appropriate traffic signs.
• Only the manager of the road network (the MTQ or the municipality) can authorize the use of a public road.
• A snowmobile operator must hold a valid driver’s licence in order to use a public road under the conditions set out in the Act.

Riding near inhabited areas

In general, it is illegal to ride within 30 metres of a dwelling, a health establishment, or an area that is reserved for cultural, educational, or sports activities. However, the Act provides for certain exceptions. Snowmobiles must slow down when approaching one of these locations, and be careful not to make too much noise, especially at night!

Insurance

Every owner of a snowmobile must hold a minimum of $500,000 of third-party liability insurance. Pursuant to the Automobile Insurance Act, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) does not compensate snowmobilers for accidents unless a moving automobile is involved. It is recommended that snowmobile owners take out a personal insurance policy that provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage.

The Federation’s clubs are required to develop, maintain, and mark their trails in order to improve safety. As a result, these trails form an extensive and safe network.

Driving on bodies of water

Before driving on a body of water, make sure that it is frozen over hard enough to be safe. Every season, close to one quarter of snowmobile deaths are caused by drowning.

Survival kit

Be prepared, and carry a basic survival kit that includes the following items:

• a basic toolkit and a spare key;
• spark plugs, a drive belt, and antifreeze, if applicable;
• a first-aid kit and manual;
• a sharp pocket knife, a saw, or a hatchet;
• a nylon rope that can be used for towing (approximately 10 metres long);
• a trail map and a compass;
• waterproof matches, a flashlight, and a whistle;
• a light aluminium blanket.

There is no guarantee that a cell phone will be reliable outside of urban areas or far from major road corridors. Therefore, it is a good idea to carry a topographic map. It may also be useful to bring along a GPS receiver (satellite tracking system/global positioning system) to help you find your way in the woods.

Trail security officers

Trail security officers are volunteers who patrol the trails in order to increase awareness of the importance of obeying the law. Their work requires know-how and dedication, and they deserve your respect and your complete cooperation.

Hand signals

There is a very simple system of signals that all snowmobilers should know and use when riding on the trails. These hand signals have been approved by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), and they allow you to convey essential information to other snowmobilers who are following or approaching you.

Right Turn	Left turn		Slow down	Last snowmobile
Left arm raised to shoulder height, elbow bent, forearm vertical, and hand open.	Left arm extended straight out from the shoulder and pointing in the direction of the turn.		Left arm extended out and down from the side of the body with a downward flapping motion as a warning signal.	Raise the forearm and make a fist at the shoulder.
Oncoming snowmobile		Snowmobiles following		Stop
Left arm raised to shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical, wrist bent, move the arm from left to right above the head, indicating the right side of the trail.		Arm raised, elbow bent, and thumb pointing backward, like a hitchhiker, move the arm from front to back above the shoulder.		Arm raised vertically and open hand1.

Respecting the environment

Snowmobiling is a privilege. In light of this, it is important that users act in a manner that demonstrates thoughtful and respectful use of the environment. Always be sure to respect the environment and wildlife.

Respecting property

The MTQ expects you to obey the law and be civic-minded, and it asks you to travel on the trails that are marked and maintained by your federations. Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that snowmobilers damage the fences that are installed by the MTQ along road rights-of-way in order to travel off the trails that are set aside for them, and operate illegally on public roads. The fences and other installations are there for a reason, and are intended to ensure your safety and that of road users.

In addition, you must obtain the owner’s permission to ride on private property. Infractions are subject to a fine of $250 to $500.

The Act respecting off-highway vehicles provides for fines, which generally range from $100 to $1,000, as follows:

• $100 to $200 for crossing a public road at a location that is not authorized by a road sign, or for driving within 30 metres of a dwelling;
• $250 to $500 for not being in possession of an insurance certificate;
• In the case of a person having authority over a child under the age of 16 years, $500 to $1,000 for permitting or tolerating the operation of a snowmobile by this child, and in the case of the owner or custodian of a snowmobile with authority over a child under the age of 18, permitting or tolerating the operation of a snowmobile by this child when this child does not hold a certificate of competence;
• Graduated fines for exceeding the speed limit.

Schedule of fines for speeding violations
	Snowmobile		All-terrain vehicle
Maximum speed (s. 27)	70 km/h		50 km/h
Excessive speed range and fine Category 1	71 to 74 km/h 75 to 79 km/h 80 to 84 km/h 85 to 89 km/h 90 km/h	$25 $35 $45 $55 $65	51 to 54 km/h 55 to 59 km/h 60 to 64 km/h 56 to 69 km/h 70 km/h	$25 $35 $45 $55 $65
Excessive speed range and fine Category 2	91 to 94 km/h 95 to 99 km/h 100 km/h	$85 $100 $115	71 to 74 km/h 75 to 79 km/h 80 km/h	$85 $100 $115
Excessive speed range and fine Category 3	101 to 104 km/h 105 to 109 km/h 110 to 114 km/h 115 km/h	$145 $165 $185 $205	81 to 84 km/h 85 to 89 km/h 90 to 94 km/h 95 km/h	$145 $165 $185 $205
Excessive speed range and fine Category 4	116 to 119 km/h 120 to 124 km/h 125 to 129 km/h 130 km/h	$250 $275 $300 $325	96 to 99 km/h 100 to 104 km/h 105 to 109 km/h 110 km/h	$250 $275 $300 $325
Excessive speed range and fine Category 5	131 to 134 km/h 135 to 139 km/h 140 km/h +	$385 $415 $445 and up	111 to 114 km/h 115 to 119 km/h 120 km/h +	$385 $415 $445 and up

Fines for other infractions
Selling a non-conforming exhaust system 2	$250 to $500
Riding on private property
Short-term rental of an overpowered OHV
Failure to obey an order to stop

Remember that the primary purpose of the Act respecting off-highway vehicles is to ensure your safety and that of others. The use of snowmobiles will continue to grow in the future as long as we can ensure riders that they can continue to enjoy this activity safely.

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¹ In some places, the STOP signal may be made with the right arm because the left hand is used to activate the brakes. In either case, snowmobilers should be vigilant and ready to stop.

² The fine for modifying an exhaust system in such a way as to cause it to be more polluting remains $100 to $200.