Driving a snowmobile can also be a necessity in emergencies or if you live in a remote area. In Ontario, whether you drive for fun or as part of your everyday life, you need a driver’s license, insurance and permit to take your snowmobile out.
Before you drive
In addition to a valid driver’s license, you’ll need a motorized snow vehicle operator’s license (MSVOL) and an approved snowmobile helmet to be able to drive. The MSVOL is issued by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs so that you can drive your snowmobile on trails. This also usually involves completing a driver’s course.
Make sure that you check the Government of Ontario’s website which outlines the requirements for snowmobile ownership and operation.
Snowmobile insurance
You are required to have insurance if you drive your snowmobile on public roads, on property that is not your own and on public trails.
Snowmobile insurance is insured through an automobile policy. Much like car insurance, the mandatory coverages in Ontario for a snowmobile are:
- Third party liability which protects you if you cause injury or property damage during an accident.
- Uninsured/unidentified snowmobiles which provides coverage for medical expenses and damages if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or unidentified snowmobiler such as a hit and run.
- Accident benefits – coverage for medical and rehabilitation expenses if you are injured in an accident, whether you are at-fault or not.
As with car insurance, you have optional coverages to choose from to add to your policy for more protection. There are many optional coverages, here are some of the more popular ones to consider:
- Comprehensive which covers your snowmobile for all types of damage, except Collision or Upset.
- Collision or Upset which covers your snowmobile for damage from an accident with another vehicle or object such as a collision or single vehicle accident.
- All Perils which covers both Comprehensive and Collision or Upset.
- Direct Compensation Property Damage which covers you for damage to your snowmobile where you were not at fault. You work with your insurance company for a simpler process, rather than claiming through the at-fault driver’s insurance which could be a lengthy process.
Safety first
Snowmobiling is fun when you stay safe.
Before going on a trip
- Check your snowmobile is in good working condition and fill up the gas tank.
- Check the weather, trail and ice conditions and wear the appropriate clothing.
- Let someone know where you’re going.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged, and have a first aid kit and survival kit ready.
When riding
- Always wear an approved helmet, whether you are driving or riding as a passenger.
- Stay on the trail and drive on the right-hand side.
- Obey signs and signals, slow down in unfamiliar terrain, come to a complete stop before entering any roadway and take extra care crossing roads and railroad crossings.
- Never ride on private property without the owner’s permission.
- When towing a toboggan, sled, or similar vehicle, use a rigid tow bar and safety chain. If anyone is riding on the towed device, they must be wearing an approved helmet.
What else you should know
- There are speed limits for snowmobiles. On a trail and on roads where the speed limit is over 50 kph, the snowmobile’s speed limit is 50 kph. On roads where the speed limit is 50 kph or less and in any public park or exhibition grounds, the snowmobile’s speed limit is 20 kph.
- Just like impaired driving, there is also impaired snowmobiling which bring the same serious consequences as impaired driving. Read our blog on impaired driving here.
Sources:
The Government of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/snowmobile-safety
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/
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