District 1 Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

As an off-road experience, snowmobiling is an inherently risky activity. The OFSC assumes every rider using an OFSC Prescribed Trail understands and accepts that:

All snowmobiles will be operated under a lawful trail use permit;

All operators and passengers willingly use the trails at their own risk;

Operators and passengers know and will obey the law, including, The Occupiers' Liability Act, The Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and the Trespass to Property Act;

It is recognized and accepted that snowmobiling is essentially an off-road activity taking place in the natural environment;

The OFSC is a volunteer-based organization with finite resources and manpower;

It is not practical, possible or desirable to maintain all trails uniformly or to remove all potential hazards;

The OFSC is providing the privilege of trail access without any guarantee of service or quality;

Operators and passengers will not consume alcohol prior to or while using the trails;

Operators and passengers will be prudent and responsible and shall ensure that snowmobiles are operated with appropriate care and control at all times;

Operators and passengers know how to snowmobile competently and understand that the operation of snowmobiles requires full cognitive abilities;

Weather conditions affect trails and snowmobile operation and they may change without warning;

The maximum speed on trails is 50 km/h unless reduced by law or conditions;

There may be permitted users on the trail other than snowmobilers;

Operators will stay to the right of the trail notwithstanding that there are no centre lines;

Operators know that there may be grooming or other maintenance activities under way at any time of the day or night which may take up the whole or any part of the trail and have the right of way;

Operators and passengers know that snowmobile trails are not engineered highways;

All operators and passengers know and will adhere to the principles published as the Safe Riders Pledge by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers' Association;

Operators and passengers are aware that emergency and cell phone service may not be available;

Operators and passengers are aware that there are generally no legal requirements for signage on trails and, when provided, it is only for assistance and convenience;

Operators and passengers know that snowmobiling on OFSC trails is regarded as a family-oriented activity;

Operators and passengers know the unique and particular dangers of ice crossing;

The grooming and maintenance of trails, when provided, is meant solely to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of the safe and prudent operators and passengers;

Operators and passengers will dress appropriately for all conditions and will have appropriate safety and emergency equipment at all times.

Many of the same rules of the road that apply to motor vehicle drivers are also the rules of the trails for snowmobile operators. Failure to comply with these rules carries similar penalties, including possible fines, loss of driver's licence, criminal charges and/or imprisonment.

To drive a snowmobile legally, it is mandatory to possess a valid driver's licence and/or snowmobile operator's permit, and carry current snowmobile registration and proof of liability insurance (minimum $500,000) at all times.

Both driver and passenger must wear a helmet when riding a snowmobile.

To ride on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs prescribed snowmobile trails, the law requires that a valid Snowmobile Trail Permit be affixed to your windshield. You can buy a permit from any local snowmobile dealer or at various snowmobile or click on www.ofsc.on.ca for more information.

The fine for failing to have or display a valid permit is a minimum of $205, to a maximum of $1,000.

Throughout the upcoming season, snowmobilers will notice many changes on OFSC prescribed trails.

The new signage approach continues to remind riders that snowmobiling is an inherently risky activity that each individual chooses to participate in of their own free will and at their sole risk. It also provides ongoing notice to riders of their personal responsibility to choose to ride the OFSC trail in a save, prudent and lawful manner. Any signage provided by the OFSC for the convenience of snowmobilers is never a substitute for rider knowledge, choice or vigilance. The law says that snowmobiles must stop at all road crossings.

Snowmobile clubs and volunteers are under no legal obligation to place any signs on snowmobile trails, but do so as a courtesy and convenience, to provide visual assistance for riders who are operating their sleds within the law and with care and control.

RED - Significant Warning. Failure to obey may result in personal injury or death.

Maximum 50 km/h sign

The maximum legal trail speed limit in Ontario unless otherwise posted.