Written By: Patrick Brown, Principal Partner, and Cierra Hurley, Student-At-Law
6 Minute Read
As winter blankets Ontario in snow, snowmobilers across the province are gearing up to hit the trails. With thousands of kilometres of interconnected routes maintained by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), Ontario offers some of the best snowmobiling terrain in Canada. But while the season promises adventure and excitement, it also comes with serious risks, especially early in the season when trail conditions can be unpredictable.
Before starting your engine, it’s crucial to understand both your safety obligations and legal responsibilities. Ontario has strict laws governing snowmobile use, and failure to comply can affect not only your safety but also your legal rights in the event of an accident. For updates on trail conditions and enforcement efforts in central Ontario, see OPP issues safety reminders as snowmobile trails open.
What Changes When Snowmobile Trails Open?
Each winter, snowmobile trails across Northern, Central, and Eastern Ontario open and close at different times, depending on snowfall and the availability of maintenance. Some trails may be fully groomed, while others remain partially open or closed altogether. Trail conditions can change daily due to:
- Weather fluctuations
- Grooming schedules
- Ice stability on lakes and rivers
Riders should always consult the official OFSC trail status map before heading out. Riding on closed or restricted trails is dangerous and can also expose you to legal and insurance consequences if an accident occurs.
Legal Requirements for Snowmobilers in Ontario
Snowmobilers in Ontario must comply with the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, which sets out strict safety, licensing, and insurance requirements.
Licensing and Age Rules
To legally operate a snowmobile:
- Riders 16 and older must hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence.
- Riders 12 and older without a driver’s licence must complete the Ontario Snowmobile Safety Course and obtain a Motorized Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence (MSVOL).
Riders should follow these age-based guidelines for where they can legally operate a snowmobile:
- Riders under 12 may operate only on private property.
- Riders 12-15 may ride on private property and designated trails.
- Riders 16 and older may ride on trails, private property, and approved road crossings.
All riders must carry their licence while operating a snowmobile.
Mandatory Trail Permits
A valid OFSC trail permit is required to ride on designated trails. Riding without a permit can result in fines and may jeopardize your ability to access insurance benefits if you are involved in an accident.
Insurance Requirements
All snowmobiles must carry motor vehicle liability insurance. Operating an uninsured snowmobile, or allowing someone else to ride one, can result in fines ranging from $200 to $1,000. More importantly, riding without insurance may prevent you from accessing accident benefits or pursuing compensation after a crash.
Helmet and Equipment Laws
Both operators and passengers are legally required to wear an approved helmet with the chin strap securely fastened. Failing to comply can result in severe injuries and penalties, and may also limit your ability to make a claim if you are injured in a collision.
Common Causes of Early-Season Snowmobile Accidents
The start of the season brings unique hazards. Fresh snow can hide rocks, stumps, and uneven terrain. Ice on lakes and rivers may be thinner than expected, creating a serious risk of break-through. Inconsistent grooming, unfamiliar trails, and excessive speed further increase the likelihood of accidents.
Alcohol and substance use remain a major concern. Ontario Provincial Police data shows that many fatal snowmobile accidents involve impaired riders and taking unnecessary risks on frozen waterways. Collisions with other riders, trees, and fixed objects are also common causes of serious injury.
Snowmobile Accidents and Legal Liability
Liability after a snowmobile accident depends on the circumstances. Another rider may be responsible if their negligence caused the crash. In some cases, property owners, trail operators, or municipalities responsible for trail maintenance may also be liable.
If you allow someone else to operate your snowmobile, you may be jointly liable for any damages they cause, even if you are not riding at the time. Negligence can include:
- Speeding
- Riding while impaired
- Ignoring trail signage
- Operating on closed trails
Fault is determined by whether the rider acted reasonably in the circumstances and followed applicable safety rules.
What to Do After a Snowmobile Accident
If you are involved in a crash, seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photographs, keep records of injuries and treatment, and contact a personal injury lawyer promptly. Strict deadlines apply to insurance claims and lawsuits.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
At McLeish Orlando, we assist clients who have suffered serious injuries in snowmobile accidents, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and joint damage
- Catastrophic or fatal injuries
These injuries can have life-altering consequences, including permanent disability, loss of income, chronic pain, and long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident and determine liability
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and future care needs
- Represent surviving family members in fatal accident claims
See our recent successful Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) decision involving a death following a snowmobile crash here.
Staying Safe and Legally Protected This Season
To protect yourself:
- Follow posted speed limits
- Ride only on open, marked trails
- Never ride impaired
- Wear proper safety equipment
Understanding and complying with your legal responsibilities not only protects your health but also safeguards your legal rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured, the personal injury lawyers at McLeish Orlando have the experience to navigate complex snowmobile accident claims while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
