Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Riding is prohibited in a cemetery or within 200 feet of a dwelling, hospi-
tal, nursing home, convalescent home or church. Snowmobiles can't be
operated on a road except to cross as directly as possible, which is defined
as no more than 300 yards and always staying on the extreme right.
Get a trail map and a law handbook. Park the trailer. Ride the trails only
where landowner permission has been obtained for everyone, snowmo-
bile laws have been complied with, trails have been cut, snow has been
groomed, and signs are in place.
Maine has a tough under-the-influence law, with stiff penalties for oper-
ating snowmobiles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Operators
who are convicted of operating under the influence face a minimum of a
mandatory 48 hours in jail and a $300 fine; second offenses carry a mini-
mum of a mandatory seven days in jail and a $500 fine; and third offenses
earn the offender a minimum of a mandatory 30 days in jail and a $750
fine.
It is also against the law to operate a snowmobile in such a manner that
you endanger a person or property. Harassing wildlife is also illegal.
Excessive speed can bring charges. While there are currently no speed
limits on Maine trails, sledders are judged by the standard of “reasonable
and prudent speed for the existing conditions.”
Headlights are mandatory at night.
Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult unless on their par-
ents' land with parental permission. No child under the age of 14 may
cross a road maintained for travel while operating a snowmobile. If a per-
son under 18 years old has a snowmobile accident, the owner of the sled,
the person who furnishes the sled and the parent or guardian responsible
for the minor are jointly liable for damages caused in the operation of
that sled.
TAKE NOTE:
Sledders who have an accident must
report it to the nearest law enforcement officer if there
are injuries requiring medical attention or which re-
sult in a fatality and/or property damage of more
than $300.
