When riding a snowmobile, wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times, as is the registration of your snowmobile. You also need a valid driver’s licence to ride your snowmobile on or across a public roadway, a trail covered by the Act respecting off-highway vehicles or any other area of use that is not covered by the Highway Safety Code.
By law, a snowmobile is:
“a self-propelled vehicle built for travel primarily on snow or ice, whether equipped or not with steering skis or runners and driven by an endless track in contact with the ground.”
Snowmobilers who are 16 or 17 must hold a training certificate. The Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec has mandated the ConduiPro network of driving schools (website in French only) to provide this training and issue the certificate.
Snowmobilers who are 16 or 17 and who live in another Canadian province or in another country must hold a snowmobile operator’s certificate issued by their home jurisdiction.
If you must operate an off-road vehicle on a public road, trail, or any other area of use that is not covered by the Highway Safety Code, you must hold a valid driver’s licence or probationary licence of any class, or hold a valid learner’s licence and abide by its conditions.
Driving on public roads is prohibited, other than in the few exceptional cases provided for by law.
You may cross a public road or drive on it only if a road sign allows you to do so.
You must register your snowmobile, even if you only use it on designated trails.
The licence plate must be affixed to the snowmobile.
Refer to the procedure for registering a snowmobile.
If you have an accident that doesn’t involve an automobile (if you run into a tree, for example), you are not covered by the SAAQ for your injuries. The fact that you paid the registration fees for your off-road vehicle doesn’t change that fact.
However, if you have an accident involving an automobile or any other vehicle operating on a public roadway, you may receive compensation for your injuries. For more information, see the section on the automobile insurance plan.
You must hold private civil liability insurance for at least $1,000,000 to ensure compensation for any bodily injury or property damage caused by your vehicle.
Proof of insurance may be requested by a police officer, trail patrol officer or provincial officer. You must always have your proof of insurance with you; otherwise, you face a fine.
A valid trail permit is required if you wish to drive your snowmobile on trails maintained by off-road vehicle clubs.
Trail permits are sold on the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec website.
Offenders face:
Driving a snowmobile while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication is prohibited. The Criminal Code also applies to driving off-road vehicles.
If you commit an offence under the Highway Safety Code on a public road, trail or any other area that is not covered by this Code, the same penalties apply as for a driving offence while at the wheel of any other type of motorized vehicle.
When operating an off-road vehicle, you must always have the following with you:
Anyone operating or being pulled behind a snowmobile (such as on a sled, for example) must wear a protective helmet that complies with at least one of the following manufacturing standards:
If the helmet doesn’t have a visor, you must wear protective goggles.
In addition to the mandatory basic equipment provided by the manufacturer, all snowmobiles built after January 1, 1998 must be equipped with a red rear brake light, a rear-view mirror firmly attached to the left side of the vehicle and a speedometer.
Modifying any part of a snowmobile’s muffler is strictly prohibited.
The speed limit is 70 km/h, unless a lower speed limit is posted.
Within 30 metres of a residence, however, the speed limit is 30 km/h, even if no sign is posted.
As you near populated areas, slow down so as to make less noise. Be especially careful at night (in areas where driving at night is allowed).
Last update: October 22, 2021
