Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Snowmobile near roadways with care
Snowmobiling is one of the most popular ways to enjoy a Manitoba winter. With more snowmobiles out and about, it’s important for everyone to be alert – particularly near roadways. Drivers and snowmobile riders can make sure that winter fun doesn’t become winter tragedy.
Snowmobiles don’t belong on roads
Snowmobiles are off-road vehicles. It’s illegal to operate them on roads, except to cross a road or where allowed by municipal bylaw. It’s also illegal to operate snowmobiles on a median.
Dangerous driving is illegal – on or off road
A police officer can charge a snowmobile driver with dangerous driving. Accidents must be reported to police if they involve death, personal injury or combined damage of $1,000 or more to all vehicles or property.
Cross with care
Cross roadways within five metres of an intersection. Drive straight across the road, not in a diagonal line. Come to a full stop before crossing, and yield to all vehicles and pedestrians. Cross one snowmobile at a time.
Driving the ditch
Snowmobiles may be driven in a ditch, providing they are moving in the same direction as motor vehicles on their side of the roadway.
Lights on for safety
It’s illegal to operate a snowmobile without lights on from one-half hour before sunset until one-half hour after sunrise.
Drivers – watch for snowmobiles
Be alert for snowmobiles or off-road vehicles crossing roads.
For more information, watch
The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- Road Safety's Snowmobiling Section
- Snowmobiles in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Snowmobiles directly
