The
purpose of this article is to explain the age requirements
effected by the new 2002 laws.
New
Laws:
1.
Children who are eight, nine, 10 or 11 years of age are not
required to take the snowmobile safety education course.
2.
To operate a snowmobile on the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System
(SSTS), children who are eight, nine, 10 and 11 years of age
must be under the direct supervision of a parent or legal
guardian who shall be liable for the actions of the child.
3.
Direct supervision means, sufficiently close and able to
control, by communicating visually or orally, the operation of a
snowmobile by an operator under 16 years of age, taking into
account the noise created by snowmobiles and protective headgear
worn by the operator.
Laws
still in effect:
4.
Persons born after July 1, 1983 and who are 12 years of age and
older must take and pass the snowmobile safety education course
and carry their certificate while operating on the Statewide
Snowmobile Trail System (SSTS).
5.
Children who are 12 years of age and certified to operate must
be under the direct supervision of an adult (18 years of age or
older) while operating on the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System
(SSTS).
6.
Children who are eight, nine, 10, 11 and 12 years of age CANNOT
operate a snowmobile across a public road or highway. An adult
must operate the snowmobile across the public road or highway
for them.
7.
Teenagers who are 13, 14 and 15 years of age must be under the
direct supervision of an adult (18 years of age or older) when
operating a snowmobile across a public road or highway.
8.
Teenagers who have reached the age of 16 and have obtained their
snowmobile safety certification may operate without supervision.
Any
questions? I can be reached at:
e-mail: jrjohnso@dps.state.vt.us
or by telephone at: (802) 878-7111 ext. 2211.
