N.Y. Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law Section 25.03
Operation of snowmobiles

  • general

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile in the following unsafe or harassing ways:

1.

Imprudent speed. At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under the surrounding circumstances provided, however, that in no case shall a snowmobile be operated at a speed in excess of fifty-five miles per hour upon public trails or lands, unless (a) participating in a special event authorized by the commissioner pursuant to section 25.11 of this article or (b) engaged in operation as an emergency vehicle as defined in subdivision twenty-one of section 21.05 of this title.

2.

Reckless operation. In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to unreasonably endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage thereto.

3.

Intoxication and drugs. While in an intoxicated condition or under the influence of narcotics or drugs as defined by Vehicle & Traffic Law § 114-A (Drug)section one hundred fourteen-a of the vehicle and traffic law.

4.

Lights.

(a)

Between sunset and sunrise or when lights are required for safety without displaying at least one lighted head light and tail light.

(b)

Operating other than as an emergency vehicle and displaying one or more lighted red or combination red or white lights which is revolving, rotating, flashing, oscillating or constantly moving light.

5.

Railroad tracks. On the tracks of an operating railroad.

6.

Plantings. In any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or destroys growing stock, or creates a substantial risk thereto.

7.

On lands of another. On private property, except for operation as emergency vehicle, without the consent of the owner or lessee thereof. Any person operating a snowmobile upon lands of another in violation of this section shall stop and identify himself or herself upon the request of the landowner, the landowner’s duly authorized representative or lessee, and, if requested to do so by said landowner, representative or lessee shall promptly remove said snowmobile from the premises.

8.

Snowmobiles towing a sleigh, sled or toboggan. The towing of a sleigh, sled or toboggan, unless attached by a rigid support, connection or towbar.

9.

Failure to stop and yield. In any place at any time failing to stop and yield to an authorized ambulance, civil defense, or police snowmobile or police vehicle being operated as an emergency vehicle and approaching from any direction. 9-a. Failing to yield to trail grooming equipment. Failure by the operator of a snowmobile upon any snowmobile trail to yield the right of way to the operator of trail grooming equipment upon such trail, whether such snowmobile operator is approaching or overtaking.

10.

Failure and refusal to comply. In any place at any time failure or refusal to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer or other person duly empowered to enforce all laws of the state relating to snowmobiles.

Source: Section 25.03 — Operation of snowmobiles; general, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PAR/25.­03 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed May 4, 2024).

Accessed:
May 4, 2024

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 25.03’s source at nysenate​.gov

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