You and Your Snowmobile

 

Who can drive a snowmobile?

Under 12 Years of age:
You are not permitted to drive snowmobiles in the Municipality of the City of Yellowknife.

12 to 15 years of age:
You may drive in the off-road areas of the municipality if you have successfully completed the City of Yellowknife Snowmobile Safety Course, AND you are under the immediate supervision and control of a person 18 years of age or older who has a valid drivers licence or has successfully completed the City of Yellowknife Snowmobile Safety Course.

16 years of age or older:
You may drive a snowmobile on permitted streets and off-road areas of the city, if you have a valid drivers licence or, you may drive a snowmobile in permitted off-road areas of the municipality if you have successfully completed the City of Yellowknife Snowmobile Safety Course.

Where can you drive a snowmobile in the city?
Most streets, alleys and highways, and off road areas of the city can be used by snowmobile riders. However, you must not drive a snowmobile in the following areas:

• Any school play areas, playgrounds, parks or recreational facilities, cemeteries or any area where signs prohibit the use of snowmobiles.
• Streets in the downtown core bounded by 48 Street, 54 Street, 49 Avenue, and 51 Avenue.
• Private property without receiving permission from the property owner.
• The ski club trail system.
• The greens at the golf course.
• The McMahon Frame Lake Trail system between the Hospital and City Hall and the Museum, or any board walk or stairs between the Hospital systems.
• The Range Lake Trail system between Parker Recreational Field and the Real Canadian Wholesale Club (formerly Extra Foods).
• The childrens sliding area in the open space at 55 Streetbetween 50A Avenue and 51A Avenue.
• The area known as the Toboggan Hill, off Highway #3 near the power plant at Jackfish Lake.
• The area known as the Bristol Pit.

There are limits on speed!

On Roads:
Observe the posted speed limit to a maximum of 45 km/h even in the 70 km/h zones. If there is no posted speed limit, you must not exceed 30 km/h.

Off Roads:
30 km/h maximum in Zone "A" (the built up areas of the city); and 70 km/h maximum in Zone "B."
REMEMBER: the fine for speeding can be $100.00 or more!

Rules of the Road:
On the road, obey all signs and practice good driving habits. The same basic rules apply driving a car or snowmobile. Be cautious and remember the braking limitations of your snowmobile and the conditions at the time. Keep as far right as possible when on the roads. Stay in single file. Do not drive on the sidewalks.

Licence Plates and Insurance:
To operate a snowmobile within the city boundaries, you need licence plates and insurance. Licence plates must be displayed on both sides of the snowmobile and have validation stickers for the current year. Licence plates and stickers are available at City Hall in the Municipal Enforcement office. You will also receive your registration permit which must be carried with you and produced on demand of a Peace Officer.

Insurance requirements are the same as for automobiles and you must carry your pink card with you when operating a snowmobile.

Helmets:
Helmet use is compulsory. Only helmets bearing one of the following certification labels is acceptable: CSA D-230; DOT218 or SNELL M90.

Please visit us at Municipal Enforcement if you have any questions.

ATTENTION SNOWMOBILERS:
The area zoned "Nature Preservation" adjacent to Ragged Ass Road is restricted from snowmobile use. There are several established trails which travel through this area to allow access onto Great Slave Lake. All snowmobilers are asked to stay on these trails so as to protect this natural area and it's wildlife. Please be a responsible snowmobiler! Click link below for a map of the area: Willow Flats Prohibited Area