Laws & Rules

On this page:

• Snowmobile Laws and Rules
• Snowmobile Registration Fees and Age Requirements
• Summary of Penalties for Snowmobile
• Canadian Border Crossing
• Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program
• Free Snowmobile Weekend

Snowmobile Laws

§13001 – Definitions.

Antique Snowmobile. "Antique Snowmobile" means a snowmobile more than 25 years old that is registered as an antique snowmobile under section 13104, subsection 5.

Cowling. "Cowling" means the forward or rear portion of a snowmobile, usually of fiberglass or similar material, surrounding the motor and clutch assembly.

Operate. "To operate," in all its moods and tenses, means: When it refers to a snowmobile, to use a snowmobile in any manner within the jurisdiction of the State, whether or not the vehicle is under way.

Owner. “Owner” means: For the purpose of registration of a snowmobile, a person holding title to a snowmobile or having equitable interest in a snowmobile that entitles the person to possession of the snowmobile.

Private Way. As defined by Title 23 §1903-10-A, "Private Way" means a private road, driveway, or public easement. "Public easement" means an easement held by a municipality for purposes of public access to land or water not otherwise connected to a public way, and includes all rights enjoyed by the public with respect to private ways dedicated to the public.

Protective Headgear. "Protective headgear" means a helmet that conforms with minimum standards of construction and performance as prescribed by the American National Standards Institute specification Z90.1 or by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard No. 218.

Public Way. As defined by Title 23 §1903- 11 "Public Way" means any road capable of carrying motor vehicles, including, but not limited to, any state highway, municipal road, county road, unincorporated territory road, or other road dedicated to the public.

Snowmobile. "Snowmobile" means a vehicle propelled by mechanical power that is primarily designed to travel over ice or snow and is supported in part by skis, belts, or cleats.

Trail Grooming Equipment. See Registration of trail grooming equipment.

§13002 – Collection by commissioner

The commissioner or agents of the commissioner shall act on behalf of the State Tax Assessor to collect the use tax due under Title 36, chapters 211 to 225 in respect to any snowmobile for which an original registration is required under this Title at the time and place of registration of that snowmobile.

§13003 – Payment of sales or usetax prerequisite to registration

2. Registration of snowmobile. Prior to registering a snowmobile, an agent of the commissioner shall collect sales or use tax due. Sales or use tax is due unless:

A. The person registering the snowmobile is not a resident of this State. Snowmobiles and snowmobile trail grooming equipment used directly or exclusively for the grooming of snowmobile trails and which are sold to incorporated non-profit snowmobile clubs are exempt from paying sale or use tax.

B. The registration is a renewal registration by the same owner;

C. The applicant possesses a dealer's certificate showing that the sales tax was collected by the dealer. The State Tax Assessor shall prescribe the form of a dealer's certificate; or

D. The snowmobile is otherwise exempt from sales or use tax under Title 36, section 1760.

§13004 – Collection by State Tax Assessor

This section and sections 13002, 13003 and 13005 must be construed as cumulative of other methods prescribed in Title 36 for the collection of the sales or use tax. These sections do not preclude the State Tax Assessor’s collecting the tax due in respect to any ATV in accordance with such other methods as are prescribed in Title 36 for the collection of the sales or use tax.

§13005 – Certificates to be forwarded to State Tax Assessor

An agent of the commissioner shallpromptly forward all certificates submitted in accordance with section 13003 to the commissioner. The commissioner shall transmit all such certificates to the State Tax Assessor.

§13006 – Impoundment of snowmobiles

When a law enforcement officer issues a summons for a violation under chapter 937, the officer may impound the snowmobile operated by the person who receives the summons if, in the judgment of the officer, based on actual previous offenses by the operator or other considerations, the operator will continue to operate the snowmobile in violation of chapter 937 and that operation may be a hazard to the safety of persons or property.

The operator or owner of a snowmobile impounded under this section may reclaim the snowmobile at any time subsequent to 24 hours after the issuance of the summons upon payment of the costs of impoundment to the enforcement agency impounding the snowmobile.

§13101 – Application

This chapter applies to the operation of snowmobiles in all areas that come within the jurisdiction of the State.

§13102 – License not required

An operator's license is not required for the operation of a snowmobile.

§13103 – Rule violations; snowmobiles and snowmobile races

The following penalties apply to violations of rules regulating snowmobiles or the protection and safety of spectators at snowmobile races.

1. Civil. Notwithstanding section 10650, a person who violates a rule regulating snowmobiles or the protection and safety of spectators at snowmobile races commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

2. Criminal. A person who violates a rule regulating snowmobiles or the protection and safety of spectators at snowmobile races after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.

§13104 – Registration

1. Operating unregistered snowmobile. Except as provided in this section, subsection 7 and section 13112, a person may not operate a snowmobile that is not registered in accordance with this section.

A. A registration is not required for a snowmobile operated over the snow on land on which the owner lives or that the snowmobile operator owns or leases, regardless of where that snowmobile operator is domiciled, as long as the snowmobile is not operated elsewhere within the jurisdiction of this State.

B. A registration is not required for a snowmobile operated by a commercial ski area for the purpose of packing snow or for rescue operations thereon, unless the snowmobile is required to cross a public way during that operation.

C. Snowmobiles owned and operated in this State by the Federal Government, the State or political subdivision of the State are exempt from registration fees, but must be registered and required to display numbers.

D. Registration is not required to field test repairs to a snowmobile if valid snowmobile repair shop number plates issued under section 13110 are affixed to the snowmobile during the field test and the snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any repair shop employee.

E. Registration is not required to field test repairs to a snowmobile when tested on the premises of the repair shop when the shop is open and the snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any repair shop employee. See Snowmobile repair shop registration and license.

2. Application and issuance. The commissioner, or an agent designated by the commissioner, may register and assign a registration number to a snowmobile upon application and payment of a fee by the owner. The commissioner shall charge a fee of $1 in addition to the fee for each registration issued by an employee of the department. The registration number in the form of stickers issued by the commissioner must be clearly displayed on both sides of the snowmobile. An annual registration is valid for one year commencing July 1st of each year, except that any registration issued prior to July 1st but after May 1st is valid from the date of issuance until June 30th of the following year.

3. Form of registration. The snowmobile registration must be in such form as the commissioner may determine except that the commissioner shall develop a single form of registration that can be used for the 3-day, 10-day, or seasonal nonresident registrations.

4. Fee. $10 dollars from each resident registration fee and $15 of each nonresident registration fee collected pursuant to this subsection must be transferred to a special fund administered by the Off-Road Vehicle Division of the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry. The funds must be used to assist any entity that has a snow mobile trail-grooming contract with the bureau in the purchase of trail-grooming equipment. The funds also may be used for the repair or overhaul of trail-grooming equipment. $17 from each resident fee is transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund. $16 from each nonresident 3-day snowmobile registration, $16 from each nonresident 10-day registration fee, and $21 from each nonresident seasonal snowmobile registration fee must be transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands. $5 from each nonresident 3-day snowmobile registration fee and 10-day snowmobile registration fee must be transferred to the Snowmobile Enforcement Fund established under section 10258.

5. Antique snowmobile registration fee. A person who owns a snowmobile that is more than 25 years old and that is substantially maintained in original or restored condition may register that snowmobile under this subsection as an antique snowmobile. An antique snowmobile registration authorizes that snowmobile to be operated only for the purpose of traveling to, returning from and participating in an exhibition, parade or other event of interest to the public or for occasional personal use. (Antique snowmobiles are not required to display registration number or stickers). The one-time fee for an antique snowmobile registration is $33* and can only be obtained at the Augusta office. An antique snowmobile registration is valid until the ownership of that antique snowmobile is transferred to another person. Upon the transfer of ownership, the new owner may reregister that snowmobile as an antique snowmobile by paying the $33* antique snowmobile registration fee. The registration fee for an antique snowmobile is allocated according to section 10206, subsection 2, paragraph A. *Plus agent fee

6. Members of armed forces permanently stationed in Maine. The following persons are eligible to register any snowmobile owned by them at the resident fee:

A. Any person serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who is permanently stationed at a military or naval post, station or base in the State; and

B. The spouse and children of the person described in paragraph A, provided that the spouse and children permanently reside with that person.

A member of the armed forces described in paragraph A who desires to register a snowmobile shall present certification from the commander of the post, station or base, or from the commander's designated agent, that the member is permanently stationed at that post, station or base. Registration fees for registrations pursuant to this subsection must be allocated as if the person registering the snowmobile was a resident of the municipality in which the post, station or base is situated.

7. Snowmobiles of nonresidents; Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails. Maine- New Hampshire Cooperative Trails. Except as specifically provided in this subsection and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a snowmobile belonging to a nonresident may be possessed or operated by any person in this State as long as the snowmobile is properly registered in this State in the name of a nonresident owner of the snowmobile. Nothing in this subsection authorizes the operation of a snowmobile in a manner contrary to this chapter.

A. A nonresident is ineligible to obtain a resident registration for a snowmobile owned by that nonresident. Snowmobiles and grooming equipment registered to federal or state entities, snowmobile clubs, municipalities or counties from bordering states or provinces and engaged in trail grooming may be operated without being registered under this subsection. Snowmobiles registered in either New Hampshire or Canada may be operated on any lake or pond that is partly in both the State and New Hampshire or Canada without being registered in the State.

B. A snowmobile registered in this State or in New Hampshire may be operated without further registration requirements on those portions of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative trails located in Maine. For purposes of this paragraph, "Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative trails" means:

(1) New Hampshire Trail 18 as identified in the Success Pond - Grafton Notch area; and

(2) Maine Trail ITS-80 as identified in the Evans Notch area of the White Mountain National Forest.

C. Snowmobiles registered in another state or in a Canadian province may be operated without a Maine registration at a special event or festival organized to occur in this State if such operation is approved by the commissioner. An event or festival organizer must submit a request in writing to the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the event or festival and shall include a map of trails where operation will be allowed.

D. A snowmobile owned or under the control of a snowmobile manufacturer may be operated without a Maine registration at a demonstration event organized to occur in this State if such operation is approved by the commissioner. A snowmobile manufacturer or a representative of a snowmobile manufacturer must submit a request in writing to the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the demonstration event and shall include a description and the location of the event.

E. The commissioner may annually establish one 3-consecutive day period, 2 days of which are weekend days, during which a nonresident may operate in the State a snowmobile that is not registered in this State if the nonresident’s snowmobile has a valid registration from another state or a Canadian province and if the nonresident has submitted notification under paragraph F.

F. The commissioner shall establish an online notification process to promote seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and to promote general snowmobile recreational activities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling. The process must allow a nonresident who plans to operate in this State during the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E a snowmobile that is not registered in this State to provide information to the department using an electronic form accessible through the department’s publicly accessible website. The commissioner may not require a fee to submit the electronic form. The electronic form must:

(1) Briefly describe the purpose of this process and clearly indicate that the notification process is free;

(2) Request the nonresident snowmobile operator’s name, address, telephone number and email address and the location or locations where the nonresident plans to operate the snowmobile during the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E; and

(3) Include a statement that by submitting the electronic form the person named on the electronic form authorizes the commissioner to share the information on the electronic form with the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism after the end of the 3-consecutive- day period under paragraph E for purposes of promoting seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and promoting general snowmobile recreational activities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling.

The commissioner shall share the information collected on the electronic form under this paragraph with the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism annually after the end of the 3-consecutive-day period under paragraph E for purposes of promoting seasonal nonresident snowmobile registration opportunities to nonresident snowmobile operators and promoting general snowmobile recreational opportunities in the State through regional state tourism organizations and a statewide organization with an interest in snowmobiling.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, failure to comply with this paragraph is not a violation of any law or rule administered by the department. Nothing in this paragraph relieves a person of the person’s responsibilities under any law or rule regulating the ownership or operation of a snowmobile in the State.

The commissioner shall adopt rules regarding the grooming and maintenance of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails and reimbursement or payment for those services. The rules must allow reimbursement for grooming and maintenance services to be through direct cash payments by users of the Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails or through in-kind services. The costs of grooming and maintenance must be based on the average per mile costs to Maine and New Hampshire of providing these services. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

Signs on Maine-New Hampshire Cooperative Trails. The Director of the Off-Road Vehicle Division of the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry shall work with the director of New Hampshire's snowmobile program to develop and place signs clearly identifying the Maine- New Hampshire Cooperative trails as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 13104, subsection 7.

8. Duplicate registration certificate. The holder of any resident or nonresident seasonal registration certificate issued under this section may obtain a duplicate from the commissioner upon application and payment of a fee of $1.

9. Repealed.

10. Transfer of ownership, discontinuance of use. The following provisions govern transfer of ownership and discontinued use.

A. A person who transfers the ownership or permanently discontinues the use of a snowmobile having a resident registration or a nonresident seasonal registration and applies for registration of another snowmobile in the same registration year is entitled to a registration upon payment of a transfer fee of $4 and is not required to pay the regular registration fee.

B. Whenever ownership is transferred or the use of a snowmobile for which a registration has already been issued is discontinued, the old registration must be properly signed and executed by the owner showing that the ownership of the snowmobile has been transferred or its use discontinued and returned to the commissioner within 10 days of the transfer or discontinuance of use.

C. If there is a change of ownership of a snowmobile for which a registration has previously been issued, the new owner shall apply for a new registration, shall set forth the original number in the application, and shall pay the regular fee for the particular snowmobile involved.

11. Repealed.

12. Repealed.

12-A. Registration certificate, inspection, and display.

A. A person shall:

(1) Provide a registration certificate or an online registration receipt for inspection by any law enforce ment officer on demand. A person may provide a regis tration certificate or an online registration receipt in electron ic form; and

(2) Display registration numbers in the form of stickers in such a form and manner as the commissioner may determine, except that an antique snowmobile is not required to display registration numbers. A person may operate a snowmobile registered online without displaying a registration number until that person receives the registration certificate from the department or for 30 days after registering the snowmobile online, whichever occurs first.

Note: The registration stickers must be displayed on both sides of the cowling.

13. Repealed.

14. Report of destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed snowmobile. A registrant shall notify the commissioner if a snowmobile is destroyed, abandoned or permanently removed from the State.

15. Repealed.

16. Repealed.

17. Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program. The department has established the Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program. The department issues 3 different Snowmobile Trail Fund donation stickers to reflect a donor’s donation of $25, $50 and $100, respectively. For every donation $2 is retained by the department and the remainder is transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands.

A Snowmobile Trail Fund donation sticker is in addition to and separate from the snowmobile registration requirements of this section.

§13105 – Snowmobile registration agents

1. Appointment of snowmobile registration agents; report; fees.Appointment of snowmobile registration agents and applicable fees are governed by the following.

A. The commissioner may appoint municipal clerks or other persons who a municipality may designate as municipal agents to issue snowmobile registrations. The commissioner may designate other agents as necessary to issue snowmobile registrations. The commissioner shall determine by rule the period when the agents shall act.

B. Agents may charge a service fee of not more than $1 for each snowmobile renewal registration issued and $2 for each registration covered by sections 13002 to 13005. This service fee is retained by the agent.

C. An agent is delinquent if that agent fails to forward to the commissioner funds collected by that agent by the date established in rules adopted under this subsection. Failure to remit the funds as provided in this subsection results in the following sanctions, in addition to any other provided by law. (1) If an agent is delinquent for more than 150 days or is delinquent 3 or more times in one year, the commissioner shall:

(a) Terminate the agency for the balance of the year; and

(b) Order that the agency not be renewed for the next year. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

2. Unlawful issuance of snowmobile registration.An agent may not issue a resident snowmobile registration to a nonresident or a nonresident snowmobile registration to a resident.

§13106-A – Operation of snowmobile

1. No permission given. This chapter does not give license or permission to cross or go on the property of another.

2. Stop and identify requirement. Persons operating a snowmobile upon the land of another shall stop and identify themselves upon the request of the landowner or the landowner's duly authorized representative.

3. Operating snowmobile upon controlled access highway. Except as provided in paragraph A, a person may not operate a snowmobile upon a controlled access highway or within the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway.

A. A person may operate a snowmobile upon a controlled access highway or within the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway in accordance with this paragraph.

(1) A person on a properly registered snowmobile may cross controlled access highways by use of bridges over or roads under those highways or by use of roads crossing controlled access highways at grade.

(2) The Commissioner of Transportation may issue special permits for designated crossings of controlled access highways.

(3) A person on a properly registered snowmobile may operate the snowmobile within the rightof- way limits of a controlled access highway on a trail segment approved by the Commissioner of Transportation or the board of directors of the Maine Turnpike Authority, as applicable.

4. Unlawfully operating snowmobile on plowed road. A person may not operate a snowmobile upon any plowed private road, or public road plowed privately without public compensation, after having been forbidden to do so by the owner thereof, the owner's agent or a municipal official, either personally or by appropriate notices posted conspicuously on that road.

5. Operating snowmobile on public way. Except as provided in subsection 3 and this subsection, a person may not operate a snowmobile upon the main traveled portion, the sidewalks or the plowed snowbanks of a public way.

A. A properly registered snowmobile may be operated on a public way only the distance necessary, but in no case to exceed 500 yards, on the extreme right of the traveled way for the purpose of crossing, as directly as possible, a public way, sidewalk or culvert.

B. A properly registered snowmobile may be operated on a public way only the distance necessary, but in no case to exceed 500 yards, on the extreme right of the traveled way for the sole purpose of crossing, as directly as possible, a bridge, overpass or underpass, as long as that operation can be made in safety and that it does not interfere with vehicular traffic approaching from either direction on the public way.

C. A snowmobile may be operated on any portion of a public way when the public way has been closed in accordance with Title 23, section 2953.

D. If the main traveled portion of a public way is publicly plowed and utilized by conventional motor vehicles, a snowmobile may be operated only on that portion of the way not maintained or utilized for the operation of conventional motor vehicles, except that operation on the left side of the way is prohibited during the hours from sunset to sunrise on the portion of the way not maintained or utilized for the operation of conventional motor vehicles. This paragraph does not apply to a snowmobile operated by a public utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission while being operated in the course of the utility's corporate function, so that public utilities may effectively and speedily carry out their obligations to the public.

E. A snowmobile may be operated on streets and public ways during a period of emergency when the emergency has been so declared by a police agency having jurisdiction and when travel by conventional motor vehicles is not practicable. This paragraph does not apply to a snowmobile operated by a public utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission while being operated in the course of the utility's corporate function, so that public utilities may effectively and speedily carry out their obligations to the public.

F. A snowmobile may be operated on streets and public ways in special snowmobile events of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule and under a permit from the governmental unit having jurisdiction.

G. Notwithstanding paragraphs A to F, a snowmobile may be operated on the extreme right of a public way within the built-up portion of a municipality or unorganized or unincorporated township if the appropriate governmental unit has designated the public way as a snowmobile access route for the purpose of allowing snowmobiles access to places of business. A public way designated by an appropriate governmental unit as a snowmobile- access route must be posted conspicuously at regular intervals by that governmental unit with highly visible signs designating the snowmobile- access route. Before designating a public way as a snowmobile- access route, the appropriate governmental unit shall make appropriate determinations that snowmobile travel on the extreme right of the public way may be conducted safely and will not interfere with vehicular traffic on the public way. For purposes of this paragraph, "appropriate governmental unit" means the Department of Transportation, county commissioners or municipal officers within their respective jurisdictions. The jurisdiction of each appropriate governmental unit over public ways pursuant to this paragraph is the same as its jurisdiction over the passage of vehicles on public ways pursuant to Title 29-A, section 2395. Municipal or county law enforcement officials having jurisdiction have primary enforcement authority over any route established under this paragraph.

6. Failing to stop snowmobile before entering public way. A person shall bring a snowmobile to a complete stop before entering a public way or a private way maintained for travel.

7. Failing to yield right-of-way while operating snowmobile. A person shall yield the right-of- way to all vehicular traffic while operating a snowmobile on a public way or a private way maintained for travel. 8. Crossing a

8. Crossing a closed bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass with snowmobile. This subsection applies to the crossing with a snowmobile of a bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass closed to snowmobiles by the Commissioner of Transportation.

A. A person may not cross with a snowmobile a bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass closed to snowmobiles by the Commissioner of Transportation.

(1) The Commissioner of Transportation may, following a public hearing, prohibit the crossing of an individual bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass if the commissioner determines that that crossing or use of the public way is hazardous.

(2) Any bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass closed by the Commissioner of Transportation must be posted by appropriate notices.

9. Reckless operation of a snowmobile. person may not operate a snowmobile in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person.

10. Operating a snowmobile to endanger. A person may not operate a snowmobile so as to endanger any person or property by:

A. Operating the snowmobile except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions, including when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and taking a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding trail and when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians, skiers or other traffic by reason of weather or trail conditions; or

B. Operating the snowmobile in a manner that fails to control its speed at all times as necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, snowmobile or other object.

11. Operating a snowmobile at greater than reasonable and prudent speed. A person may not operate a snowmobile except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions.

12. Operating a snowmobile while underage. A person under 14 years of age may not operate a snowmobile across any public way maintained for travel.

13. Permitting an unaccompanied child to operate a snowmobile. A person may not permit a child under 10 years of age to operate a snowmobile unless the child is accompanied by an adult. This subsection does not apply on land that is owned by the parent or guardian or on land where permission for use has been granted to the parent or guardian.

14-A. Snowmobile noise requirements.

This subsection governs noise level requirements for snowmobiles.

A. Except as provided in section 13112, a person may not:

(1) Operate a snowmobile manufactured after February 1, 2007 that does not display on its exhaust silencer a visible, unaltered certification marking issued by an independent organization that certifies snowmobiles for uniformity of safety features and noise levels;

(2) Operate a snowmobile manufactured after October 1, 1985 that emits total vehicle noise greater than 78 decibels of sound pressure level at 50 feet on the “A” scale, as measured by the SAE standards J-192; or

(3) Operate a snowmobile with an exhaust system that has been modified in a manner that amplifies or otherwise increases total noise emission above that of the snowmobile as originally constructed, regardless of the date of manufacture. A snowmobile manufactured on or before October 1, 1973 is not subject to a specific noise level, except that a person may not operate a snowmobile modified in violation of subparagraph (3.)

15. Snowmobile headlight and taillight equipment requirements. Except as provided in section 13112, a person may not operate a snowmobile that is not equipped as provided in this subsection.

A. A person may not operate a snowmobile unless the snowmobile has mounted:

(1) On the front at least one headlight capable of casting a white beam for a distance of at least 100 feet directly ahead of the snowmobile; and

(2) On the rear at least one taillight capable of displaying a red light visible at a distance of at least 100 feet behind the snowmobile.

16. Required use of snowmobile lights. Except as provided in section 13112, a person shall use lights as specified in this subsection.

A. A person shall use snowmobile lights:

(1) During the period from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise; and

(2) At any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions caused by fog or otherwise, other persons, vehicles and other objects are not clearly discernible for a distance of 500 feet ahead.

17. Unlawfully operating snowmobile on railroad tracks. The following provisions govern the operation of a snowmobile on railroad tracks or railroad rights-of-way.

A. A person may not operate a snowmobile along or adjacent and parallel to the tracks of a railroad within the limits of a railroad right-of-way without written permission from the railroad owning the right-ofway.

B. A person may not operate a snowmobile across the tracks of a railroad after having been forbidden to do so by the railroad owning the railroad right-of-way, or by an agent of that railroad, either personally or by appropriate notices posted conspicuously along the railroad right-ofway.

C. Notwithstanding this subsection, a person may operate a snowmobile on railroad tracks if the person is operating within the right- of-way of a portion of railroad line that has been officially abandoned under the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission.

18. Operating snowmobile in cemetery. A person may not operate a snowmobile in any cemetery, burial place or burying ground.

19. Operating too close to certain buildings. A person may not operate a snowmobile within 200 feet of a dwelling, hospital, nursing home, convalescent home or church.

A. This subsection does not apply when a person is operating a snowmobile:

(1) On public ways in accordance with subsections 5, 6, 7 and 8 or on controlled access highways in accordance with subsection 3, paragraph A;

(2) On the frozen surface of any body of water; and

(3) On land the operator owns or is permitted to use.

20. Abuse of another person's property. A person may not, while operating a snowmobile:

A. Tear down or destroy a fence or wall on another person's land;

B. Leave open a gate or bar on another person's land; or

C. Trample or destroy crops on another person's land.

21. Snowmobile owner; operation by another. A person is in violation of this subsection if that person is the owner of a snowmobile that is operated in violation of this chapter.

22. Parent or guardian; operation by minor. A person is in violation of this subsection if that person is the parent or guardian responsible for the care of a minor under 18 years of age who is operating a snowmobile in violation of this chapter.

23. Repealed.

24. Operating snowmobile on open water. A person may not operate or attempt to operate a snowmobile on open water. For purposes of this subsection, "open water" means any area of an inland water body that is free of ice and snow. This subsection does not apply to private ponds.

Notwithstanding Title 17, section 2267-A, subsection 3, the owner or operator of a snowmobile that has been submerged or partially submerged as a result of a violation of this subsection shall remove the snowmobile within 24 hours of its submersion. The owner or operator of a snowmobile submerged or partially submerged as a result of a violation of this subsection shall pay any damages resulting from the submersion or removal. If the owner or operator of a snowmobile submerged or partially submerged as the result of a violation of this subsection fails to remove the snowmobile within 24 hours of its submersion, the commissioner may remove the snowmobile at the expense of the owner or operator or request in writing that the court direct the owner or operator to remove the snowmobile immediately.

25. Headgear required. This subsection applies to snowmobile trails funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks & Lands.

A. A person operating a snowmobile on a snowmobile trail identified by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands as having been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund pursuant to section 1893, subsection 3:

(1) If the person is under 18 years of age, shall wear protective headgear that conforms to the standards established under Title 29-A, section 2083, subsection 3; and

(2) May not carry a passenger under 18 years of age on the snowmobile unless the passenger is wearing protective headgear that conforms to the standards established under Title 29-A, section 2083, subsection 3.

B. The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands shall develop an administratively simple means of identifying trails that have been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund so that snowmobile riders can readily determine to which trails this subsection applies.

26. Operating snowmobile left of center of snowmobile trail. A person may not operate a snowmobile to the left of the center on a snowmobile trail that is funded in whole or in part by the Snowmobile Trail Fund when approaching or navigating a curve, corner, grade, or hill.

For the purpose of this subsection, "snowmobile trail" means a trail that is at least wide enough to allow two snowmobiles to pass safely in opposite directions and where the snow over the entire width of the trail has been mechanically packed and groomed for the purpose of snowmobile traffic.

27. Operating snowmobile in posted area. A person may not operate a snowmobile off a snowmobile trail identified by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands as having been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund pursuant to section 1893, subsection 3 if the trail is posted as being closed to off-trail snowmobile operation and the operator has not obtained the permission of the applicable landowner or landowner's representative. For purposes of this subsection, "posted" means containing signage that is reasonably likely to come to the attention of a person operating a snowmobile that indicates that off-trail snowmobiling is prohibited and that is placed by the landowner, the landowner's representative, a local snowmobile club trail master serving as the landowner's representative, a local snowmobile club representative or an employee of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

§13107 – Unlawfully operating vehicle on snowmobile trail

A person may not operate any 4-wheeldrive vehicle, dune buggy, all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle or any other motor vehicle, other than a snowmobile and appurtenant equipment, on snowmobile trails that are financed in whole or in part with funds from the Snowmobile Trail Fund, unless that use has been authorized by the landowner or the landowner's agent, or unless the use is necessitated by an emergency involving safety of persons or property.

Exception: ATV's with tracks, registered as snowmobile can be operated on a snowmobile trail.

§13108 - Liability for damage caused by minors

The owner of a snowmobile, the person who gives or furnishes that snowmobile to a person under 18 years of age and the parent or guardian responsible for the care of that minor are jointly and severally liable with the minor for any damages caused in the operation of the snowmobile by that minor.

§13109 – Dealer's registration and license

1. Application and issuance. A person may not engage in the business of selling new or used snowmobiles in the State unless the person has registered as a dealer and secured a valid dealer's license from the commissioner. A dealer so registered and licensed need not register individual snowmobiles. For the purposes of this subsection, "new snowmobile" means a snowmobile that has not been registered in this State or any other state or for which sales tax has not been paid in this State or any other state if that other state taxes the purchase of a new snowmobile.

2. Fees. The dealer's registration and license fee is $15 annually from each July 1st.

3. Dealer's number plates. Dealer's number plates must be provided and obtained as follows.

A. A registered dealer may receive dealer's number plates. The annual fee for a dealer's number plate is:

(1) For a resident dealer's plate, $16; and

(2) For a nonresident dealer's plate, $60.

B. Replacement for lost or stolen dealer's number plates may be obtained for a fee of $5 for each plate.

C. If a dealer's number plate is lost or stolen, the owner shall notify the commissioner immediately.

4. Temporary registrations and numbers. The commissioner may issue temporary numbers and registrations for snowmobiles to bona fide dealers who may, upon the sale or exchange of a snowmobile, issue them to new owners in order to allow them to operate snowmobiles for a period of 20 consecutive days after the day of sale in lieu of a permanent number as required by this chapter. The fee for each temporary registration certificate is $1.

5. Display of dealer's number. Dealers shall display their dealer's number on each snowmobile being used until the sale of the snowmobile, whereupon it becomes the owner's responsibility to register the snowmobile.

§13110 – Snowmobile repair shop registration and license

1. Application and issuance. A person whose business includes repairing snowmobiles but who is not required to be licensed as a snowmobile dealer under section 13109 may register that business entity as a snowmobile repair shop and secure a snowmobile repair shop license and number plate from the commissioner.

2. Fee. The commissioner shall set the fee for a snowmobile repair shop license. The fee may not exceed $15 for any 12-month period.

3. Field testing repairs on unregistered snowmobiles. The owner of a snowmobile repair shop licensed under this section may operate or allow the operation of an unregistered snowmobile for the purpose of field testing repairs to that snowmobile if:

A. Valid snowmobile repair shop number plates issued under this section are affixed to the snowmobile during the field test; and

B. The snowmobile is not owned by the snowmobile repair shop or any person employed by the snowmobile repair shop.

Operating an unregistered snowmobile in compliance with this subsection is not a violation of section 13104, subsection 1.

§13111 – Snowmobile rental agent certificate

1. Registration and issuance. Except as provided in this section, a person or business may not rent or lease a snowmobile unless that person or business:

A. Registers with the department as a snowmobile rental agent and is issued a snowmobile rental agent certificate from the commissioner;

B. Obtains a Maine certificate of number for each snowmobile being offered for rent or lease in the name of the person or business holding that certificate; and

C. Instructs each person who rents or leases a snowmobile how to operate the snowmobile, including how to use the brake, throttle and kill switch, and provides to that person a pamphlet describing proper hand signals.

2. Exception; guides. This section does not apply to a person lawfully engaged in guiding activities under section 12853 who accompanies others on guided trips that include the use of snowmobiles, except that such a person must provide the operators of snowmobiles with instructions equivalent to those described in subsection 1, paragraph C.

3. Fee. The fee for a snowmobile rental agent certificate is $25. The certificate is valid from July 1st to June 30th.

4. Prohibition; penalty. A person may not rent or lease a snowmobile in violation of this section.

§13112 – Racing meets

Notwithstanding section 10650 and section 13106-A, subsections 14-A, 15 and 16, snowmobiles operated at a prearranged racing meet whose sponsor has obtained a permit to hold such a meet from the commissioner are exempt from the provisions of this chapter concerning registration, noise, horsepower and lights during the time of operation at such meets and at all prerace practices at the location of the meet.

§13113 – Registration of trail grooming equipment

1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, "trail grooming equipment" means a self-propelled vehicle that:

C. Is driven by a track or tracks in contact with the snow; and

D. Is performing snowmobile trail maintenance by plowing, leveling, or compacting snow by use of a front plow or rear attachments that include but are not limited to rollers, compactor bars, or trail drags.

2. Operating unregistered trail grooming equipment. Except as provided in this section, a person may not operate trail grooming equipment on a snowmobile trail that is financed in whole or in part by the Snowmobile Trail Fund unless that trail grooming equipment is registered in accordance with this section.

A. A registration is not required for trail grooming equipment operated on land on which the owner lives or on land on which the owner is domiciled, if the trail grooming equipment is not operated elsewhere within the jurisdiction of this State.

B. A registration is not required for trail grooming equipment operated by a commercial ski area for the purpose of packing snow or for rescue operation, unless the trail grooming equipment is required to cross a public way during that operation.

C. Trail grooming equipment owned and operated by the Federal Government, the State, or a political subdivision of the State is exempt from registration fees, but must be registered and is required to display the registration.

3. Application and issuance. The commissioner may register trail grooming equipment upon application by the owner if the owner is a non-profit organization that has an approved contract for snowmobile trail grooming with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, Off-Road Vehicle Division or a person that can provide proof to the department at the time of application that the person is a member of an organization eligible to register trail grooming equipment under this section. The commissioner may establish procedures necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

4. Form of registration. The trail grooming equipment registration must be in such form as the commissioner may determine.

5. Fee. The registration fee for trail grooming equipment is a one-time fee of $33*. The registration fee is valid from the date of issuance until the date that the equipment is sold or transferred. Revenue from the registration fee is allocated as shown below:

• 22% General Fund
• 2% Snowmobile Trail Fund at Department of Agriculture Conservation & Forestry, Division of Parks & Public Lands
• 26% Municipality of County

*Plus agent fee.

6. Fraudulent acquisition of trail grooming registration. A person may not obtain a trail grooming equipment registration through fraud, misstatement, or misrepresentation.

Note: Qualified snowmobile trail grooming equipment is exempt from sales tax. Sales to incorporated non-profit snowmobile clubs of snowmobiles and snowmobile trail grooming equipment used directly and exclusively for the grooming of snowmobile trails.

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Snowmobile Registration Fees and Age Requirements

Registration Fees

Residents	Nonresidents	Antique Snowmobile
$56* Prior to registration, sales or use taxes are due.	Season: $120*	$33* Antique snowmobiles must be registered through the MDIFW Augusta office in-person or via mail.
	10-Day : $100*
	3-Day: $75*

The season registration for a snowmobile is valid for one year, commencing on July 1st of each year.
*Plus Agent Fee

Resident means a citizen of the United States or an alien who has been domiciled in the state for one year who:

• If registered to vote, is registered in this state.
• If licensed to drive a motor vehicle, has made application for or possesses a motor vehicle operator's license issued by the state.
• If owning a motor vehicle located within the state, has registered each such vehicle in the state.
• Is in compliance with the state income tax laws.
• Is a full-time student at a Maine college or university who satisfies above requirements.

Nonresident means a citizen of the United States who does not fall within the definition of alien or resident.

Alien means a person who is not a citizen of the United States.

Age Requirements

A person may not permit a child under 10 years of age to operate a snowmobile unless the child is accompanied by an adult. This does not apply on land that is owned by the parent or guardian or on land where permission for use has been granted to the parent or guardian.

A person under 14 years of age may not operate a snowmobile across any public way
maintained for travel.

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Summary of Penalties for Snowmobile

This is a summary of penalties for snowmobile. For full language please refer to Title 12.

Operating under the influence.

§10651, 1-C – Failure to stop for a law enforcement officer.

A person may not fail or refuse to stop any snowmobile on request or signal of any law enforcement officer in uniform whose duty it is to enforce snowmobile laws. A person who violates this provision commits a Class E crime.

§13106-A, 9 – Reckless operation of snowmobile.

A person may not operate a snowmobile in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person. A person who violates this provision commits a Class D crime.

§13106-A, 10 – Operating snowmobile to endanger.

A person may not operate a snowmobile so as to endanger any person or property by:

A. Operating the snowmobile except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions, including when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and taking a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding trail and when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians, skiers or other traffic by reason of weather or trail conditions; or

B. Operating the snowmobile in a manner that fails to control its speed at all times as necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, snowmobile or other object.

§13106-A, 11 – Operating snowmobile at greater than reasonable and prudent speed.

A person may not operate a snowmobile except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime.

§13106-A, 20 - Abuse of another person's property.

A person may not while operating a snowmobile:

• Tear down or destroy a fence or wall on another person's land;
• Leave open a gate or bar on another person's land; or
• Trample or destroy crops on another person's land.

A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime.

§10902, 1 –Suspension or revocation of, or refusal to issue a license or permit.

Any conviction or adjudication, deferred disposition pursuant to Title 17‑A, section 1902, subsection 1 or written filing agreement with the State pursuant to the Maine Rules of Unified Criminal Procedure, Rule 11B for a violation of this Part is grounds for suspension of any license or permit issued under this Part. Except where provided by law, the commissioner shall determine the suspension period. To suspend a license or permit based upon a conviction or adjudication, the commissioner shall follow the procedures under section 10903.

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Canadian Border Crossing

1. You must stop at customs to cross a Canadian/U.S. border. The penalty for not stopping is $5,000 and loss of your snowmobile.
2. You must have a "Trail Permit" to ride Quebec and New Brunswick trails. Riders are encouraged to purchase a trail permit online before their trip by visiting the Federation of Clubs for Snowmobiles (Quebec) website or the New Brunswick Federations of Snowmobile Clubs website. Permits can also be picked up from the first club checkpoint. FMI please visit the websites listed above or call Federation of Clubs for Snowmobiles at 514- 252-3076 or New Brunswick Federations of Snowmobile Clubs at 506-325- 2625.
3. A trail pass is required and you must have personal liability insurance, by New Brunswick law, on your snowmobile. The insurance can be from your state of origin and must be available for viewing if asked for by a peace office Collision, theft and fire insurance are
4. You must have your snowmobile registered, by New Brunswick law, in your state of origin.
5. Anyone traveling into Canada and com ing back should have proper travel documents to include a passport or passport card. More trip planning information can be found on the Maine Snowmobile Association website.
6. Please note that the same laws apply to all individuals crossing the U.S. border by vehicle, whether by car or ATV/snow mobile. Individuals entering the U.S. by vehicle must arrive at a designated port of entry, report arrival, and present the vehicle, persons on board and all merchandise for a customs inspection. 19 U.S.C. §1433(b). Failure to properly report arrival may be punished by civil and criminal penalties and the seizure and forfeiture of your vehicle. 19U.S.C. § § 1436, 1459. For more information related to border crossing activity, please contact U.S. Border Patrol, Houlton Sector, (207) 532-6521, 1-800-851-8727, or Office of Field Operations, Area Port of Portland, (207) 771-3612.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Ports of Entry Near Canadian Snowmobile Trails in New Brunswick

CBSA Port Of Entry Canada	Hours of Operations
Clair - 790 Principale Street Clair NB E7A 2H6	24/7
Edmundston - 66 St Francois Street Edmundston NB E3V 1E6	24/7
Grand Falls - 1015 Main Street Grand Falls NB E3Z 2X1	7:00-19:00 (Atlantic Time)
St. Croix - 2785 Route 4 St. Croix NB E6J 2A7	24/7
St. Leonard - 10 Dupont Street St Leonard NB E7E 1Y1	24/7
Woodstock Road - 1403 Route 95 Belleville NB E7M 4Z9	24/7

USCBP Port Of Entry	Hours of Operations
Fort Kent, Maine – 0110 - 401 West Main St. Fort Kent, ME 04743	24/7
Madawaska, Maine – 0109 - 63 Bridge Avenue Madawaska, ME 04756	24/7
Vanceboro, Maine – 0105 - 133 Water Street Vanceboro, ME 04491	8:00-20:00 (Eastern Time)
Van Buren, Maine – 0108 -173 Acadian Way Van Buren, ME 04785	24/7
Calais, Maine – 0115 - 3 Customs Street Calais, ME 04619	8:00-16:00 (Eastern Time)
Houlton, Maine – 0106 - Route 95 at the Border Houlton, ME 04730	24/7

Port of Entry Near Canadian Snowmobile Trails in Quebec Estcourt Station/Pohenegamook	Hours of Operations
1275 RUE de la Frontiere Estcourt, ME 04741	8:00 -16:00 Mon-Fri Closed Sat & Sun (Eastern Time)

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Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program

MDIFW manages the Snowmobile Trail Fund Donation Sticker Program. The 3 different Snowmobile Trail Fund donation stickers reflect a donor's donation of $25, $50 and $100, respectively. For every donation $2 is retained by the department and the remainder is transferred to the Snowmobile Trail Fund of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Donate to the Maine Snowmobile Trail Fund

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Free Snowmobile Weekend

March 7-9, 2025
During this weekend, a nonresident (from another state or province) may operate a snowmobile in Maine (no reciprocity necessary) so long as he/she has a valid registration from another state or province.

Participants must register for Free Snowmobile Weekend online, Title 12 MRSA, §13104, subsection 7, paragraph E & F. Note: The date for the reciprocal weekend will be determined annually. Some states and provinces require proof of insurance and payment of a trail use fee or club membership. Call ahead for requirements and restrictions.

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