KNOW BEFORE YOU GO . . . VERMONT LAW 

All snowmobile operators born after July 1, 1983, who are 12 years of age and older, must take and pass a snowmobile safety course. 

A snowmobile is required to have a working headlight (with a clear lens), red rear light, a windshield free from sharp or jagged edges and a fully functional brake in good mechanical condition. 

The snowmobile operator and any passengers are required to wear an approved helmet and protective eye wear (face shield, goggles or glasses). 

Snowmobiling While Intoxicated (SWI) is strictly enforced. The legal limit is 0.08. 

The maximum speed limit on state land is 35 m.p.h. 

A frozen lake is considered a public highway and the maximum speed limit is 50 m.p.h. 

It is a snowmobilers duty to stop and report to local authorities any snowmobile accident resulting in personal injury, death or property damage in excess of $500. The snowmobiler must give their name, address, registration number and the name of the owner of the snowmobile to the party whose person or property is injured or damaged. A written report must be filed with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours.

It is illegal to operate a snowmobile that exceeds the noise level of 73 decibels on the A scale at 50 feet in a normal operating environment. 

A snowmobile is required to have a working headlight, red rear light, windshield free from sharp or jagged edges and a fully functional brake in good mechanical condition. 

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 Snowmobile Clubs and VAST

•In the fall of 1967 in South Burlington, Vermont, a small group of snowmobilers formed an association called the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). Not long after that, the first laws pertaining to snowmobile operation were passed.

•There are approximately 145 local clubs that form the VAST organization and more than 35,000 members. VAST and its local clubs are volunteer organizations.

•Due to VAST and its local clubs, Vermont snowmobilers can experience some of the best snowmobiling available anywhere.

 Statewide Snowmobile Trail System (SSTS)

•The Statewide Snowmobile Trail System (SSTS), created by VAST and local clubs working with state and federal agencies, consists of more than 4,500 miles of corridor trails and more than 1,500 miles of secondary trails (generally used to access services, such as food and gas, from the main trail). These are maintained by local snowmobile club volunteers. Eighty percent of the SSTS is located on private land.

•These trails and the land around them must be respected, or landowners will close their land to snowmobiling. Please volunteer when possible to help maintain your local club’s trails. Always remember that trail passage is a privilege, not a right