Frequently Asked Questions About Motorized Snow Vehicles By-law 2016-230

What is a Motorized Snow Vehicle?

The Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicles Act defines a motorized snow vehicle as a self-propelled vehicle designed to be driven primarily on snow.

By-law 2016-230 to Regulate and Govern the Use of Motorized Snow Vehicles in the City of Greater Sudbury is applicable to snowmobiles.

City of Greater Sudbury All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) By-law 2015-158 regulates use of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs and XTVs) and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ORVs) on municipal roads and is independent of the snowmobile by-law.

ATVs and Snowmobiles share some, but not all, municipal roads approved for these modes of travel. Please check the appropriate by-law for permissions.

What is the Speed Limit for Motorized Snow Vehicles on municipal roads?

Under the Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, snowmobiles may not be operated at a greater rate of speed than:

  • 50 km/h on roads where the speed limit is over 50 km/h
  • 20 km/h on roads where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less

Who Enforces the Motorized Snow Vehicle By-law?

Greater Sudbury Police and Ontario Provincial Police will enforce the Snowmobile By-law. A person who contravenes any provisions of By-law 2016-230 will be guilty of an offence and on conviction liable to a fine under the Provincial Offences Act.

What are the Driver Requirements to Operate a Snowmobile?

Everyone who drives a snowmobile in Ontario must meet minimum requirements of the Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicles Act. Where snowmobile operators can drive depends on age and type of licence.

Minimum requirements to drive a snowmobile:

  • be at least 12 years old
  • have a valid driver’s licence or motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence (MSVOL)
  • register the snowmobile with the Ministry of Transportation
  • have insurance

Drivers who are 16 years and over with a valid Ontario driver’s licence, MSVOL or snowmobile licence from another jurisdiction are permitted to drive on snowmobile trails and on municipal roads approved for motorized snow vehicle access under By-law 2016-230.

Drivers who are 12 years and over with a valid MSVOL or snowmobile licence from another jurisdiction are permitted to drive on authorized snowmobile trails.

Drivers under age 12 or drivers of any age without a valid Ontario driver’s licence, MSVOL or snowmobile licence from another jurisdiction are permitted to drive on private property with the express consent of the property owner.

Are Helmets Required on Snowmobiles?

Under the Ontario Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, drivers and passengers, including passengers being towed, must always wear a helmet that meets the standards approved for motorcycle helmets, with the chin strap securely fastened.

Never Drive While Impaired by Alcohol or Drugs

If you are convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile, you will lose your driving privileges for all types of vehicles for at least one year. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

For more information on impaired driving and its consequences in Ontario, visit Ontario.ca/drivesober

Have we missed a question? Please contact Greater Sudbury By-law Compliance and Enforcement. bylaw@greatersudbury.ca