Signs & Rules

Signs

Throughout the upcoming season, snowmobilers will notice many changes on OFSC prescribed trails. These signs are a continuing reminder to riders that snowmobiling is an inherently risky activity, that each individual chooses to participate in of their own free will and at their sole risk. It also provides ongoing notice to riders of their personal responsibility to choose to ride the OFSC trail in a save, prudent and lawful manner. Any signage provided by the OFSC for the convenience of snowmobilers is never a substitute for rider knowledge, choice or vigilance. The law says that snowmobiles must stop at all road crossings.

The following are some of the signs riders may see on trails, and their meaning:

Use Trail at your own risk you must know and obey the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act (Ont) You must use caution at all times Emergency and cell phone service may not be available

YELLOW - Back off the throttle and prepare to take corrective action.
Stop ahead	Directional Arrow	Slow Down
Railroad Crossing	Bridge Chevron	Ice Crossing - Use at your own risk
Maximum 50 km/h sign
The maximum legal trail speed limit in Ontario unless otherwise posted.

A Few Rules

• Stay on the Trails
  As a condition of the land use permission, riders are expected to stay on the trails.
  
  
• Leave stakes intact
  Stakes are placed to mark where sleds are supposed to go. Knocking them over could result in a dangerous situation
  
  
• Leave gates and fences alone
  Unless otherwise marked, a closed gate is a good indication a trail is closed. If a sign gives permission to go through the gate, make sure you close it behind you.
  
  
• Respect equipment and property
  Interferring with a landowner's equipment could pose a hazard to the Landowner, and also have a negative effect on the future use of the trail.
  
  
• Avoid farm animals and pets
  Many animals and pets are afraid of snowmobiles and do their best to avoid you. Be considerate, SLOW DOWN, in order to avoid unecessary upset.
  
  
• Snowmobile Use Only
  A Landowner has given permission to the snowmobile club only for the use of snowmobiles and club equipment on that trail. When you purchase a snowmobile trail permit you do not have permission to use the trails for ATV, cross country skiing, riding bikes or for any other use. Unlawful access may result in trespass charges being laid. You may also cause the trail to be closed in future.
  
  
• Only in the Winter
  A Landowner has given the snowmobile club permission for the use of the land only during the Winter. Use by anyone for any purpose during the remainder of the year is not allowed. Unlawful access may result in trespass charges being laid. You may also cause the trail to be closed in future.
  
  
• Only when Trail is Open
  The first snow does not mean that snowmobile trails are open. It takes several inches of frozen ground and also of snow to protect the land from the passing of snowmobiles. Unlawful use may cause the closure of the trail.
  
  

S.T.O.P Program

Club Volunteers are trained by partnering police services, and sworn in as Special Constables and Provincial Offenses Officers. They then become members of the Snowmobile Trail Officers Patrol (STOP) empowered to enforce provisions of the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act by issuing tickets or making arrests. They also assist police in sobriety enforcement. For MSVA enforcement purposes, S.T.O.P. Officers have the same authority as police officers.

S.T.O.P. is patrolling in all areas.

Helmets

Your helmet is important to your personal safety and something you are required to wear by law.

When purchasing your helmet here are some tips you may want to consider:

• Make sure it's approved (look for the Dept of Transport sticker generally found on the back of the helmet).
  
• Make sure it fits. The helmet you choose should be comfortable and fit snugly to provide maximum protection.
  
• Make sure it's always properly secured under your chin.
  
• Make sure it has good visibility with the face shield down, and that it has good ventilation to prevent it from fogging up on cold days.