Ride responsibly; exercise caution as you enjoy state’s snowmobiling opportunities

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State Park Police, New York State Police and the Department of Environmental Conservation have cautioned snowmobilers to ride responsibly and exercise caution as they enjoy the state’s abundant snowmobiling opportunities.

While issuing the warning on Friday March 4, 2022, State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid stated that Park Police, State Police and DEC Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) will increase snowmobile patrols this weekend.

According to the commissioner, the patrols will ensure that operators are complying with speed regulations, as well as regulations involving alcohol and drugs.

“Alcohol use and unsafe speed are the leading causes of snowmobile crashes,” Kulleseid said.

He added, “While riding a snowmobile, be sure to avoid alcohol, drive within your abilities, within speed limits, and to reduce speeds during inclement or nighttime operation. Following these basic safety recommendations and paying attention to trail conditions will help to ensure you and your friends have a fun and enjoyable day in New York’s great outdoors.”

“We want snowmobile enthusiasts to take advantage of the beautiful trails throughout the state, but we want them to do so safely,” said State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen.

“Our snowmobile patrols will be highly visible and will have no tolerance for reckless operation or those who operate a machine while impaired. We urge everyone to make responsible and safe choices before operating a snowmobile or any other vehicle.”

“Each winter, thousands of people visit the hundreds of miles of snowmobiling trails crisscrossing New York State. To enjoy this activity, and protect themselves and others, snowmobilers are advised to ride and drive safely,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said.

“Staying on designated trails, wearing a helmet, observing the speed limit, and eliminating alcohol when riding or driving a snowmobile are critical to getting home safely and protecting our resources.”

In New York, a snowmobile driver can be charged with Snowmobiling While Intoxicated (SWI) if he or she operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Any snowmobile driver with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher can be charged with an SWI, the snowmobile equivalent of a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offense.

“A misdemeanor conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, a maximum fine of $1500, up to 90 days in jail, and a 12-month suspension of snowmobiling privileges. Intoxication can be proven through different types of evidence including BAC chemical tests (breath, blood, or urine), law enforcement’s observations, and other factors. An SWI charge is upgraded to a felony when there are two prior convictions.”

Also, a snowmobile driver can be charged with Snowmobiling While Ability Impaired (SWAI). The penalty for a SWAI conviction can include a fine up to $350, jail time up to 15 days, and a suspension of snowmobile privileges for six months.

A second type of SWAI charge involves driving a snowmobile while under the influence of drugs. Similar to a DWAI-Drugs, the SWAI-Drugs charge is a misdemeanor offense that can be brought against any snowmobiler who operates the vehicle while on drugs.

If convicted, an SWAI-Drugs charge can bring harsh penalties, including a fine up to $500, jail time up to 90 days, and a one-year suspension of your snowmobile registration and privileges.