The Clearwater Detachment RCMP respond every year to complaints about a small group of snowmobile riders who are driving carelessly in and around public areas, riding on public streets or riding in "out of bound" wilderness areas. For a few, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs seems to go hand and hand with their recreational vehicle experiences. It is hoped that this news release will assist in educating the residents of the Clearwater, Vavenby, Blue River and vacationers who visit this area.

All snowmobiles in the Province of British Columbia are required to be registered under the Motor Vehicle (All Terrain) Act. This has been a requirement since the early 1970's. At the time of registration the owner of the snowmobile must place the two yellow decals on either side of the tunnel. These decals are not transferable from machine to machine. A copy of the registration must be on the machine at all times. Failure to provide proof of registration or failure to provide the supporting documents are separate ticketable offences. If your snowmobile has never been registered before, or has been modified with an aftermarket tunnel, or is from out of province, a mandatory check of your motor and chassis serial numbers are required for registration. The Clearwater Detachment or any detachment can assist with this to verify your serial numbers. Take note that if you have just recently bought a new snowmobile, it is advisable that you write down the serial numbers of your motor as it will be different than the one on your chassis. If your snowmobile is stolen the chances of finding it increases by 50% if you also provide the motor serial number. Rotax of Austria supply engines to Bombardier, Fuji supply Polaris, and Suzuki power Arctic Cat. Yamaha supplies it's own engines, however since the early 1990's the serial numbers are different.

Registration is up to $15.00 for the life of the snowmobile. Of course the province also requires the 7% P.S.T. on all machines New and Old and this is a sore point for most snowmobile owners. It's the price we pay to ride in Beautiful British Columbia! Snowmobiling is not a cheap sport!

All registered snowmobiles are allowed to utilize non maintained Forest Service Roads without I.C.B.C. Insurance. The maximum speed limit on a non maintained forest service road for a snowmobile is 80 km / hr. Once a grader makes a swipe of the road it becomes maintained. If one wishes to use the snowmobile on a public road, even just to cross, by law, you need to have your machine licensed and insured just like a car. Third party liability insurance is available from your I.C.B.C. broker. Once insured you then need to obtain a permit from your local RCMP which will outline where you can cross or utilize a road way. For the most part in the North Thompson area this may not be granted or feasible depending on the community, traffic volume, or lack of snow! In theory, ditch riding is prohibitive as liability insurance is required within 30 meters from the center of roadway! Insurance obtained through the B.C. Snowmobile Federation or obtained privately is liability insurance for off road use only. The insurance is void once the operator drives on or crosses a public road.

For driving on a non maintained forest service road including public roads and crown land the snowmobile must be in good mechanical condition with an operative headlight, rear light, and working brakes.

Those who wish to mix recreational riding with recreational drugs including alcohol be advised that the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits the impaired operation of any motor vehicle including snowmobiles anywhere in Canada. This means on any public road, public access area, including the mountains or even in your own back yard. Every year this detachment responds to incidents involving snowmobiles where alcohol for the most part was a contributing factor to poor decision making by the rider, regardless of the rider's experience.

If a back country adventure is planned, plan and be prepared. An avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, warm clothing, survival kit, first aid kit, and basic tool kit should be all considered. Leave an itinerary with someone, and don't go alone. These considerations will ensure a safe experience. Never rely on other snowmobilers to bail you out. Ride within your limits and ride with respect to the area you are riding in.

Join your local snowmobile club. You will be amazed with the people and wealth of experience that the club has to offer. The Snow Drifters is this area's local organized club and have cabins that they have available in a few back country riding areas.

Ignorance is Bliss, except when it comes to the Law. If you ride, or have a family member who rides please take the time to become informed. The Clearwater Detachment has two snowmobiles and all members of this detachment are trained operators. Time permitting enforcement patrols will be made in many of the snowmobiling areas. Snowmobile thefts have risen dramatically in British Columbia and noticeably in this area as well. Stolen sleds can be stripped and parted for cash or sold to unsuspecting buyers. If it's too good to be true, then it was. Random checks of sleds either on the trail or being transported, curbs thefts within a community. All snowmobile operators are required by law to stop when directed by an enforcement officer, a designation which includes Police / with Auxiliary, Conservation, B.C. and National Parks Wardens.

Ultimately snowmobiling is fun, it is a great way to enjoy the winter months and can be surprisingly affordable compared to other winter activities. We want you to have fun, safe fun! If you have any questions or concerns with regards to snowmobiles you can contact the Clearwater Detachment and speak with any member of this detachment including myself, Cst. Darrell SANDBACK.

Cst Darrell SANDBACK
Clearwater Detachment RCMP
Clearwater, B.C.
Ph: (250) 674-2237