1.Statutory Authority
“A snowmobile shall not be operated unless it has at least 1 headlight, 1 taillight, and adequate brakes capable, while the snowmobile travels on packed snow and carries an operator who weighs 175 pounds or more, of stopping the snowmobile in not more than 40 feet from an initial steady speed of 20 miles per hour or of locking the snowmobile’s traction belt or belts.” MCL 324.82122(1).
“A person shall not sell or offer to sell in [Michigan] a snowmobile manufactured after July 1, 1978, unless it meets the minimum safety standards for snowmobile product certification of the snowmobile safety and certification committee’s November 23, 1976, volume 3, safety standards for snowmobiles for product certification, including detailed standard supplement and test specifications and procedures, covering machine sound levels, seats, controls, brake systems, fuel systems, shields and guards, electrical systems and lighting, reflectors, handgrips, and general hazard requirements.” MCL 324.82122(2). “Proof of compliance with [MCL 324.82122] shall be in the form of certification by a qualified independent testing company that is not affiliated with the manufacturer and is approved by the [DNR].” MCL 324.82122(2).
“A person shall not operate a snowmobile without displaying a lighted headlight and a lighted taillight.” MCL 324.82131(1). “However, the headlight shall not be covered with a lens cap of any color.” Id. “[MCL 324.82131] does not apply to a snowmobile of a model year 25 years old or older.” MCL 324.82131(2).
“A person operating or riding on a snowmobile shall wear a crash helmet on his or her head.” MCL 324.82123. “Crash helmets shall be approved by the United States department of transportation.” Id. “[MCL 324.82123] does not apply to a person riding on or operating a snowmobile on his or her own private property.” MCL 324.82123.
2.Penalties
A person who violates an equipment requirement regarding lights, brakes, or a crash helmet is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by:
•imprisonment for not more than 90 days;
•fine of not more than $500; or
•both. MCL 324.82133; MCL 750.504.
1.Statutory Authority
“[A] person shall not operate a snowmobile unless the snowmobile is equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation from which noise emission does not exceed either of the following:
(a) For a snowmobile manufactured after July 1, 1977 and sold or offered for sale in [Michigan], 78 decibels at 50 feet, as measured using the 2003 society of automotive engineers standard J192.
(b) For a stationary snowmobile manufactured after July 1, 1980 and sold or offered for sale in [Michigan], 88 decibels, as measured using the 2004 society of automotive engineers standard J2567.” MCL 324.82126(2).
“A person is exempt from the requirement of [MCL 324.82126(2)] under either of the following circumstances:
(a) While operating a snowmobile during an organized race on a course that is used solely for racing.
(b) While operating a snowmobile on private property, with the permission of the private property owner, in preparation for an organized race, if the operation of the snowmobile is in compliance with applicable local noise ordinances.” MCL 324.82126(3).
2.Penalties
“A person who violates [an equipment requirement regarding a muffler, MCL 324.82126(2)] is responsible for a state civil infraction and shall be ordered to pay a civil fine of not less than $100.00 or more than $250.00.” MCL 324.82126(9).
Part C—Moving Violations in the Snowmobile Act