3.23Operation of Snowmobiles in a Careless, Negligent, Reckless, or Otherwise Prohibited Manner
A.Careless or Negligent Operation of a Snowmobile
1.Statutory Authority
“A person shall not operate a snowmobile upon a highway, public trail, frozen surface of a public lake, stream, river, pond, or another public place, including but not limited to an area designated for the parking of snowmobiles or other motor vehicles, in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property.” MCL 324.82126a(1).
2.Penalty
“A person who violates [MCL 324.82126a(1)] is responsible for a state civil infraction.” MCL 324.82126a(2). MCL 600.8827 governs the fine, costs, and assessments that may be ordered upon determining a person responsible for a state civil infraction. See Section 3.12 for more information.
B.Reckless Operation of a Snowmobile
1.Statutory Authority
“A person shall not operate a snowmobile upon a highway, public trail, frozen surface of a public lake, stream, river, pond, or another public place, including, but not limited to, an area designated for the parking of snowmobiles or other motor vehicles, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” MCL 324.82126b(1).
2.Penalty
“A person who violates [MCL 324.82126b(1)] is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $250.00.” MCL 324.82126b(2). In addition, the person may also be subject to imprisonment for not more than 90 days. See MCL 324.82133; MCL 750.504.
1.Statutory Authority
“A snowmobile shall not be used to hunt, pursue, worry, or kill a wild bird or animal.” MCL 324.82121.
“A person shall not operate a snowmobile . . . [a]t a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper having due regard for conditions then existing.” MCL 324.82126(1)(a).
“A person shall not operate a snowmobile . . . [w]hile transporting on the snowmobile a bow, unless unstrung or encased, or a firearm, unless unloaded in both barrel and magazine and securely encased.” MCL 324.82126(1)(f).
2.Penalties
A person who commits a violation of any of the above-listed provisions 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.