[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 36, Volume 1]

[Revised as of July 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 36CFR2.18]



[Page 24]

 

              TITLE 36--PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC PROPERTY

 

      CHAPTER I--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

 

PART 2_RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION--Table of Contents

 

Sec. 2.18  Snowmobiles.



    (a) Notwithstanding the definition of vehicle set forth in Sec. 1.4 

of this chapter, the provisions of Sec. Sec. 4.4, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 

4.20, 4.21, 4.22 and 4.23 of this chapter apply to the operation of a 

snowmobile.

    (b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the laws of the 

State in which the exterior boundaries of a park area or a portion 

thereof is located shall govern equipment standards and the operation of 

snowmobiles. Nonconflicting State laws are adopted as a part of these 

regulations.

    (c) The use of snowmobiles is prohibited, except on designated 

routes and water surfaces that are used by motor vehicles or motorboats 

during other seasons. Routes and water surfaces designated for 

snowmobile use shall be promulgated as special regulations. Snowmobiles 

are prohibited except where designated and only when their use is 

consistent with the park's natural, cultural, scenic and aesthetic 

values, safety considerations, park management objectives, and will not 

disturb wildlife or damage park resources.

    (d) The following are prohibited:

    (1) Operating a snowmobile that makes excessive noise. Excessive 

noise for snowmobiles manufactured after July 1, 1975 is a level of 

total snowmobile noise that exceeds 78 decibels measured on the A-

weighted scale measured at 50 feet. Snowmobiles manufactured between 

July 1, 1973 and July 1, 1975 shall not register more than 82 decibels 

on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet. Snowmobiles manufactured prior to 

July 1, 1973 shall not register more than 86 decibels on the A-weighted 

scale at 50 feet. All decibel measurements shall be based on snowmobile 

operation at or near full throttle.

    (2) Operating a snowmobile without a lighted white headlamp and red 

taillight from one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before 

sunrise, or when persons and vehicles are not clearly visible for a 

distance of 500 feet.

    (3) Operating a snowmobile that does not have brakes in good working 

order.

    (4) Racing, or operating a snowmobile in excess of 45 mph, unless 

restricted in accordance with Sec. 4.22 of this chapter or otherwise 

designated.

    (e) Except where State law prescribes a different minimum age or 

qualification for the person providing direct supervision and 

accompaniment, the following are prohibited:

    (1) The operation of a snowmobile by a person under 16 years of age 

unless accompanied and supervised within line of sight by a responsible 

person 21 years of age or older;

    (2) The operation of a snowmobile by a person under 12 years of age, 

unless accompanied on the same machine by a responsible person 21 years 

of age or older; or

    (3) The supervision by one person of the operation of snowmobiles by 

more than one person under 16 years of age.



[48 FR 30282, June 30, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 10683, Apr. 2, 1987]



[[Page 25]]