• Properly display a VAST TMA (Trail Maintenance Assessment/ Trail Pass) decal, this is your permission to operate your snowmobile(s) on private land in Vermont. TMA decals can only be purchased from a local snowmobile club’s membership chairperson, a local business that has been contracted to sell TMAs for the club or online at club websites. The cost of a Resident TMA is different for the 2007-2008 snowmobile season.  There are different categories to choose from (Antique, Classic, Regular, and Family Rate).  The price varies not only by category but there is a significant savings if you purchase before December 15th.   All TMA holders need to join a club.  Club dues for Franklin County Snow Raiders is $10 for the 2007-2008 year.  The price of an Antique Snowmobile TMA is a One time fee of $100 (requires registration); a  Classic (15 years and older) snowmobile TMA is $35 (plus club dues) before December 15th and $50 after; a Regular Snowmobile (new to 14 years) is $65 (plus club dues) before December 15th, $90 after; and the Family Rate is $65 (plus club dues) for the first two snowmobiles and $32.50 for each additional snowmobile (before December 15th), $90 and $45 after Decemeber 15th.  Non-resident TMA's have the same savings option before December 15th.  Non-Resident prices are:  Antique Snowmobile is a One time fee of $100; the Classic Snowmobile is $50 (plus club dues) before December 15th and $70 after; the Regular snowmobile is $95 (plus club dues) before December 15th, $130 after; and the Family Rate is $95 (plus club dues) for the first two snowmobiles and $47.50 each additional before December 15th, $130 and $65 after.   New this year too is a 5 day pass.  A 5-day pass for residents is $65 and for non-residents it's $95.

In addition, the following regulations also apply to operating a snowmobile in Vermont:

• Anyone born after July 1, 1983, and who is 12 years of age and older, must complete a six-hour Snowmobile Safety Course recognized by Vermont. VAST recommends that all snowmobilers attend a safety course. More information about this can be found in our section on Education. >

• Effective September 1, 2003 - all individuals operating a snowmobile, in Vermont on the statewide snowmobile trails system, shall have a liability insurance policy or bond in the amounts of at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more persons killed or injured and $10,000 for damages to property in any one accident. In lieu thereof, evidence of self-insurance in the amount of $115,000 must be filed with the commissioner. You must carry proof of insurance and show it upon demand.

• You must operate your snowmobile at a speed that is reasonable and prudent, taking into consideration current conditions, trail traffic and other hazards present on the trail.

• You must wear a DOT approved helmet, at all times, while operating your snowmobile.

• Windshields are mandatory or the operator must wear eye glasses, goggles or a protective face shield.

• The maximum speed limit on state lands is 35 m.p.h. The use of radar on snowmobile trails is becoming a standard practice. Snowmobiles are also subject to posted speed limits on public roads open to snowmobile traffic.

• Vermont has a tough “Snowmobiling While Intoxicated” (SWI) law. This law covers both drugs and alcohol. If you are charged with SWI while operating on a public right-of-way you will be charged with DWI and the same penalty will be applied as if you werte operating your motor vehicle. A frozen lake is considered a public highway.

• If you are involved in an accident, resulting in personal injury, death or property damage in excess of $500, it is your duty to stop and report it to local authorities. You must give your name, address, registration number and the name of the owner of the snowmobile to the party whose person or property is injured. You must also file an accident report with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours.

• Your snowmobiles must be equipped with: headlight; red rear light; windshield free from jagged or sharp edges; a fully functional brake in good condition; efficient muffler and such other equipment and devices as may be required to meet the noise level specifications of not more than 73 decibels on the A scale at 50 feet in a normal operating environment. It is against Vermont law to sell a replacement exhaust system that exceeds the manufacturer's original equipment specifications. Violation of this law will result in a fine of $300 for the snowmobile operator and a $300 fine for the person selling the illegal exhaust system. No by-pass of a muffler system is allowed.

• Colored lens covers on headlights are illegal.