Vermont Laws
New Age Requirements For Snowmobile Operation The purpose of this article is to explain the age requirements effected by the new 2002 laws. New Laws: 1. Children who are eight, nine, 10 or 11 years of age are not required to take the snowmobile safety education course.

2. To operate a snowmobile on the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System (SSTS), children who are eight, nine, 10 and 11 years of age must be under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who shall be liable for the actions of the child.

3. Direct supervision means, sufficiently close and able to control, by communicating visually or orally, the operation of a snowmobile by an operator under 16 years of age, taking into account the noise created by snowmobiles and protective headgear worn by the operator.

Laws still in effect:

4. Persons born after July 1, 1983 and who are 12 years of age and older must take and pass the snowmobile safety education course and carry their certificate while operating on the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System (SSTS).

5. Children who are 12 years of age and certified to operate must be under the direct supervision of an adult (18 years of age or older) while operating on the Statewide Snowmobile Trail System (SSTS).

6. Children who are eight, nine, 10, 11 and 12 years of age CANNOT operate a snowmobile across a public road or highway. An adult must operate the snowmobile across the public road or highway for them.

7. Teenagers who are 13, 14 and 15 years of age must be under the direct supervision of an adult (18 years of age or older) when operating a snowmobile across a public road or highway.

8. Teenagers who have reached the age of 16 and have obtained their snowmobile safety certification may operate without supervision.