BC Snowmobile Rules and Regulations

• Operators must have a valid registration with the number plate or sticker displayed on the snowmobile.
• Both the driver and passenger must wear a motor vehicle safety-approved helmet.  Snowboard or ski helmets are not certified.
• Riders must be at least 16 years of age or meet the exemptions (See Part 3 of the Off-Road Vehicle Regulation for more information.

Traveling on Forest Service Roads:

• It is illegal to operate a snowmobile on a plowed Forest Service Road in B.C. 
• Snowmobilers can cross a plowed Forest Service Road with a minimum of $200,000 in third-party liability insurance, carrying a valid driver’s license, wearing an approved helmet, and crossing when safe.
• Snowmobilers are allowed to travel on Forest Service Roads without insurance if the road is unplowed and cannot be accessed by other vehicles.
• Radio call/up down procedures must be obeyed if you are driving a vehicle on an active haul road to reach sledding terrain. Be considerate of others; trucks and trailers cannot block access on forest service roads.

See Part 3 of the Forest Service Road Use Regulation for more information on this topic.

Find FSR radio channels by region on the BC Government website.

Out-of-province insurance and registration requirements:

• Visitors to B.C. must carry proof of registration from their home province or state.

For more information about the laws governing snowmobile use in B.C., see the Off-Road Vehicles section of the Province’s website.

Not obeying BC snowmobile rules and regulations is a fineable offense, and/or can result in access being restricted to snowmobilers. 

Know before you go.