SALT LAKE CITY — Outdoor recreationalists have been driving wheeled vehicles on groomed snowmobile trails making them unsafe for snow machine operators. The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division and the Utah Snowmobile Association wants the public’s assistance in keeping snowmobile trails safe and clear of other vehicles.
Snowmobile trail systems across Utah have recently experienced an increase in wheeled vehicles driving on groomed trails, especially with Utah’s very mild winter.
The Utah Department Natural Resources wants the public to know this is not only a significant safety concern but also illegal.
Any wheeled vehicle exceeding 800 pounds traveling on a groomed snowmobile trail is in violation of state law, and the driver is subject to getting cited. Many of these vehicles get stranded and the drivers may face towing expenses.
The state agency is worried about snowmobilers using the trails after they have been damaged and they stand the cost of an expensive trail repair.
Following the removal of a vehicle, groomer operators must dedicate extra time to smoothing and repairing the damaged trail.
The public is asked to report any sightings of vehicles on groomed snowmobile trails by calling the UTiP hotline at 800-662-3337 or by submitting an anonymous tip via text to 847411.
DNR officers would like individuals safely collect information, such as license plates and physical descriptions and give it to help Natural Resource Officers so the perpetrators can be dealt with.
The public is strongly advised not to attempt to contact the individuals, as this may escalate the situation.
For more information regarding OHV laws and rules, please visit recreation.utah.gov.