If you are an avid snowmobile rider, or are new to the recreational activity there is something important you need to remember. Of course safety is a given, but Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol reminds riders to make sure their sleds are registered.

The registration must be completed through the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. The number of unregistered snowmobiles is on the rise, and the Sheriff and area snowmobile clubs are taking notice. Maciol's deputies are always actively patrolling the trails, and if caught with an unregistered sled you could face a fine of $200, plus other surcharges.

The cost of registering your snowmobile is $100, and the revenue from the registrations goes to the upkeep, maintenance, and development of New York's 650 mile snowmobile trail system. Maciol reminds riders the cost of that registration is reduced to $45 if the rider belongs to an organized snowmobile club or Trail Maintenance Entity (TME) that is a member of the New York State Snowmobile Association. Proof of that is required at the time of registration. You can find information on all of our area’s snowmobile clubs at http://nysnowmobiler.com/  or at www.oneidacountysnowmobiling.org.

If you have any questions regarding this, or any other snowmobile related matter, please contact Lt. James Paravati who oversees the Sheriff’s Snowmobile Patrol Unit at 765-2211.

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