Snow Patrol


Antrim County Snow Patrol

During the off-road season assigned Deputies patrol all Antrim County area snowmobile trails, forest trails/roads and county roads.

Snow Patrol is assigned to deputies that have proven proficiency on the machines in addition to specialized training in the statutory aspects of the operation, licensing, and registration of these vehicles.

This patrol normally operates on weekends and will occasionally work special events. Selective enforcement may be necessary based upon special requests or complaints received from citizens. Typically, deputies patrol the snowmobile trails and selected areas conducting inspections and compliance checks to ensure that operators adhere to state and local laws. The Snow patrol team may be requested to assist at accident scenes and could at any time, be called out for search and rescue operations.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

A snowmobile shall NOT be operated unless it has at least:

  • One headlight that emits a white light; and
  • One taillight; and
  • Operating brake light; and
  • Adequate brakes; and
  • A muffler no louder than 78 decibels, measured at 50 feet.
  • A person operating or riding on a snowmobile shall wear a crash helmet on his/her head.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:

The following equipment is not required by law, but is recommended for safety:

  • Approved eye protection.
  • An insulated snowmobile suit.
  • Heavy duty gloves that provide both hand and finger protection and secure grip on the controls.
  • Insulated boots for ankle and foot protection.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT:

The following equipment is not required by law, but is recommended for emergency situations:

  • Tool kit (knife, pliers, adjustable wrench, electrical tape, plug wrench and screwdriver).
  • Flashlight (extra battery and bulb)
  • Matches (candles).
  • Disposable blanket (heat reflecting type).
  • First Aid kit.
  • Maps and compass (extra copies).

SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY:

Most accidents are caused by operator error. The most common causes of snowmobile accidents are:

  • Excessive Speed
  • Terrain Unfamiliarity
  • Failure to Signal Intentions
  • Failure to Observe Hazards
  • Faulty Equipment

AS A SNOWMOBILE OWNER/OPERATOR, USE THE SAME CARE, CAUTION AND RESPECT THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM OTHERS.

Antrim County Snow Trails

Mancelona Snow sign