Wisconsin DNR Regestration

[JJWickenhauser]

Just a quick question, does anyone not register their sled in the state that they live in and just by the permits to ride in another? I live in Wisconsin and there hasn't been good snow for I don't know how many years. I talked to a guy that rides all over from out west to the UP and he says he never registers in Wisconsin untill there's snow then he sends out the papers and takes a copy with him if he does ride in WI. He also says that he's never had trouble anywhere else as long as you have their states permits to ride. I mean why should I get a trail permit in WI if I never ride here? Any thoughts or people that do this cause I'm thinkin no WI reg. this year.

 

[SledderSteve]

I know people who ride exclusively in the UP who do exactly as you describe but don't actually send out the paperwork, they just keep a copy and pretend they sent it out.

Technically, Michigan requires that you register your sled in your home state as well as buy the Michigan out of state trail permit. You are correct that you merely have to have the paperwork with you but it's kind of a hassle to get pulled over and dig out the papers when you could have been merely waved by at a registration check.

The bigger question is why not register? The total cost is about the same as a tank of fuel and politics aside your registration money does do some good for snowmobiling in general.

 

[Throttle Jockey]

Registration helps support the sport of snowmobiling and many other recreational sports, Where are you from JJ Don't you ever ride in Northern WI, The amount that I pay in Registration fees is so little compaired to the amount invested into this sport, that I have NO problem paying for a little sticker..

 

[Viper_Dave]

Steve, I hate to disagree with ya' my friend, but, you do NOT have to register in the state you live in. I have non-resident Michigan registration on my Viper. Bought it there and rode it MOSTLY there. Definitely register somewhere. Here in Illinois, the bulk of our registration goes to local trail maintaining clubs to pay for groomers and most importantly, INSURANCE. If our club had to pay the insurance premiums out of pocket, we would no longer exist. I pay for a Wisconsin and Michigan trail permit every year and am glad to do it. CHEAP for what you get in return,IMHO.

Dave

 

[SledderSteve]

Steve, I hate to disagree with ya' my friend,

Actually, I think you quite enjoy disagreeing with me.

You are correct though, you have to register your sled somewhere. The following is cut from the Michigan DNR website:

Snowmobile Registration

A snowmobile shall not be operated in Michigan unless the owner first obtains a certificate of registration and a registration decal.

A snowmobile owned by a non-resident must display a valid registration from their home state or province, or be registered in Michigan before it can be operated in Michigan.

 

[JJWickenhauser]

registration frustration

I recently moved from New Richmond, WI to Kiel, WI. I haven't ridden a trail in Wisconsin in like 10 years. We just don't have any snow anymore. And when we do get a little dusting I'm not running my $10,000 sled across plowed up cornfields. Even if there was a lot of snow where I live you are constantly crossing roads. I just don't go for it. Just the way I am. I'd rather spend money in traveling to the UP or whereever than constantly replacing ski runners. It's just my opinion and I'm not pushing it. I do contribute way more than my fair share to the sport also. I donate a lot of time and efforts to the local trail systems and snowmobile clubs around. I do LOVE the sport. I think anyone in the mid to lower part of Wisconsin and nieghboring states who still have sleds adn are active in the sport have to be in love with it or crazy because I think it's THE most expensive thing you can do as far as a rec. sport. IMO!! THANKS for the information. I was just asking because I've heard of others doing it.

 

[SledderSteve]

Ditto on the trails in the mid to lower part of WI. The clubs do a tremendous job in putting together something ridable with what they have but in the end they're still plagued with plowed fields and road crossings with the best of snow.

If you haven't tried them, you owe it to yourself to ride some of the trails in Northern WI. A great destination close to your location is Forest county http://www.100milesnowsafari.org/ The trail reports section of the site will give you a picture what what they had when and how they looked during last season.

You can get some excellent riding and not spend 6 hours and the associated fuel to get there.

 

[ultimatewarrior]

See the below WI statute. Let me know if you have any questions.

350.12. Registration of snowmobiles; trail use stickers

(1) Registration requirement. After January 1, 1970, no person shall operate, and no owner shall give permission for the operation of any snowmobile within this state unless the operation of the snowmobile complies with sub. (3)(a)(intro.) or (5)(cm) or is exempt from registration. No political subdivision shall have authority to register or license snowmobiles.

(2) Exemption. A snowmobile is exempt from registration if it is one of the following:

(a) Owned by the United States, another state or a political subdivision thereof, but such snowmobiles shall display the name of the owner on the cowling thereof.

(b) Covered by a valid registration in another state, province or country, provided there is some identification of registration displayed on the snowmobile and it has not been in this state for more than 15 consecutive days.

(bm) Covered by a valid registration of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band, if all of the following apply:

1. The registration program of the tribe or band is covered by an agreement under s. 23.35.

2. The snowmobile displays the registration decal required by the tribe or band.

3. The snowmobile has not been, for more than 15 consecutive days, in that portion of this state that is outside the boundaries of the reservation where it is registered.

(bn) In the registration application process in another state, province or country, if proof of the application for registration is carried on the operator and the snowmobile has not been in this state for more than 15 consecutive days.

(c) Used exclusively for racing on a raceway facility.

 

[4Fighter]

See the below WI statute. Let me know if you have any questions.

350.12. Registration of snowmobiles; trail use stickers

(1) Registration requirement. After January 1, 1970, no person shall operate, and no owner shall give permission for the operation of any snowmobile within this state unless the operation of the snowmobile complies with sub. (3)(a)(intro.) or (5)(cm) or is exempt from registration. No political subdivision shall have authority to register or license snowmobiles.

(2) Exemption. A snowmobile is exempt from registration if it is one of the following:

(a) Owned by the United States, another state or a political subdivision thereof, but such snowmobiles shall display the name of the owner on the cowling thereof.

(b) Covered by a valid registration in another state, province or country, provided there is some identification of registration displayed on the snowmobile and it has not been in this state for more than 15 consecutive days.

(bm) Covered by a valid registration of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band, if all of the following apply:

1. The registration program of the tribe or band is covered by an agreement under s. 23.35.

2. The snowmobile displays the registration decal required by the tribe or band.

3. The snowmobile has not been, for more than 15 consecutive days, in that portion of this state that is outside the boundaries of the reservation where it is registered.

(bn) In the registration application process in another state, province or country, if proof of the application for registration is carried on the operator and the snowmobile has not been in this state for more than 15 consecutive days.

(c) Used exclusively for racing on a raceway facility.

Spoken like a true lawyer. Hey Paul, where's your avatar, did that get damaged in the move?

 

[LuvMyWarrior]

IL Registration

I was told by a dealer that if someone buys a new sled in IL and registers it in say WI that they can't ride it in IL as the state of IL will not issue them a permit to operate sled in IL. Has anyone else heard this?

 

[Viper_Dave]

LMW, See my post above. My sled has ALWAYS been registered in Michigan. We have no trail permits in Illinois. What you have is a State
DNR registration. I have never been questioned about my Michigan registration, only about trail permits. I have Michigan,Wisconsin,Ontario, and Manitoba stickers on my Viper. Ya', the old Redhead gets around LOL!!

Dave

 

[craze1cars]

Re: IL Registration

I was told by a dealer that if someone buys a new sled in IL and registers it in say WI that they can't ride it in IL as the state of IL will not issue them a permit to operate sled in IL. Has anyone else heard this?

Illinois has trail permits now? Never knew that, but I haven't ridden in Illinois for many years...

For what it's worth, Indiana law is very clear in their law....if I were to register my sled out of state while I am actually an Indiana resident (which I have considered), I am not allowed to legally use my sled in Indiana. It's probably a non-issue unless something REALLY obscure happens, but it's true nonetheless. Besides, my snowmobiling in Indiana is limited to test-drives on the neighbor's private property...I NEVER ride here.

I am well aware the Wisconsin and/or Michigan would be happy to allow me to register my sled there as an Indiana resident, but Indiana says if I do so, I may not ride it in Indiana. I found that very interesting when I read that clause....

Most state's laws are on-line now, should be easy to find out if Illinois regulations say something similar with a little digging.

 

[LuvMyWarrior]

Sorry guys - I screwed up. IL doesnt have trail permits. If an IL owner doesnt register their sled in IL because say they registered it in WI then they cant ride it in IL.

 

[craze1cars]

Sorry guys - I screwed up. IL doesnt have trail permits. If an IL owner doesnt register their sled in IL because say they registered it in WI then they cant ride it in IL.

That would not surprise me, as I said...Indiana makes that same fact fairly clear.