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YouTube: Snowmobile Safety, Iowa DNR (0:31)
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DNR Spot
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE CHANGES WHICH TAKE EFFECT JULY 1, 2012
REGISTRATION/IDNR USER PERMIT REQUIRED FOR ALL SNOWMOBILES
Starting July 1, all snowmobiles must display valid proof of registration as well as an IDNR user permit to operate on public land, public ice, and designated riding areas and trails.
This $15 (plus administrative and writing fees) IDNR User Permit was requested by stakeholder organizations. The money will be used to improve and expand trails and riding opportunities.
The IDNR User Permit will be available at all local license sales agents through their touch screen terminals.
The 2012 user permit and accompanying under-the-counter decal are still valid through 12/31/2012.
The New 2012 IDNR User Permits will be available Sunday, July 1, 2012, and will sell through August 31, 2012. The permit will be valid through 12/31/2012.
The 2013 IDNR User Permits will be available September 1, 2012, and will sell through August 31, 2013. The permit will be valid through 12/31/2013.
PROOF OF INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
OHV operators must carry proof of insurance coverage when operating in a highway. Note that “highway” is legally defined as the area fence-line to fence-line; this will have a significant impact on snowmobilers in particular. Previously, OHVs were exempt; now only certain OHVs used for agricultural purposes are exempt from this requirement. Please see Iowa Code § 321.20B for more details.
Iowa Snowmobile Rules and Regulations
SnowmobileGuide2012.pdf
Join the Snowmobile List Serve
To receive information from the IDNR Snowmobile Program, join the program's list serve: join-dnrsnowmobile@lists.ia.gov.
Special Event Permits
The Iowa DNR is authorized to approve a club or individual to hold an organized special events (an organized race, exhibition, or demonstration of limited duration which is conducted according to a prearranged schedule and in which general public interest is manifested) within the state if the event is scheduled to be held on public land or public ice. The DNR shall designate the equipment and facilities necessary for the safe operation of vehicles and for the safety of operators, participants, and observers.
Residents participating in a special event must display a current registration on their vehicles. Nonresidents must display a valid, Iowa nonresident user permit on their vehicles.
At least 30 days before the scheduled date of a special event, an application must be filed with the DNR using the Special Events web-based application found at https://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/.
For more information, contact the Snowmobile Program Manager (David.Downing@dnr.iowa.gov) or call 515-238-3564.
Special Events Calendar
When individuals and groups want to use public land and water for events, they must apply for use of that land through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These events are compiled by the Special Events System and are displayed on a calendar of events. These events can be searched by type, location, and date.
To find events which may be of interest to you, please go to https://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/.
Our Mission:
To provide sustainable, responsible recreation opportunities for owners of registered snowmobiles.