Safety & Education

Anyone who is at least 18 years old may operate a snowmobile in New York State without any other qualification except as defined by state and local laws regulating that operation.
However, it is recommended that all operators complete a recognized snowmobile safety course.

Youth 14 through 17 years old
May operate a snowmobile without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York.

Youth 10 through 13 years old
May operate a snowmobile on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age.
The Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will issue a snowmobile safety certificate to those who successfully complete this course. Youths who do not hold this certificate are subject to the same restrictions as children under the age of 14 years.

Children less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate
May operate a snowmobile only on lands owned or leased by their parent or guardian.

A non-resident operator who is a resident of another state or country and is the holder of a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by that state or country shall be considered the same as the holder of a New York State Safety Certificate.