Making the most of the weather, and some safety reminders

Griffin Dochterman (front), 7, and his brother Landon Dochterman, 13, ride their snowmobiles at Cedar Rapids home Sunday. The two, along with their dad and a friend, decided to enjoy some of the fresh snow that had fallen by snowmobiling around their yard.

Iowa DOT and DNR remind Iowans about legal operation of snowmobiles

Is it legal to operate a snowmobile on any roadway right of way?  Can I cross a public road?  Must snowmobiles be registered? How old must I be before I can operate a snowmobile unaccompanied?

These are just some of the many questions the Iowa departments of Transportation (DOT) and Natural Resources (DNR) are receiving now that conditions are suitable for snowmobile operation in many areas of the state.

To help answer these questions, the agencies have launched a new Web site http://www.iowadot.gov/snowmobiles/areasofop.html that includes helpful information about:

• Areas where snowmobiles are allowed to operate.
• Operation during an emergency.
• Crossing a street or highway.
• Snowmobile operator requirements.
• General operating regulations.
• Snowmobile registration.
• Reporting accidents.

The Iowa DOT and DNR are encouraging snowmobile operators, and parents of young riders and operators to visit the site to learn more about operating legally and safely.