Snowmobile Sounds Scrutinized by State

Although we've already seen the first snowfall of the year here in the Finger Lakes, the Governor recently signed legislation beefing up enforcement of maximum sound levels emitted by the exhaust systems of snowmobiles used in the State.  The legislation (which amends section 25.17 of the Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Law), generally requires that snowmobile operators make sure that the snowmobile's muffler does not emit noise above 78 decibels (measured 50 feet away at full throttle), or 88 decibels measured from 12 feet directly behind a stationary snowmobile.  The sponsors of this bill hope that, by greater enforcement of limitations on the noise created by snowmobiles, more landowners will open their property to snowmobile trail use.

Section 25.17 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law also specifies a number of important equipment rules for snowmobile owners to follow, including the need for a headlight, tail light, adequate brakes, reflecting material affixed to the cowling, and, of course, an adequate muffler.