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Ready to go snowmobiling in Indiana? It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws regarding snowmobile registration, permits, and other rules.
Whether you’re an Indiana resident or an out-of-state visitor planning to ride your snowmobile during your stay, we’ve compiled the information you need.
For more information and other details regarding snowmobiles, trails, and more, please visit: https://www.in.gov/dnr/
Indiana Snowmobile Registration Requirements
Both Indiana residents and out-of-state visitors are required to have valid registration to ride a snowmobile on public trails and lands.
You’ll need to register your snowmobile through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). To do so, you’ll need to:
- Visit any IN BMV office.
- Provide proof of ownership.
- Complete an Off-Road Vehicle/Snowmobile Ownership Affidavit (Form 52827), if applicable. https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=11531
Getting a title for your snowmobile is optional, but recommended.
Your snowmobile registration’s expiration date will correspond with your last name, as described in the following chart: https://www.in.gov/bmv/registration-plates/files/Registration_Expiration_Schedule.pdf
Out-of-State Snowmobile Registration Requirements in Indiana
Indiana recognizes out-of-state snowmobile registration if it meets the following requirements:
- The registration card contains your registration number, your name, your address, the VIN, and other registration details.
- There are 2 registration decals attached to the snowmobile.
If your state’s snowmobile registration meets those criteria, you can ride your snowmobile in Indiana for up to 20 days per year.
Otherwise, you’ll need to register your out-of-state snowmobile through the Indiana BMV (described above).
Indiana Snowmobile Registration Cost
The fees for Indiana snowmobile registration are $30 for 3 years.
Snowmobile Laws in Indiana
Indiana’s 200+ miles of snowmobile trails are open from December 1 through March 31 when the trail sign is “OPEN’.
Leaving marked trails is generally trespassing, as most snowmobile trails in the state border or cross private property.
You must display valid decals stickers before you can legally ride your vehicle.
If you’ve just purchased a snowmobile, a copy of the bill of sale can allow you to operate the snowmobile for up to 45 days after the sale. The Bill of Sale must include the following information:
- Purchase date.
- Year, make, model.
- VIN.
Be sure to also check the rules, regulations, and fees for the Indiana snowmobile trails you plan on riding. Local laws and regulations may vary.
Regardless of whether a particular state or trail requires it, snowmobile operators and passengers should always wear the proper safety equipment and helmets while riding.
Never ride a snowmobile under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Failing to obey the snowmobile laws of Indiana and the local jurisdiction may result in tickets, fines, and penalties.
Check out some of these other great snowmobile resources from MotorcycleZombies.com: