Snowmobilers charged north of city

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* MNR and OPP patrol area lake

AWERES TWP, ON - Both the Sault Ste. Marie OPP and the MNR were out on joint motorized snow vehicle patrols this weekend in the lakes and trails in Aweres Township.

In total, three fisheries charges were laid, seven charges under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act, and 15 warnings were issued.

One three day licence suspension was also issued to a snowmobile driver.

A rider whose blood alcohol level (BAC) is between 0.05 and 0.08 (“warn range”) can be issued the same three-day warning that suspends a driver’s licence on the road.

Consequences also get tougher for repeat occurrences, and riders are reminded that the new Ontario zero tolerance law for driver’s 21 and under also applies to snowmobiles.

OPP remind snowmobilers that riders must be compliant with the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act.

Many rules of the road governing motor vehicle drivers apply to snowmobile operators.

Examples include speeding, failing to stop at a road crossing and driving with blood/alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit.

Failure to comply with the law carries penalties including fines, loss of driver’s licence, criminal charges and/or imprisonment.

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