Manistee County Michigan Sheriff's Department

The Manistee County Sheriff’s Snowmobile Division patrols over 45 miles of State funded snowmobile trails in Manistee County along with area villages and county roadways.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Sheriff’s Snowmobile Division is responsible for enforcing Michigan snowmobile law, investigate snowmobile accidents and instruct snowmobile safety classes.

PATROL UNITS

Vehicle: Ford Expedition 4x4

Snowmobiles: (2) 2007 4-stroke Yamaha Apex 1000’s

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY CLASSES

Each year there are two snowmobile safety classes put on at the Benzie/Manistee snowbirds snowmobile club. The club is located at 14121 Industrial Drive, Kaleva Michigan in Manistee County. The Manistee County Sheriff’s Office snowmobile division teaches the law enforcement section of this class. The classes are always the first Saturday in December and the second Saturday in January. For more information call our snowmobile division at 231-723-8393 ext.#23.

RESTRICTIONS ON YOUTHFUL OPERATIONS

A person who is at least 12 but less than 17 years of age:

May operate a snowmobile if they have a valid snowmobile safety certificate in their immediate possession, or are under the direct supervision of a person 21 years of age or older.

  
TIP’S FOR NOT GETTING STOPPED ON THE TRAILS

• Each rider on the snowmobile must have a DOT approved helmet.
• A valid snowmobile registration decal on each side of the forward half of the cowl above the footwell.
• The trail permit sticker permanently affixed to the forward half of the snowmobile directly above or below the headlight.
• All snowmobiles must display a lighted headlight and taillight at all times during operation.
• Stay on marked trails and do not trespass.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION

The three contributing factors present in nearly all fatal snowmobile accidents are:

* Alcohol         (Don’t drink and drive)
* Speed            (Slow down)
* Thin Ice        (Stay off the ice unless your sure it’s safe)