Local By-Laws

Laws and Info - Excerpt from the City of Yellowknife's website

Who Can Drive a Snowmobile?

Under 12 years of age:

• No one under the age of 12 is permitted to drive a snowmobile within the Municipality of the City of Yellowknife.

12 to 15 years of age:

• You may drive a snowmobile in the off-road areas of the city if you have completed the City of Yellowknife Snowmobile Safety Course AND you are under the immediate supervision and control of a person 18 years of age or older who has a valid driver's license or has successfully completed the City of Yellowknife Snowmobile Course.

16 years of age or older:

• You may drive a snowmobile on permitted streets and off-road areas of the city, if you have a valid drivers license or, you may drive a snowmobile in permitted off-road areas of the municipality if you have successfully completed the City of Yellowknife Snowmobile Safety Course.

Where can you drive a Snowmobile in the city?

Most streets, alleys and highways, and off road areas of the city can be used by snowmobile riders. However, you must not drive a snowmobile in the following areas:

• Any school play area, playgrounds, parks or recreational facilities, cemeteries or any area where signs prohibit the use of snowmobiles.
• Streets in the downtown core bounded by 48 Street, 54 Street, 49 Avenue and 51 Avenue.
• Private property without receiving the permission of the property owner.
• The Ski Club Trail System.
• The Greens at the Golf Course.
• The McMahon Frame Lake Trail system between the Hospital and City Hall and the Museum, or any boardwalk or stairs between the Hospital systems.
• The Range Lake Trail system between Parker Recreational Field and the Real Canadian Wholesale Club (formerly Extra Foods).
• The children's sliding area in the open space on 55 Street between 50A Ave. and 51A Ave.
• The area known as Toboggan Hill, off Highway 3 near the Jackfish Power Plant.
• The area known as the Bristol Pit.
• The Nature Preserve between Lindquist Drive, School Draw Avenue and the Detah Ice Road.

Speed Limit

On Roads:

• Observe the posted speed limit to a maximum of 45 km/h even in the 70km/h zones. If there is no posted speed limit you must not exceed 30 km/h.

Off Roads:

• 30km/h maximum in Zone A - south of Highway 3, Niven Lake Subd. Area, east of the Old Airport Road and the Airport property, Kam Lake Industrial Area, north of the Con Mine area, School Draw and Old Town.
• 70km/h maximum in Zone B - north of Highway 3, west of the Old Airport Road, West of the Airport Boundary, south of Kam Lake Industrial area, easy of Kam Lake and Great Slave Lake.

Remember the fine for speeding can be $100.00 or more.

Rules of the Road:

• On the road, obey all signs and practice good driving habits. The same basic rules apply driving a car or snowmobile. Be cautious and remember the braking limitations of your snowmobile and the conditions at the time. Keep as far right as possible when on the roads. Stay in single file. Do not drive on the sidewalks.

License Plates and Insurance:

• To operate a snowmobile within the city boundaries, you need license places and insurance. License plates must be displayed on both sides of the snowmobile and have validation stickers for the current year. License places and stickers are available at City Hall in the Municipal Enforcement office. You will receive your registration permit which must be carried with you and produced on demand of a Peace Officer.
• Insurance requirements are the same as automobiles and you must carry a pink card with you when operating a snowmobile.

Helmets:

• Helmet use is compulsory. Only helmets bearing one of the following certification labels is acceptable: CSA D-230; DOT218 or SNELL M90.