1. The Power of a Monitoring Agent

2. The Main Safety Laws for Off-Highway Vehicles

3. Fines

4. Signals

5. Ice Thickness

6. Evacuation Sleds

7. Recruitment

8. Practical Hints and Tips

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Click here to see the regulations for drivers under 18.

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The power of a monitoring agent

We have 12 certified and first-aid trained monitoring agents who travel the trails and ensure your safety.

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After successfully completing their training, the monitoring agent is sworn in confirming their position and confides the power to apply the off-highway vehicle act and snowmobile regulations, the same as a peace officer: L.R.Q., Chapter V-1.2 Off-Highway Vehicle Act

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Most snowmobilers are aware of the monitoring agent's role and respect their role as such. Unfortunately, there are still some snowmobilers who, by ignorance of the agent's powers and the law, lack the deserved respect toward this volunteer who works to keep snowmobiling safe for everyone.

 

But did you know?...

 

- They can order you to stop your vehicle and inspect the required equipment.

- Require you to produce your licence, insurance papers and certificate of competency.

- Under the same conditions, in particular the monitoring agent has the power to move or tow a vehicle for the means of commissioning an offence. The owner must pay the towing and storage fees before taking possession of their vehicle once again.

Ref.: L.R.Q., Off-Highway Vehicle Act, article 40

- During their inspection, the monitoring agent can ensure that the vehicle is authorized to drive on the trail in which the infraction of the act or regulations occurred and can also file a general infraction report.  This report will then be followed by a ticket.

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The Main Safety Laws for Off-Highway Vehicles

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

According to article 2:

- A white headlight in the front;

- A rear red tail light;

- A rear red break light; (Vehicles built after 1998)

- A rear view mirror securely attached on the left side of the vehicle (Vehicles built after 1998)

- An exhaust system

- A braking system;

- A speedometer; (Vehicles built after 1998)

- Any other equipment prescribed by regulation.

- Regulatory standards

 

According to article 6:

- It is prohibited to modify the vehicle if it is likely to decrease its stability or braking capacity or to increase acceleration.

 

Permission to drive

 

According to article 13:

-The driving permissions provided under this Act shall not have the effect of exempting users of off-highway vehicles from any conditions, restrictions or prohibitions imposed by the competent authorities, including the payment of duties.

 

Minimum age

 

According to article 18:

- All off-highway vehicle drivers must be at least 14 years old.

 

Registration certificate

 

According to article 20:

- The driver of an off-highway vehicle must have with them, their vehicle's registration certificate under the terms of the Highway Safety Code (chapter C-24.2), the civil liability certificate of insurance, a document attesting their age and, if necessary, the certificate of competency or their authorization to drive.

 

Maximum passengers

 

According to article 21:

- No more than the manufacturer's specified capacity may be transported by an off-highway vehicle.

An additional passenger can be transported if the vehicle is equipped with additional equipment for this purpose and installed according to the manufacturer's standards; The driver will be fined $100 if they do not respect these conditions.

 

Restrictions

 

According to article 33:

- No person may drive on a trail referred to in section 15, other than on an authorized off-highway vehicle or a maintenance vehicle, or a sled or trailer towed by such a vehicle, except to cross in a safe manner and as directly as possible, avoiding any disruption to traffic.

The power of a monitoring agent

 

According to article 38:

- They can order you to stop your vehicle and inspect the mandatory equipment.

 

 

- Require the production of a document attesting to the driver's age. Require you to produce your licence and insurance papers for civil responsibility.

 

 

MOVING A VEHICLE

 

According to article 40:

- Under the same conditions, the peace officer and the trail monitoring agent can move, have removed and stored or have stored, a vehicle to commission the offense.

 

Interfering with an agent

 

According to article 58:

- Anyone who interferes with a monitoring agent or deceives them by concealment or misrepresentation, or hides or destroyed a document relevant to the inspection.

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FINES

Fines ranging from $100 to $1000 can be imposed by trail monitoring agents or peace officers if you break the safety rules or violate the provisions of the law.

 

Also, a ticket for excess speed can incur a fine ranging from $250 to $500; crossing an unspecified route or through traffic within 30 meters of a dwelling, a fine of $100 to $200; not having their insurance papers with them, a fine of $250 to $500.

 

Anyone who has authorized a child under 14 years of age, in addition to the owner or guardian of a snowmobile, or any person who has authority over any child under the age of 16 who drives a snowmobile without having a certificate of competency is liable for a fine ranging from $500 to $1000.

 

Remember that the off-highway vehicle act's objective is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. It guarantees that snowmobilers can enjoy their activity safely as snowmobiling will continue to grow in the upcoming years.

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SIGNALS

Arm stretched out vertically and hand open. In certain circumstances the STOP signal can be made with the right arm, or others if the left hand is being used to engage the brake.

 

Left arm raised to shoulder level, elbow bent, forearm vertical, wrist bent, move the arm from left to right above the head indicating the right trail.

 

Incline the left arm down along the body and perform a flapping hand motion as a warning.

 

Raised arm, elbow bent and thumb towards the back in a “hitchhiking” position, move the arm from front to back above the shoulder.

 

Left arm raised to the shoulder level, elbow bent, forearm vertical and hand open.

 

Left arm extended horizontally to the shoulder level in the direction of the turn.

 

Release the handle, keep your hand closed at the shoulder level.

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ICE THICKNESS

The ice thicknesses indicated are the MINIMUM REQUIRED to ensure the safety of users. It's recommended to take only the frozen waterways marked by the snowmobiling clubs. And especially stay within the markers!

 

Medical evacuation sled (location)

1- St-Ambroise: At the St-Ambroise fire station

2- Valinouët: At the Valinouët garage

3- Auberge du 31: Sled available at all times in a shed specifically for this purpose

4- In case of emergency: 911 Sûreté du Québec

 

RecruITMENT

We are currently looking for volunteers who are interested in becoming a Monitoring Agent

 

The role of a monitoring agent :

- Promote and ensure that the laws and regulations are respected

- Prevent accidents and determine the possible dangers along the trails

- Ensure harmonious traffic and that the snowmobilers are safe

- Offer a trail map and sell trail passes

- Attend the special activities organized by the club

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PRACTICAL HINTS AND TIPS

On the trail:

- Drive within the limits of your abilities.

- Stay on the snowmobile trails where and when it's possible.

- Stay on the right side of the trail.

- Reduce speed in unknown areas.

- Take care when crossing roads and railways.

 

During the night:

- Slow down! Your floodlight limits your field of vision. The slower you travel, the less distance you'll need to stop.

- Avoid driving on road shoulders where snowmobile or vehicle lights may cause confusion.

 

Before leaving for an excursion, ensure that:

- Your vehicle is compliant with the law.

- Licence plate is attached to your snowmobile.

 

And that you have in your possession:

- Drivers licence (certificate of competency in the case of a person under 14)

- Proof of insurance

- Trail pass proof of purchase

- Trail pass attached to your snowmobile.

 

Importance of patrollers along our paths:

- First helpline to snowmobilers

- Provides information, advice and assistance

- Ensure snowmobiler safety

- Can save lives

- Reduce the number of property violations

- Enables compliance with legal obligations

- Improves the image of the snowmobiling industry

 

Benefits of being a monitoring agent:

- Monitoring agent training offered by the F.C.M.Q.

- First aid and CPR training

 

Activities

- Excursions

 

Requirements:

- 18 years of age or older

- Own a snowmobile

- No previous troubles with the law