Fighting Snowmobile Charges:

Question:Is defending against a snowmobile charge the same as defending an automobile traffic charge?

Answer:No, defending snowmobile charges is not the same as defending automobile charges, because snowmobiles are governed by the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.44, while automobiles are governed by the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, and there are key differences that can change the defences available, such as insurance and reporting requirements, different speed-limit rules, helmet rules, and specific towing or load-related exceptions.   Pollock Paralegal can review your exact charge, confirm which snowmobile provisions apply, and build a defence strategy based on the unique facts of Ontario cases, with a free 1/4 hour consultation.   Call (519) 694-0363 to discuss your situation and next steps.

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Is the Law Different for Snowmobiles and Automobiles?

The law applicable to snowmobiles is somewhat different than the law applicable to automobiles. Accordingly, defending against snowmobile charges requires a strong understanding of the nuanced differences between the two sets of laws.

Note: Please contact Pollock Paralegal by phone at: (519) 694-0363 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

Many of the laws that apply to driving an automobile also apply to the ownership, use, and operation, of a snowmobile; however, there are often nuances within the applicable laws that make the approach to fighting snowmobile charges different than fighting common automobile charges as traffic tickets.  Understanding the unique differences between a charge involving the operation of a snowmobile versus a charge involving the operation of an automobile is critical.  An experienced legal professional can help to identify the unique differences, and thus the defence strategy nuances, that differ from a charge involving the operation of a snowmobile versus a charge involving the operation of an automobile.

The Law

Is Snowmobile Law and Automobile Law the Same?

Although many aspects are identical, there are also many aspects that differ within the law applicable to snowmobiles and automobiles whereas the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.44 applies specifically to issues involving snowmobiles and the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 applies specifically to automobiles.  Within the snowmobile law, there are various offences with applicable special conditions or exceptions that raise nuanced differences from that affecting automobiles; and thus, the choice of defence strategies and options for legal theories to argue may differ. Accordingly, having a keen knowledge of the differences between the two laws and the unique aspects of each is important when defending against snowmobile charges.

Differences Between Snowmobile Law and Automobile Law Include:

• The requirement of insurance coverage and the special exception that applies;
• The requirement to report an accident;
• The various differences involving the applicable speed limits;
• The exception and conditions for towing skiers, toboggans, or other things; and
• The requirement to snowmobile with a legally approved helmet;
• The various other nuances applicable to snowmobiles.

Understanding the specific differences within the laws applicable to automobiles and the laws applicable to snowmobiles is a necessity when fighting snowmobile charges.

Charges May Involve: