Snowmobiling

North

Central

South

The owner and any operator of a snowmobile, registered with the State of Illinois and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, shall abide by all the rules and regulations set forth by the State of Illinois and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, including the following:

NO SNOWMOBILES SHALL BE OPERATED AT ANY TIME:

• Unless equipped with working headlights, tail-lights, brakes, and a proper muffler of the type which comes as standard equipment with the snowmobile.
• In a reckless or careless manner.
• In excess of 40 m.p.h.
• While the operator is under the influence of intoxicating beverages, or under the influence of drugs.
• In parking lots except for the purpose of loading or unloading.
• In any manner intended or reasonably to be expected to harass, drive or pursue any wildlife.

SNOWMOBILES MAY BE OPERATED:

• Only on days when the soil is frozen with a minimum snow depth of four (4) inches and temperatures are constant 20 degrees or less.
• Only in the designated areas of the Forest Preserve District listed below, between the hours of 10:00am and 10:00pm.

Any persons violating any clause or provision of the rules and regulations set forth by the State of Illinois or the Forest Preserve District of Cook County pertaining to snowmobiles shall be subject to penalties as established by the Illinois Snowmobile Registrations and Safety Act and by the District Ordinance.

• The snowmobile requires some degrees of skill and experience for safe operation. Whether on a trail or in an open field, it shouldn’t be entrusted to inexperienced persons.
• Be familiar with your snowmobile. Drivers of snowmobiles should make themselves thoroughly familiar with the behavior of controls, such as the throttle, brakes and steering before operating.
• Always carry emergency equipment such as flares, a tow line, waterproof matches, tool repair kit and a first aid kit.
• Do not cross or travel on frozen lakes and streams until the ice is thick enough to support the weight of your snowmobile and passengers.
• Keep yourself physically fit for winter sports.
• Wear proper winter clothing and protective glasses or goggles.
• Check the weather forecast. Turn back when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
• Frostbite can be dangerous! The wind chill chart shows the true temperature on exposed skin surfaces.

All snowmobiles must be properly registered with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. An annual charge of $20.00 for Cook County residents and $40.00 for non-residents will be assessed for each snowmobile. The District sticker shall be affixed to each registered snowmobile. You may register at the District’s Picnic Permit Office, located at 536 North Harlem Avenue in River Forest, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Snowmobiles shall be restricted to designated areas.

All snowmobiles must comply with the Cook County Forest Preserve Code adopted 1-3-89, published 1-12-89 and effective 1-22-89.