Snowmobilers should be aware that just as it is illegal to drive a car while intoxicated, it is against the law to operate a snowmobile on any Rochester area street, highway, public trail, land, body of water, or on the private property of another person while under the influence of alcohol.

Also, just as the penalties increase for people who repeatedly drive a car while intoxicated, repeat violators of the laws surrounding operation of snowmobiles while under the influence of alcohol also face increased fines and potential jail time.
The lowest level offense in New York State for snowmobilers is Operating a Snowmobile While Impaired by Alcohol.

When a person is convicted of this offense and has a prior conviction for operating a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol within the past five years, the potential fines are raised from $250 to $350 to $500 to $1,500.

The potential jail sentence also increases from a maximum of 15 days to a maximum of 30 days.

For the more serious offenses of Operating a Snowmobile While Intoxicated and Operating a Snowmobile with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08% or Greater – both of which are misdemeanors – a conviction for either of these crimes when the defendant has a prior conviction within the past ten years carries a fine of between $500 and $1,500 and a jail sentence of up to one year.

A snowmobiler who has two such prior convictions within the past ten years will find the charge enhanced from a misdemeanor to a class E felony.

The fine under these circumstances is increased to between $500 and $5,000 and the maximum possible jail term is increased to four years of incarceration.

Repeatedly driving any type of vehicle while under the influence of alcohol can carry very serious consequences.

If you have been arresting for drinking and driving and need legal help, call us at 585-484-7432.