Section 1501:20-1-05 - General provisions, posted ordersAll of the following apply to any person who operates or permits the operation of a snowmobile or all purpose vehicle upon or over any lands or waters controlled by the state of Ohio:
(A) Snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles are only permitted to operate within designated areas, upon the frozen surface of designated waters, or upon roads or trails where such use has been authorized. Signs posted for public notice will be supplied and installed indicating such designated areas, waters, roads, and trails. Designated areas, waters, roads, or trails may be limited to permit only snowmobile use, only all purpose vehicle use, or may be designated for both.(B) Snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles are not permitted to operate between the hours of eleven p.m. and six a.m.(C) Snowmobiles may only operate on designated areas, roads, or trails when the subsurface soil of the area, road, or trail has been determined by the department to be solidly frozen and completely covered with snow or ice. Signs will be posted by area custodial personnel indicating these areas, roads, or trails as "open" or "closed" in accordance with the determination by the department. Snowmobile operation is not permitted in violation of the posted "open" or "closed" status.(D) Operating on frozen waters: The recommended minimum ice thickness to support the operation of a snowmobile or all purpose vehicle is five inches. No guarantee of safety is imparted to any person who voluntarily assumes a known and obvious risk inherent to such vehicle operation. The responsibility of assessing ice thickness and safety is to be determined by the operator.
(E) It is unlawful to: (1) Deface, knock down, or remove any sign, posting, kiosk, display, or other informational feature installed for the purpose of informing users of area status, condition, restrictions, or orders.(2) Remove or render inoperable any barrier across a road, trail, or area access point that has been installed or erected by the department or authorized agent.(3) Operate a snowmobile or all purpose vehicle in such a manner as to willfully damage or destroy area facilities, road or trail components, living vegetation, or natural features. In addition to the provisions herein, all snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles are to comply with the provisions of Chapter 4519. of the Revised Code.
Ohio Admin. Code 1501:20-1-05
Effective: 6/30/2024
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 06/30/2029
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1501.01, 4519.42
Rule Amplifies: 4519.42