Skip to main content
Colorado General AssemblyToggle Main Menu
Agency NameToggle Agency Menu
SB24-056

Out-of-State Snowmobile Permit & Search Rescue Fee

Concerning programs for off-highway vehicle users, and, in connection therewith, exempting commercial use on private property from snowmobile registration, creating an out-of-state snowmobile permit to drive on publicly owned lands, and adding the search and rescue fee to snowmobile and off-highway vehicle permits.
Session:
2024 Regular Session
Subject:
Natural Resources & Environment
Bill Summary

The snowmobile recreation fund is used to, among other things, establish and maintain snowmobile trails and related facilities. A resident of Colorado who uses a snowmobile on publicly owned land must register the snowmobile and pay a fee, which is deposited in the snowmobile recreation fund. The act replaces a $5 per registration cap with a 17% cap on the amount of the fee that can be used for administration purposes.

The act creates an out-of-state snowmobile permit that an owner or operator of an out-of-state snowmobile must obtain and display to drive the snowmobile on publicly owned land. To get the permit, the owner must pay a fee in an amount set by the parks and wildlife commission.

Exceptions are created for snowmobiles:

  • Owned by governments;
  • Operated in an organized event authorized by the government with jurisdiction over the land on which the snowmobile is operated; and
  • Operated on publicly owned land for nonrecreational purposes.

Concerning the requirement to register a snowmobile, the current exception on private-land commercial use is extended to all private land use by repealing the commercial use element.

The fine for a violation is $100. Permits are valid for one year from October 1 to September 30 and are issued by agents of the director of the division of parks and wildlife.

A search and rescue program pays for backcountry search and rescue operations. Snowmobile and off-highway vehicle registrations require the payment of a search and rescue fee, which entitles the payer of the fee to be covered by the program. The act adds the search and rescue fee to out-of-state snowmobile permits and off-highway use permits.

APPROVED by Governor April 11, 2024

EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Status

Introduced
Passed
Became Law

Menu

Bill Text

Sponsors

Sponsor Type Legislators
Prime Sponsor

Sen. N. Hinrichsen, Sen. P. Will
Rep. M. Snyder, Rep. R. Weinberg

Sponsor

Co-sponsor


Rep. C. Clifford, Rep. M. Lukens, Rep. T. Mauro, Rep. J. McCluskie