1. A. Operating Requirements.

   1. (1) Snowmobiles may be operated only on ORV trails designated for snowmobile use.
   2. (2) A snowmobile may be used on trails designated for its use from December 15 through March 15 of each year, except for certain trails which may be closed to facilitate hunting activity during firearms season or other seasonal special events.

   3. (3) The manager may open or close trails at any time of the year based upon consideration of overall physical, environmental, and recreational use for:

      1. (a) Removing trail hazards;
      2. (b) Conducting educational programs, safety programs, or special events; or
      3. (c) Using snowmobile trails when snow conditions warrant.

   4. (4) A snowmobile ORV trail may be closed at any time by the manager when one or more of the following conditions occur on the trail:

      1. (a) Insufficient snow;
      2. (b) Dangerous or defective conditions; or

      3. (c) Use that may:

         1. (i) Threaten or harm wildlife, or
         2. (ii) Conflict with other recreational uses.
2. B. Exceptions to the restrictions set forth in §A of this regulation may be made by the Secretary.

3. C. An individual may not operate an ORV on ORV trails:

   1. (1) In a reckless, careless, or negligent manner;
   2. (2) In a manner that disregards the rights or safety of an individual or property;
   3. (3) While under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
   4. (4) In a manner which causes damage to property, wildlife, vegetative resources, or individuals;
   5. (5) In a manner to cause or permit the obstruction of traffic by unnecessary parking or stopping; or
   6. (6) In an area not designated by this chapter.

4. D. Closings. A restricted area of operation may be posted at any time by the Department against public entry of the area for the protection of the environment or visitors and during:

   1. (1) Periods of construction, maintenance, or adverse road conditions;
   2. (2) Periods of forest operations or high fire hazard; or
   3. (3) Hunting seasons or other special events.
5. E. An ORV is subject to the provisions of other applicable Department regulations.
6. F. An individual shall obey any reasonable or lawful order of a commissioned officer in connection with the use or operation of an ORV.

Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§1-104, 5-201, and 5-209, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: December 25, 1974 (1:6 Md. R. 279)

Regulation .03A, B amended effective July 1, 1976 (3:11 Md. R. 590)

Regulations .03B, .07A amended effective January 5, 1977 (4:1 Md. R. 17)

Regulation .07B amended effective July 1, 1976 (3:11 Md. R. 590)

Regulations .09 and .10 adopted effective July 1, 1976 (3:11 Md. R. 590)

Chapter revised effective November 3, 1986 (13:22 Md. R. 2395)

Regulations .01—.11 repealed and new Regulations .01—.12 adopted effective October 4, 1999 (26:20 Md. R. 1544)

Regulation .01C, D amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .02B amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .03 amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .04 amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .05 amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .06 amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .07 amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .10 amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .11 amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477)

Regulation .11D amended effective February 19, 2024 (51:3 Md. R.154)

Regulation .11G adopted effective June 7, 2004 (31:11 Md. R. 856)

Regulation .12 amended effective December 22, 2014 (41:25 Md. R. 1477); February 19, 2024 (51:3 Md. R.154)