Does a snowdog machine require registration

Utah Fishing Reports & Discussion Off Topic Board
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I was just wondering if a snowdog machine required registration if anyone has an answer to this please let me know cause I was told by a dnr guy at Bear Lake it was kind of a grey area so if anyone has an insight to it please let me know thanks

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Registration should not be required. a Snowmobile is a *type I vehicle. *

41-22-2 Definitions. As used in this chapter: (1) “Advisory council” means the Off-highway Vehicle Advisory Council appointed by the Division of Recreation.
(2) “All-terrain type I vehicle” means any motor vehicle 52 inches or less in width, having an unladen dry weight of 1,500 pounds or less, traveling on three or more low pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, and designed for or capable of travel over unimproved terrain.
(3) (a) “All-terrain type II vehicle” means any motor vehicle 80 inches or less in width, traveling on four or more low pressure tires, having a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, a rollover protection system, and designed for or capable of travel over unimproved terrain, and is: (i) an electric-powered vehicle; or (ii) a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and has an unladen dry weight of 2,500 pounds or less.
(11)
(a) “Motor vehicle” means every vehicle which is self-propelled.

(22) “Snowmobile” means any motor vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice and steered and supported in whole or in part by skis, belts, cleats, runners, or low pressure tires.

Since a snowdog has no seat, it cannot be defined as a Type I vehicle. IMO And this is the grey area.

Another definition to add to the confusion. From utah code definitions: 40)
(a) “Motor vehicle” means a self-propelled vehicle intended primarily for use and operation on the highways.
(b) “Motor vehicle” does not include:
(i) an off-highway vehicle; or
(ii) a motor assisted scooter as defined in Section 41-6a-102.

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(22) “Snowmobile” means any motor vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice and steered and supported in whole or in part by skis, belts, cleats, runners, or low pressure tires. Having a seat is irrelevant, because there are not 3 or more tires.

Seems pretty clear to me. It is a snowmobile.

It IS designed for travel for travel on snow or ice which meets the first lines criteria, it is also "supported " in whole or part by belts, no other criteria must be met for the definition to stick.

Utah pass up an opportunity to get motor vehicle registration funds? I highly doubt that. Sailboats have to be registered and they have no motor at all, just a piece of cloth for propulsion. Tubes require registration the instant you put ANY motor on them.

Just my opinions, I am not LEO, DWR, or even own a snow dog.

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I am no lawyer, and I don’t work for the Utah DMV - but I do know how to read. And reading the Utah Code is an easy task even some of it is poorly written. Utah Code Title 41 covers Motor Vehicles. Within Title 41 is Chapter 22 which covers Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV). Here is a quote from Code 41-22-2 that was mentioned above by 2knots:

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Dubob, as I interpret all the codes, it does seem like the Snowdog is a Type III OHV and subject to registering requirements. Dang!

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I got a phone call this morning from a Utah DNR employee. The short answer is this - no decision has been made yet that would indicate Snowdogs need to be registered at this time. There are several state agencies that are looking at this to include the DMV, DNR, and the AG Office. Law Enforcement (Park Rangers & COs) are not entirely in sync on this at the present time, but DNR is addressing this and will strive for a consistent approach going forward. For now, there is NO requirement to register a Snowdog or home built equivelent and the DMV will not do it even if asked to do it.

As the different agencies hash this out and come to a consensus of opinion as to the need to register these devices, forgettaboutit! Just enjoy the free ride for as long as it lasts.

As always, if/when I hear anything more about this, I will pass it along to all y’all. Straight lines and hard pulls to ya!

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Thank you for all of your diligence on this topic.

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Thanks Bob for the calls and efforts to chase this down… I had heard some folks were harassed by a ranger and I don’t remember if they got a ticket or just were told to get it licensed, so this is good info for all mushers to have in their pockets… Good use of a post guys… Later J

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I have my Snowdog since 2015. I have been told every year(DMV) that it does not have to be registered, because you do not ride on it.