Utah Snowdog Registration Update

[dubob]

I was on Rockport yesterday and watched several snow dogs in action and I would classify them as a tractor. The fact that they are "supported and steered by a track" is not relevant and does not change the fact that it is a tow implement that happens to use a track. A tracked skid steer loader is supported and steered by tracks but is not a snowmobile? Many other agricultural and construction equipment are also supported and steered with tracks but are not snowmobiles. As has been mentioned, if someone were to use their tracked snow blower to pull a sled out on to the ice they would have to register it based on this logic. If someone did sue and go to court the state would probably start requiring registrations on all tracked equipment because of their bogus definition.  I suggest changing the state code to reword the definition of "snowmobile" to a more accurate description of what we all know a snowmobile really is. Talk to your local state representative.

I have been talking to my state legislators and the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.  As I'v been saying for several weeks now, Snowdogs exactly fit the state code definition of an all-terrain type III vehicle (IF you 100% agree it is NOT a snowmoble).  But the OHV manager (Chase Pili) and that divisions attorney are not budging on it one bit.  You know, do NOT confuse me with facts; my mind is made up!  You and I agree 100% that we need to push our legislators HARD on re-wording the definition of a snowmobile.  Snowdogs don't have any kind of steering mechanism built into their design, but Mr Pili and his departments lawyer don’t care.  I’m still writing emails to the powers that be, but don’t expect any change until it is overturned in court or the Utah Code is modified.

Don’t expect any response from your legislators until after the current legislative session has ended.  I certainly don’t, but I do keep them copied on all my emails to the OHV folks.