Snowmobile riders in the state of Iowa who are ages 12 through 17 are required to have taken, and passed, a snowmobile education course and have an education certificate in their possession when riding on public land, public ice, and designated snowmobile trails, if these areas are signed open to snowmobile use.
This regulation applies to both resident and nonresident riders.
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The snowmobile education course is designed to teach students the principles of safe snowmobiling and how snowmobiling affects other people and the environment.
The following age restrictions apply to persons operating a snowmobile on public land, public ice, designated riding trails or designated riding areas in Iowa:
- Persons under the age of 16 may operate their own snowmobile under the direct supervision of a responsible person of at least 18 years of age experienced in snowmobile operation who possesses a valid driver's license or an education certificate issued or recognized by the DNR.
- Persons 12 through 17 must have a valid education certificate in their possession when operating.
- Persons 16 to 17 may operate unsupervised, but must have a valid education certificate. Restrictions on operating a motor vehicle also apply to persons in this age group.
- Persons 18 and older may operate without an education certificate if their privilege to operate a motor vehicle has not been barred or revoked.
The focus of the DNR Snowmobile Education Program is to provide an education course that reduces the rate of accidents, injuries, property damage, and fatalities, while at the same time promoting the development of environmental stewards by educating our students about environmental concerns, energy conservation and proper maintenance of snowmobiles, and promoting the practice of only riding in legal areas and with landowner permission.
Students can take a certification course online. Students must complete a written exam with a minimum score of 80% to receive an education certificate.
For information about the Snowmobile Education Program, please contact DNR Customer Service at 515-725-8200 or webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov.