Chapter 1501:20-1 | General Provisions

Rule 1501:20-1-01 | Notice of public hearing to adopt, amend, or rescind rules.

• Effective: June 30, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Public notice of a hearing on actions relating to the adoption, amendment, or rescission of rules proposed by the department of natural resources will be advertised in the register of Ohio at least thirty days, but not more than forty days, prior to the hearing. In addition to public notice given in the register of Ohio, the department may give whatever other notice it reasonably considers necessary to ensure notice is easily available to all persons who are subject to or affected by the proposed rule, amendment or rescission. The notice will include: a statement of the department's intention to consider adopting, amending, or rescinding a rule; a synopsis of the proposed rule, amendment, or rule to be rescinded, or a general statement of the subject matter to which the proposed rule, amendment, or rescission relates; a statement of the reason or purpose for adopting, amending, or rescinding the rule; and the date, time, and place of a hearing on said proposed action. The notice will also state the place from which copies of the proposed rule, amendment, or rule to be rescinded may be obtained.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 6:20 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 1501.01, 4519.42
Amplifies: 4519.42
Five Year Review Date: 6/30/2029

Rule 1501:20-1-03 | Definitions.

• Effective: June 30, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The following definitions apply to terms used in this chapter:

(A) "Department" means the state of Ohio, department of natural resources.

(B) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or any combination of individuals and includes any agent, trustee, executor, receiver, assignee, or any other representative thereof.

(C) "Snowmobile" as used in these rules and regulations has the same meaning as set forth in section 4519.01 of the Revised Code.

(D) "All Purpose Vehicle" as used in this chapter has the same meaning as set forth in Section 4519.01, of the Revised Code of Ohio.

(E) "Operator" means any person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile or all-purpose vehicle.

(F) "Operate" means the act of driving or being or attempting to be in the actual physical control of a snowmobile or all-purpose vehicle.

(G) "Special Area" means any area, other than roads, or trails, whereon snowmobiles or all-purpose vehicles may be operated pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 4519. of the Revised Code and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 6:21 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 1501.01, 4519.42
Amplifies: 4519.42
Five Year Review Date: 6/30/2029

Rule 1501:20-1-05 | General provisions, posted orders.

• Effective: June 30, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

All of the following apply to any person who operates or permits the operation of a snowmobile or all purpose vehicle upon or over any lands or waters controlled by the state of Ohio:

(A) Snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles are only permitted to operate within designated areas, upon the frozen surface of designated waters, or upon roads or trails where such use has been authorized. Signs posted for public notice will be supplied and installed indicating such designated areas, waters, roads, and trails. Designated areas, waters, roads, or trails may be limited to permit only snowmobile use, only all purpose vehicle use, or may be designated for both.

(B) Snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles are not permitted to operate between the hours of eleven p.m. and six a.m.

(C) Snowmobiles may only operate on designated areas, roads, or trails when the subsurface soil of the area, road, or trail has been determined by the department to be solidly frozen and completely covered with snow or ice. Signs will be posted by area custodial personnel indicating these areas, roads, or trails as "open" or "closed" in accordance with the determination by the department. Snowmobile operation is not permitted in violation of the posted "open" or "closed" status.

(D) Operating on frozen waters:

The recommended minimum ice thickness to support the operation of a snowmobile or all purpose vehicle is five inches. No guarantee of safety is imparted to any person who voluntarily assumes a known and obvious risk inherent to such vehicle operation. The responsibility of assessing ice thickness and safety is to be determined by the operator.

(E) It is unlawful to:

(1) Deface, knock down, or remove any sign, posting, kiosk, display, or other informational feature installed for the purpose of informing users of area status, condition, restrictions, or orders.

(2) Remove or render inoperable any barrier across a road, trail, or area access point that has been installed or erected by the department or authorized agent.

(3) Operate a snowmobile or all purpose vehicle in such a manner as to willfully damage or destroy area facilities, road or trail components, living vegetation, or natural features.

In addition to the provisions herein, all snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles are to comply with the provisions of Chapter 4519. of the Revised Code.

Last updated June 30, 2024 at 6:23 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 1501.01, 4519.42
Amplifies: 4519.42
Five Year Review Date: 6/30/2029