Snowmobiles.  A snowmobile is a type of off-road vehicle capable of traveling over snow or ice, using an endless belt tread or cleats as a means of propulsion, and is steered by skis or sled-type runners.  Snowmobiles are regulated under state law separately from other off-road vehicles.  Snowmobiles are subject to a $30 registration fee, which is deposited to the Snowmobile Account.

 
Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles.  A WATV is a specific category of off-road vehicle regulated separately under some aspects of a state law first enacted in 2013.  There are two types of WATVs authorized to travel on public roads under certain circumstances.  One is a motorized nonhighway vehicle:

•  having handlebars 50 inches or less in width;
•  having a seat height of at least 20 inches;
•  weighing less than 1500 pounds; and
•  having four tires with a diameter of 30 inches or less.

 
The second is a utility-type vehicle:

•  designed for and capable of travel over designated roads;
•  traveling on four or more low-pressure tires of 20 pounds per square inch or less;
•  having a maximum width less than 74 inches;
•  having a maximum weight less than 2000 pounds; and
•  having a wheelbase of 110 inches or less.

 
On-road use requires certain vehicle registration requirements including equipment and payment of a $12 fee.  WATV off-road use requires registration and payment of an $18 fee.

Conversion kits are currently available, allowing WATVs to be used on snow or ice as a snowmobile.

"Tracked all-terrain vehicle" is defined within the snowmobile chapter of state law as a WATV, weighing less than 2000 pounds in stock configuration, with tracks or a combination of tracks and skis installed in place of the tires.  The definition of snowmobile is broadened to include tracked all-terrain vehicles.

An owner of a WATV is allowed to maintain concurrent registrations for the vehicle for use as a WATV, and for use as a tracked all-terrain vehicle.  When registering as a WATV, the WATV registration laws apply, including applicable fees.  When registering as a tracked all-terrain vehicle, the snowmobile registration laws apply, including applicable fees.

The Department of Licensing must establish a declaration for submission by the WATV owner when initially applying for a snowmobile registration, which states the WATV complies with all applicable federal or state vehicle safety standards while in use as a WATV upon public highways.