Snowmobiles operating in the state generally must be registered with the Department of Licensing and display a snowmobile decal, or have a nonresident temporary permit.
The initial and annual registration fee for a snowmobile is $50. The initial and annual registration fee for a vintage snowmobile, which is a snowmobile manufactured at least 30 years ago, is $12.
These fees are deposited in the Snowmobile Account and used for snowmobile-related programs and activities.
Beginning September 30, 2026, registration fees are increased from $50 to $75 for snowmobiles, and from $12 to $18 for vintage snowmobiles.
As compared to the original bill, the substitute bill changes the application date of the increased snowmobile fees from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
(In support) The fees at issue in the bill support the costs of groomed trails maintained for snowmobiles. These are often in rural economies and provide opportunities for the public. These local economies near snowmobile parks have reinvented themselves from being resource towns, and recreation is a powerful economic tool. We need to keep the park users to keep these places competitive. There are already limited operations and services within the current budget and revenues are down. If the fees are not increased, more snowmobile parks may close, and the program may experience a slow death. Most snowmobilers are in favor of the increase. This fee was last raised in 2016. The agency is working on better enforcement. The quality of trails matters, and there is big safety difference when on a groomed trail.
(Opposed) There have not been enough questions asked of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, which is not necessarily doing things correctly. This fee increase would be borne by snowmobilers, but cross-country skiers on the same trails are not asked to pay the fees. A real solution to the issue would be a sales tax. The trails are already overrun with unregistered snowmobiles, and by raising the fee and the hurdle for licensing, this bill will lead to fewer snowmobiles being registered.
(In support) Representative Dan Bronoske, prime sponsor; Cindy Hoover; Brian Considine, WA State Parks, External and Legislative Relations Director; Rob Sendak, WA State Parks, Winter Recreation and Boating Program Manager; Sam Hensold, Department of Natural Resources; Dean Meakin, Washington State Snowmobile Association; and Cory Wright, Kittitas County Commissioner.