MARQUETTE, MI-- The Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobilers to keep it down.
Conservation officers in the Western U.P. have been patrolling for sound violations in response to numerous complaints.
Under Michigan law a snowmobile’s muffler must be in good working order and cannot exceed 78 decibels at 50 feet for machines made after July 1, 1977, and 88 decibels at 13.1 feet for stationary snowmobiles made after July 1, 1980.
As a point of comparison, a train whistle at 500 feet is 90 decibels.
Officers have ticketed a number of snowmobilers who exceeded the 88-decibel limit. A violation can cost up to $250.
