1. Do not drink and ride – Maine has a tough snowmobile DUI law. If you manage to drink and ride and are caught before you are killed, you will be punished with mandatory jail time and fines. 
2. Always Ride to the right – It is required by law that a snowmobile operates to the right of center on the trail when approaching or navigating a curve, corner, grade, or hill.
3. Use your hand signals – If you need a copy, they are in your handbook.
4. Ride defensively – Always expect the unexpected; there could always be that one sledder coming toward you who is not paying attention. Also, consider that most snowmobile trails are cut in the woods, where many of our four-legged friends call home! WILDLIFE HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY! If you come up on a Moose on the trail, stop and let him mosey off the trail on his own. Do not follow him on foot. Just enjoy the moment of seeing the magnificent creature.
5. Carry a map and stay on the trails. Shortcuts can not only be hazardous if you do not know the area, sledders can get “turned around” pretty easily out there.
6. Riding alone is not the best plan. It is better to ride with a friend: If you run into mechanical trouble, you will have someone along who can truck you back home; bury your sled, and there are extra hands to help dig out; take a wrong turn, and there is someone else to blame.
7. Let someone know where you are planning to go and when you plan to return. An itinerary form left with a friend or the motel staff is invaluable if you actually run into trouble on the trail.
8. Check weather reports before heading out. Ever been on a sled in a whiteout? Enough said.
9. Dress appropriately (in layers) and wear a helmet. No one should operate a snowmobile without the protection of a helmet. A lifesaver in the case of an accident, your helmet will also keep you protected from the occasional tree branch “face slapper” and inclement weather.
10. Carry a basic repair kit. Saves a lot of frustration if you have a spare belt, a couple of tools, etc., with you. (An even better idea is to give your sled a good going over before every trip.)
11. Do not cross frozen bodies of water unless you are absolutely sure of ice thickness. Trails generally will not lead you across ponds or lakes unless there is no reasonable alternative. Check locally for current ice thickness.
12. When riding, also keep an eye out for groomers on the trails. Always slow down when approaching a groomer from either direction. Their average speed is only 5-8mph, and they are exceptionally wide and long. They have the right of way.

Courtesy of the Maine Snowmobile Association