Seward Bill Exempts

‘Vintage’ Snowmobiles

From Registration Fee

Utica Lawmaker Introduces Companion

ALBANY – For a fourth time, the state Senate has passed a bill exempting vintage snowmobiles from the $100 annual registration fee, the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, announced.

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, a Utica Democrat, has introduced the legislation (A.7164) in the state Assembly.  This year’s legislative session ends Wednesday.

Seward developed the bill in collaboration with the New York State Snowmobile Association.  Members with an NYSSA voucher can register snowsleds for $45.

“These sleds are used mainly for parades or shows, not trail riding, and exempting them from state registration costs would help make the hobby more affordable,” said Seward.  Snowmobiling makes a significant contribution to the Upstate economy during winter months, he added.

Senate bill 3929 would exempt snowmobiles manufactured prior to 1980 from registration.  In New York, the entire registration fee, except $5, is dedicated to the Trail Development & Maintenance Fund.  Vintage snowmobiles are rarely used on the trail system, and most vintage sled collectors also own modern snowmobiles which would still b