Law OKs testing to limit snowmobile noise

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ALBANY — New York has established new standards for measuring snowmobile noise and identifying sleds that can be ticketed for being too loud.

The law, approved late Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, took effect immediately. Both central New York sponsors said the law gives police the authority to crack down on loud, after-market exhaust systems, saying that should prompt more landowners to open their property to snowmobilers.

“It’s just creating an alternate test for law enforcement to use,” Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi said. The Utica Democrat, who sponsored the bill, noted that snowmobiling is significant business in Oneida County. He said the machines coming from manufacturers are already compliant, but some riders change their exhaust systems, which makes their sleds louder.

“Many property owners were willing to open their private land to snowmobiles, but had concerns about noise,” said state Sen. Joe Griffo, an Oneida County Republican and co-sponsor.

The New York State Snowmobile Association, which backed the measure, said some landowners have recently closed trails because of those illegal sled modifications. With the law now in effect and winter coming up, the association is looking forward to a season with all trails open, President James Elmore said.