Snowmobile riders will have to get a new orange license plate for their sled if they plan on riding the trails this winter.
MPI and Snowmobilers of Manitoba Inc. are teaming up to ensure that everybody using snowmobile trails this winter is buying a snopass. President of Portage Club Sno Ken Penman says it's important to buy a pass because riders don't realize how much work goes into the trails.
"People don't realize that there is a real high expense to have those trails and to have those shelters out there. They just think it's a case of 'poof' the trail is made."
Penman says the new plates are more visible, which will make policing the trails a bit easier.
"It used to be the clubs themselves that had to police the people that were on the trails and using the trails without purchasing a trail pass. The new license plate will make it easier...They're very visible. You're going to be able to tell who has a trail pass and who doesn't"
He adds there is about 1000 snowmobilers in this area that have a trail pass. Penman says the fine for riding on a trail without a pass is $437 and will take effect December 1st, of this year. The license plates for a trail pass will be a bright orange colour instead of just a sticker on the plate, and they can be purchased at MPI.