Despite all the publicity recently about loud pipes on snowmobiles, some didn't get the message, and this weekend the OPP cracked down.
See: Noisy sledders may lose key local trail
And: Bothered by loud snowmobiles? They could be illegal
North Bay OPP and the MNRF teamed up for a snowmobile patrol on North Bay and Bonfield trails this weekend and laid 11 charges for modified mufflers.
Some snowmobilers replace the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) exhaust component, in exchange for an aftermarket product commonly referred to as a "pipe" or a "can".
The "can" causes an increase in noise that results in complaints.
Aftermarket manufacturers for "pipes" or "cans" claim to provide weight savings and minimal horsepower gains.
Snowmobilers using loud, aftermarket exhaust pipes may be putting others at risk of losing a key trail in the local network.
Trails often go through private property, and some landowners have had enough.
"Please take notice of this sign that 4 landowners have erected on their property that our A/D North trail at 4 Mile Lake goes thru," says a post recently on the North Bay Snowmobile Club Facebook page.
"If we lose this trail we are screwed to reach farther North. This would have a major impact on all aspects of Snowmobiling! Again please note that Hydro Lines go through private property it’s not a free for all."
