Snowmobile Hand Signals

(And a ride on the 670) Snowmobile hand signals...what are they, how important are they, do you have to use them? In this video I'll discuss the debate over hand signals, show you the hand signals outlined in the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Handbook, and take my old 670 out for a short rip.
Know and use the snowmobile hand signals when you ride - Turn, stop, slow, oncoming sleds, sleds following or last sled in line.
This video is intended as entertainment only. Always check the local regulations and recognized hand signals for your area.
Hand Signals - Vernon Snowmobile Trail Safety
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MTO Driver's Handbook - Snowmobile Hand Signals
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[@MyOldSled]

A few thoughts on snowmobile hand signals. Links to the hand signals im referencing in the description.

[@austinsheridan9894]

Question: I am rebuilding a 98 MXZ 670. I am wondering if you know how to remove the rear plastic fenders? They look like they just pop off, but I don’t want to try and have them break.

[@jamesfisk2758]

the group of guys I ride with we typically just signal oncoming riders how many are in our group. We show 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 fingers or closed fist for last in line. We don't use right or left turn.

[@EYECOMEINPEACE]

Same here. Except for me if I'm last in line, I do a closed fist down ish and outward ish....

[@raymondburelle3425]

We use signals when it's safe When riding in groups, we put second most experienced rider in lead, and most experienced in tail. We designate a dedicated tailman. And he doesn't let anyone get passed him. The lead rider stops minimum every 10 minutes to make sure that group is still together. We make a route and plan and don't deviate from it unless it is discussed and everyone approves. We also advise anyone riding double to let the passenger give signals so that the driver can concentrate. We also advise anyone in the middle of the pack that signals are not necessary

[@MyOldSled]

You stop every ten minutes?

[@raymondburelle3425]

Just too give a head count to make sure everyone's still together not long maybe 5-10 seconds.

[@CraigArndt]

I don't use hand signals. I will for my group if we're slowing, turning... that sort of thing. I will warn oncoming sledders on a blind hill if there is someone behind me that sleds are following, to prevent an idiot from killing someone. But seeing a line of sleds with each one with a digit or fist in the air... no way. First- I am not blind. I can see someone behind you better than you can. I've had people showing a fist in the air, not seeing someone racing up behind them. Duh. Second- they have now let go and are drifting towards me as their thumb is on the throttle and trying to steer at the same time. I think this was a great video. Hopefully people will see that controlling your sled is number 1 importance. Letting someone know your the 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, Last rider in a group of 7 is totally moronic.

[@MyOldSled]

Yeah the last sled in line one is an issue when you the last in your group, but don’t realize there is another rider behind you....you just sent misinformation to the oncoming sled. Its tricky messaging, I don’t want it to be too cumbersome and confusing. Thanks for weighing in.

[@viktor7495]

Thank you so much I love the video

[@rltkktlr]

Great subject David. I use them, if you feel comfortable using them do it, if you don’t feel comfortable then don’t. But ultimately ride right! I see so many cutting corners, mainly because it’s easier, less skill involved to cut inside on a left hand corner then ride out in the loose snow all the corner cutters left out there! Stay safe, Ride Right! Take Care. Bob

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks rltkktlr. Lots of discussion around their use so I tried to take a balanced approach.

[@crrazdogs3482]

Hey man just started watching your videos and like your channel. Im more of a deep snow rider but have been on the trails quite a bit, here in wellington county we just put our arm with fingers out to let others know how many behind. If there is none just a hand with a fist.

[@carolinadave774]

Great video, we teach the hand signals in our New York safety courses. We also stress to only remove your hand if you feel comfortable doing so. Much of the debate in NY seems to be using hand signals to alert the on coming rider how many sled are following you. The group I ride with all use the Ride Lite - yellow for riders following and green for the last sled in the group. Personally I would rater people only use signals if they are comfortable riding with only one hand.

[@MyOldSled]

Hey Dave. Thanks. Glad you liked it.

[@pgc4147]

Appreciate the video. As a new rider I have in general been impressed by other riders attention to notifying me of oncoming traffic. I think most sledders are quite attuned to this safety issue. I have had a great deal of difficulty in freeing up one hand to use as a signal. Most times I am holding tight with two. Last year I started using a green/amber light system, the led's mounted on the left side of the windshield. My son and I ride together, he (always) out front. He displays an amber, me a green. I have not seen any other riders use this system and therefore dont know if other riders understand this system. it may be more popular in the US.

[@MyOldSled]

I have not seen it either. I just heard about it this year.Thanks for commenting.

[@bobcollinge4292]

Looks like you have some good snow amounts out there

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Bob. Yes, February delivered...

[@yourfathersmoustache6866]

Best and only decent way to communicate is via hand signals, as you note, doing it safely and when comfortable. One big discrepancy I see is with the last sled. Depending on the area or region riding in it is either arm up with a closed fist, as you noted in your video, or your arm down at a 45° angle with an open or closed hand. Great sharing of information, please keep it up.

[@MyOldSled]

I originally had that, but only anecdotally, it’s not actually an official signal

[@yourfathersmoustache6866]

Agreed, I can’t understand why folks still use it. Even the OFSC trail maps note the correct “last sled” hand signal. I see more folks use the incorrect hand signal than the correct hand signal.

[@itsonlymoney2931]

Great Topic, I find that most trail riders that are in group's use signal's, single rider's not so much, I believe that getting into and applying the habit of using signal's benefit's everyone's safety. I use signal's even if i ride alone, I agree with everything you said, sometimes we just need to keep our hand's on the bar's, Every rider need's to find their comfort zone, but the first priority should be their own safety and the safety of those around them, hand's on the bar's or not. Great Video, WELL DONE.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@shperax]

Many times i've been following people and they didn't realize that I was. They gave a "no one behind me" signal when I was behind them. Just remember not to always trust signals and use caution especially on a nice day when there is gonna be lots of riders out.

[@scotsmanthompson9191]

Good video Dave. We use some of the hand signals here in Michigan. When I see oncoming sleds, I slow down and put up a number of fingers of the remaining sleds in my group. I only take my hand off my sled if it is safe to do so.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Scotsman.

[@doclobster]

It is interesting the different signals. One that I sometimes hear contention with is for the last sled in line. Some will hold hands up with no fingers and some will hold hand down with no fingers. I belong to the second group as I think it makes it more obvious that's it's different than the other number of sleds. One that I see used and haven't figured out yet is where the rider points to his own visor, or eyes. I've come across it a few times but am clueless. Nice video

[@MyOldSled]

I’d say whoever is doing that is also clueless

[@jimmiller7361]

Getting closer 🥶🥶🥶🥶 Are you planning any new videos? I hope so I like them.

[@brandonhunt561]

I see that the speedometer doesn't work on your 670 you should make a video trying to fix it, and I think using hand signals when you can is good and keeps the trails more safe.

[@MyOldSled]

Nope, Gauges all work fine.

[@carsonxd6714]

when will you start making videos again.I enjoy them so much.Thanks David keep up the amazing work

[@MyOldSled]

Soon! I’ll explain why im delayed in my first one.

[@jonoze247]

well done. I specifically would stress the first person in the groups signal and the closed fist at the end. The guys in the middle of the pack should be the leased experienced so they can hold on for dear life. the guy leading has to know his stuff and safety for the group and the last guy eats the dust so the newbies can enjoy themselves!!!

[@marcopolozx11]

Another great video David. I haven't had the chance to use hand signals yet, due to the fact that I am usually alone on private property. I do ride Side by Sides with my brother quite a bit, and hand signals are essential.

[@ryanbacala5527]

Mr Eloquence once again! Cute

[@tylerbeechey8624]

A tip for that 509 Delta R4 Helmet, check check tightness of the screws holding the visor/beak on. Mine came loose and fell out while riding, and my friend with the same helmet had his loosen up. They aren't always tight from factory aperently

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Tyler. Yep I snugged them up when I first got it.

[@anthonyrandell]

These are the same signals I'm familiar with in Newfoundland. I'd say about half of folks on the groomed trail network use them here. I've always thought the use of fingers to indicate how many sleds following is a bit silly, since it's kind of irrelevant how many there are, the same action is required by the oncoming sled. Fingers are also hard to see and many folks wear gloves anyway.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Anthony

[@robrovina8223]

Great video - thanks

[@pinittowinit8481]

Well it is nice when people put up fingers to tell me how many are behind them, it also scares the crap out of me. You are already on a skinny trail, and if you are beside someone coming towards you on the other side of the trail there is barely any space between the edge of the trail and the other rider. If you or the other rider loses control, they will probably crash because they only have one hand, either into you or off the trail. I always signal when turning, but I will never signal when I am beside another sled on the trail

[@MyOldSled]

You really shouldn't be beside another sled on the trail, especially as you say on a skinny trail. You should ride single file and stay to the right.

[@pinittowinit8481]

@@MyOldSled sorry I wasnt clear enough, I meant when another sled is coming towards you on the other side of the trail

[@MyOldSled]

Ah gotcha

[@connoryoung8184]

Make more videos please I have watched them all.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Connor. I’ll see what I can do. More of a winter hobby...

[@dominator286]

I use them for oncoming sleds only. If another rider doesn’t feel comfortable doing so then it’s perfectly fine. I only do it when it’s safe to do so.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Dominator.

[@daveosborne1266]

Nice video, and quite timely. I’ve seen the internet explode on this topic. I’m torn on it, for the first sled in line if someone comes flying around a corner at them, signals are of no use. And if you are the last guy in a line and signal all clear how do you know if someone is or isn’t coming up behind you, and you just gave the oncoming rider incorrect info. I do signal, but I find it a really flawed system.

[@CatchMyDrift11]

Great Video! An asset to KZbin.

[@MyOldSled]

Glad you liked it!

[@peterwalter5106]

Love the vids keep up the good work

[@MyOldSled]

Thank you. I will be back to it shortly

[@raymondburelle3425]

Glad too see your getting out seasons going to be coming to an end soon. Was down for about 48hrs. Put a rock through my tunnel rad my options were buy a new one for 800$, buy a used one for about 450$ , or get it tight welded for 50$ I got it welded lol

[@MyOldSled]

That sucks. Sorry to hear that. I’m sidelined with my back at the moment. :( Hopefully I get some more riding in.

[@raymondburelle3425]

@@MyOldSled I was back up and running for less then a 100$

[@aidenrogers8136]

As a younger rider in Ontario who doesn’t yet have my drivers license I had to do my OFSC trail license course online last year and in that they said to use the signals to tell other riders there is people behind you and they said if you have gloves with fingers to put up the amount of fingers as people behind you if you don’t have fingers in your gloves do the hitch hiker technique you were talking about in the video. They did not teach any of the other signals you talked about thank you for the information! Keep up the good work man take care. Also I was just wondering where bouts in Ontario you are located?

[@MyOldSled]

What did they say to do if there are 6 riders behind you? The reason I like the hitchhiker version is you don’t necessarily know if a rider has come up behind you. I’m up on the Bruce Peninsula. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewkoppenskop671]

Love your content. Love the sleds

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Andrew. Glad you enjoyed.

[@eugenebaroni1298]

I think hand single are good to use when you can. That 670 is a nice sled.

[@MyOldSled]

hi Eugene. I agree, to both points. Thanks for watching.

[@hunterhause9758]

I'm buying myself a 1999 mzx 670 ho so i just watched all you videos on your 1997. Love all the great tips, tricks and advice you give. I'm feeling confident on buying this new sled now knowing the stuff I do about it from your channel. Love your vids and channel. Cheers

[@MyOldSled]

Congrats on the new sled! Hope you have lots of snow this winter

[@nordstrand76]

In the area in Sweden where I am riding my sled we are not using hand signals.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Marcus. Is that out in the bush or do you have organized trails? Thanks for watching!

[@nordstrand76]

@@MyOldSled organized trails prepared by clubs. Actually I think it is strange we do not use signals since you need a driver licence now days for snowmobile if you did not take you car driver licence before the year 2000. My wife took licence last year and they never talked about hand signals in the theory part. Strange. It make sense I think to use hand signals in some circumstances. The trails can by quite busy during some weeks.

[@gryyta9617]

@@nordstrand76 Ive never seen hand signals here in Jämtland, find it strange too. The license is so basic, i wouldnt ever expect hand signals from them;)

[@DT21870]

If you're riding trails alone, no need for any hand signals. No crash threat to the passerby, so therefore no need for any hand signal warning.

[@hunterbernarde365]

I use them all the time but if I'm worried about crashing then I hope that the other riders understand that there can always be more sleds behind me

[@aidenrogers8136]

I was just wondering if you could do a video on weather or not people should have to keep their exhaust stock on OFSC trails. Personally I think that people should have to keep them stock because a lot of trails are on private property and if land owners are getting annoyed they will start saying the OFSC can’t use their land for trails. What are you thoughts on this topic?

[@MyOldSled]

In Ontario its the law. Personally, I’d never want one. Snowmobiles are already obnoxiously loud, and most aftermarket exhausts can hurt the performance of your sled. The motorized snow vehicles act prohibits modified exhausts.

[@aidenrogers8136]

@@MyOldSled oh I did not know that thank you!

[@CraigArndt]

In New York State its the law and we do take photos and report to police. It's usually non-club members that run loud cans that get us banned from private property.

[@gtileo]

The signals that should be used are to signal to other riders there's more people in your group and not to just go nuts. That and to stop or slow down when there's a hazard. Else, hands on the bars, grip it and rip it

[@emfelling8384]

thanks a lot needed to know this for sure! great video

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching!

[@allenfurlotte3562]

I know I’m probably off topic but could you clear up something. 02 grand touring 600 se. I’m looking for ski wheel kits. I’m told that only 03 and up. Is an 03 different from an 02.? I would be interested in your opinion on these kits.

[@dettespaghetti5412]

Hey I was just wondering if you could do a video on the reverse transmission on the older skidoos because I have a 99 formula and I want to get one for mine so I just wanted to know how well it works and how to avoid braking any thing

[@HeidiNJames]

I have been asking for a video like this in my area. I may direct a few people to this one. You forgot the most important one, middle finger up in a clenched fist lol just kidding. We also use tail light signals riding as well. But you need to have known the person you are riding with for a few rides for that.

[@MyOldSled]

I almost included that one as a joke....Thanks for watching.

[@reidmcnabb818]

I think you should use them if you can do it safely

[@MyOldSled]

I agree Reid, thanks for watching.

[@glennskorb4015]

What are you thoughts on ice scrappers on sled?

[@MyOldSled]

Scratchers? Good idea to have them if your running on hard pack a lot. They’ll extend the life of your sliders, and can help cool the sled somewhat. Your sliders are lubricated with snow thrown by the track.

[@ihkxvii_9324]

Not related but I got a question, can a worn out belt make the skidoo sound different.

[@ihkxvii_9324]

Formula deluxe 600

[@aidenmaves5537]

No

[@lucahoganyt4435]

I don't ride public trails as I live on 100 acres of perfect backcountry riding and I'm also 14 which means I'm too young to ride public trails in my province but if I did ride public trail systems I would absolutely use hand signals. On a flat trail, there's almost never a time when you can't take one hand off. Anyone who rides in intense terrain off-trail knows how to adapt to anything the sled does no matter what position you're in. I also do a lot of "goon" riding with my friends where I'll jump all around the seat or face backwards while riding or sit on the handlebars with my legs in front of the sled or ride hanging off of the sled with only one hand on the handlebars (obviously on private land with plenty of room for error, NEVER do that on public trails) but point is even while riding like that I still always feel in control of the sled. Most people should be able to take off one hand just fine.

[@Schillsifer]

How many miles are on your 670? Do you think you’d ever do a engine rebuild video if your sled ever needs it? -Jake

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Jake. It runs great, compressions good, but if i ever did a rebuild on it, I would for sure do a video.

[@danielkowalewich747]

Sleds following and last sled are the only important ones

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Daniel. Why’s that?

[@aidenmaves5537]

That is false

[@viktor7495]

Can you do a new video on old vs new after riding each for alot longer

[@MyOldSled]

How long would you like to wait?:)

[@viktor7495]

@@MyOldSled I just mean you Already did one but I would like to see Another one after you have rode each of them for a season or two

[@mattiaslindgren7794]

Any new videos coming? :D

[@MyOldSled]

Yep. Hang in there.

[@abcarp1302]

Winter or summer i wish people would communicate how many are in there group. I ride narrow trails that one group needs to squeeze over and stop to let the other pass.

[@rayland8553]

Come back Dave!!!!!

[@MyOldSled]

Tomorrow!

[@stevew5212]

Heck yes to using hand signals. Thanks for teaching me some I was not aware of.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Steve.Which ones were new?

[@mdinatale12]

Here in Buffalo its mixed half use signals half dont

[@MyOldSled]

What do you do?

[@mdinatale12]

Im fairly new to riding so i wasn't to versed in them. Now after watching i may start. I guess those folkes weren't just waving to me 🤣😂

[@CraigArndt]

If you're a member of a club in WNY, most clubs have stated in newsletters not to use hand signals.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Craig. Thats why I said to check with your local club. Lots of different opinions.

[@mdinatale12]

@@CraigArndt yeah i do recall reading that in the Ness news letter

[@scenario1238]

New video coming soon?

[@MyOldSled]

Hopefully. Right now I’m in the middle of another project. I may do a quick video on that in the next week or so.

[@scenario1238]

Please

[@EYECOMEINPEACE]

What about letting on comers know there are cops up ahead lol.? I'd probably try to flash my highbeams if I can get to them quick enough... But I seem to recall in the old days we'd tap our head.

[@MyOldSled]

Never seen law enforcement on the trail, but I’m not aware of any standard signal for it.

[@EYECOMEINPEACE]

@@MyOldSled they set up radar etc in Muskoka

[@Tuke66]

I use hand hand signals when its safe to do so.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for commenting.

[@rtaskidoo14]

This is a great video! I’m all about hand signals I think there a great idea you need to know what is going on, instead of just waving at the guy/girl, that’s distracting

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching Rat

[@nathanielafton6035]

i think its smart!

[@tombair1]

Mostly wear mittens, good thing I also mostly ride alone

[@MyOldSled]

I’ve never cared for mittens when I ride, but I know some guys find them warmer. Thanks for watching.

[@MorettiPyrotechnicsLLC]

I prefer to ride alone because I set the pace and decide when I go home and I dont like bar hopping. Everytime I go out with friends its one bar after another.

[@yamajammer76]

I like fingers for how many are following with the last person showing a fist.

[@MyOldSled]

Hey yj. Thanks for watching

[@cbr600rrturbo]

Leading alot of rides on all kinds of machines using hand signals is the responsible thing to do , period

[@farmark457]

See you have a thumbs down,,,,,what kind of hand signal is that supposed to be ffs. Lol.