Are Snorkels Illegal In Maine?

In Maine, it is illegal to operate an ATV equipped with a snorkel kit or other equipment designed to allow the ATV to be used in deep water without the permission of the landowner or as provided in section 13159. Even if your ATV comes stock with a snorkel, it is still illegal in the state of Maine. The Maine Department of Marine Resources has determined that snorkels pose a danger to lobster fishermen, as they are not allowed in swamps, bogs, beaches, back beaches, Highland or coastal Barron land, and no wetlands.

Snorkeling is a niche activity in the Northeast, and the required equipment is inexpensive and low tech. A TV show North Woods Law mentioned that during a ATV trail stop, an officer noticed one ATV with snorkels and informed the rider that it was illegal in the state. Prohibited equipment includes masks, snorkels, and fins, which are inexpensive and low tech.

PSA SNORKELS are illegal in Maine unless specifically talked to by the landowner. Hide the snorkel in the roll cage, and an owner or operator of an ATV must present a registration certificate or an online registration receipt for inspection by law enforcement. MN rules say that snorkels can’t be higher than 6 inches above factory, but mine are one foot above factory and are still lower than an Arctic Cat.

In summary, in Maine, snorkeling is illegal, even if your ATV comes stock with a snorkel kit. The Maine Department of Marine Resources has determined that snorkels pose a danger to lobster fishermen and that ATVs with factory snorkels and radiator relocates are not allowed in the state.