Snowmobiles equipped with studs are welcome in Minnesota. However, you may not operate a snowmobile with metal traction devices on a paved public trail that is designated closed to such use by a local government with jurisdiction over the trail, or on a paved state trail or any portion of a paved state trail that is designated closed to such use by the DNR Commissioner.

A person operating a snowmobile with metal traction devices on any paved trail that is designated closed to such use is guilty of a petty misdemeanor punishable by a fine of no more than $50 for the first offense, no more than $300 for the second offense, and no more than $600 for the third and subsequent offenses.

The law restricting metal studs on paved trails was passed in response to concern about damage to roads, bridge decks, paved trails and private driveways crossed by snowmobiles with studs. Public paved trails account for less than two percent of Minnesota's extensive snowmobile trail system. Groomed, signed routes have been developed for snowmobiles with studs near paved trails that are closed to the use of studs.