Does a passenger in a closed sled need a helmet?

Yes. The rule published by the Quebec government only exempts from the visor or safety goggles in a closed-cabin sled, not from the helmet.

How fast can you go with a sled?

A snowmobile's maximum speed is 70 km/h unless posted otherwise; with a sled and passengers, adjust your speed to the load and conditions. See also the snowmobile driving rules.

Yes, depending on what comes in. See our trailers and sleds in inventory.

Ski-Doo & Snowmobiles

Snowmobile Sleds (Carrioles): Rules, Required Equipment and How to Choose

By the Groupe Contant Team · Published November 12, 2026

Quick Answer

What are the rules for a sled towed by a snowmobile in Quebec?

According to the Quebec government, a sled towed by an off-road vehicle must have red rear lights, four red reflectors and a rigid hitch bar. Passengers must wear a helmet; in a sled with a closed cabin, they're only exempt from the visor or safety goggles.

A sled (carriole) carries gear or passengers behind the snowmobile: for hunting, ice fishing, the cottage or a family ride. Because it's towed by an off-road vehicle, it has its own rules.

This guide sums up the rules published by the Quebec government (in French), then what to check when choosing a sled.

Required Equipment

A red rear position light (sled built after January 1, 2015).
A red rear brake light (sled built after January 1, 1998).
Two red rear reflectors, as close as possible to the outer edges.
Two red side reflectors, one on each side, halfway between front and rear.
A rigid hitch bar that prevents rollovers and swaying, pivots 90° each way and allows pitching movement without affecting stability.

Passengers

Helmets are mandatory for passengers. An off-road vehicle passenger without a helmet faces a fine of at least $250.
In a sled with a closed cabin, the passenger doesn't have to wear a visor or safety goggles; the helmet is still required.
Passengers must wear adequate clothing, footwear and protective equipment.
Alcohol rules also apply to sled passengers: a fine of at least $150 for a passenger who has consumed alcohol.

How to Choose a Sled

Use: carrying gear, or passengers (2 or 4 seats). A closed-cabin sled protects from wind and snow.
Mass: check your snowmobile's operator's guide for the load it can tow.
Hitch: the hitch bar must be rigid and fit your snowmobile's hitch.
Equipment: make sure the sled has the required lights and reflectors.