Regulations relating to motor traffic in Svalbard
Section 2. (Scope of application)
The regulations apply to Svalbard's land areas, including the sea areas extending to the territorial limit.
The regulations encompass traffic with motor vehicles in the terrain and on ice-covered watercourses and ice-covered sea areas. For hovercraft and hydrocopters, the regulations also encompass traffic in open sea. Furthermore, the regulations encompass the use of aircraft for tourism purposes.
Chapter II. Motor traffic in the terrain on bare or thawed ground
Section 5. (Prohibition against motor traffic)
Motor traffic in the terrain on bare or thawed ground is prohibited unless otherwise provided for in or pursuant to the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act or these regulations.
Chapter III. Motor traffic in the terrain on snow-covered and frozen ground, ice-covered watercourses, and sea areas
Section 8b. (Use of snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and electric bicycles in the terrain on frozen and snow-covered ground for visitors)
Visitors may use snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and electric bicycles on snow-covered and frozen ground in:
a. Areas marked in yellow as shown on the map in Annex 2;
b. Areas marked in blue as shown on the map in Annex 2, provided they are participants in organized tourist activities or are accompanied by a permanent resident;
c. The mapped transit route between Kjellströmdalen and Agardhdalen, marked with a solid black line as shown on the map in Annex 2, provided they are participants in organized tourist activities or are accompanied by a permanent resident;
d. Areas marked in orange as shown on the map in Annex 2, provided they are accompanied by a permanent resident of Ny-Ålesund.
Section 8c. (Use of snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and electric bicycles on ice-covered sea areas for visitors)
Visitors may use snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and electric bicycles on ice-covered sea areas adjacent to the areas mentioned in Section 8b, letters a), b), and d), except in areas mentioned in the second paragraph. Between Agardhbukta and Wichebukta in Storfjorden, motorized traffic shall be routed along the nearest navigable route on the sea ice along the shoreline.
It is prohibited to use snowmobiles, tracked vehicles, and electric bicycles after March 1st on ice-covered sea areas in Van Mijenfjorden, Van Keulenfjorden, Tempelfjorden, Billefjorden, and Dicksonfjorden marked in red as shown on the map in Annex 2.
The prohibition does not apply to necessary motor traffic via the shortest navigable route on the sea ice in areas as shown on the map in Annex 2 for:
a. crossing Tempelfjorden and Billefjorden;
b. travel along the land on the north side of Van Mijenfjorden, provided they are participants in organized tourist activities;
c. access to cabins on Van Mijenfjorden.
By "navigable route" is meant a route that is safe, secure, and where wildlife is not unnecessarily disturbed. Loitering or stopping on the sea ice beyond what is necessary for safe passage is not permitted.