Police reminding residents who operate All-Terrain Vehicles and Off-Road Vehicles to adhere to safe driving practices and laws.
During the fall season local police will be watching for drivers who fail to follow the rules.
They indicate the rules are there for a reason and safety should always be the highest priority.
After taking a safety course, riding sober, wearing a helmet and adhering to the speed limit, there are a number of tips they want to share with you.
For a list of those tips go to our website …
ATV Safety Tips
Always Ride Sober: Never operate an ATV/ORV under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (Failure to do so can relate in a criminal impaired driving related charges).
Take a Safety Course: Enroll in an ATV/ORV safety course.
Stay in Control: Ride within your abilities and comfort level.
Ride in Designated Areas Only: Stick to approved trails and areas.
Keep Noise Levels Low: Be mindful of your surroundings and wildlife.
Pre-Ride Safety Inspection: Check brakes, lights, tires, and fuel before riding.
Speed Limits for ATVs/ORVs
No more than 20 km/h on roads with a posted limit of 50 km/h or less.
No more than 50 km/h on roads with a posted limit greater than 50 km/h.
Off-Road Riding Requirements
Registration: An ATV/ORV must be registered and display a license plate (except in exempt areas like far northern Ontario).
Insurance: Must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy.
Driver must carry the ORV’s registration permit or a copy.
Can directly cross a highway only if: (The vehicle is registered and displays a license plate, The vehicle is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy, and the driver is at least 16 years old and has a valid G2 driver’s license of any class.
On-Road Riding Requirements
Registration: An ATV/ORV must be registered and display a license plate (except in exempt areas like far northern Ontario).
Insurance: Must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy.
Hold at least a valid G2 or M2 licence.
Travel at speeds less than the posted speed limit
Helmet (fastened) for both driver and passenger.
Have all lights on while travelling on roads.
Travel in the same direction as traffic on the shoulder. If the shoulder is unsafe or too narrow, riding on the traveled portion of the road is permitted.
No passengers under 8 years of age.
Age Requirements
16 years old for on-road riding.
12 years old for off-road riding.
(Passenger): 8 years old for on-road riding.
Common Complaints Reported
Trespassing
Noise – mufflers
Careless operation
Speeding
This is a guide only.
For information on the legal requirements of driving an ATV/ORV in Ontario, consult the Off-Road Vehicles Act and the Highway Traffic Act.
Also, refer to your local municipality for specific by-laws in relation to ATV / ORV riding as each township and/or municipality can vary.
For More Information
https://www.ontario.ca/page/driving-road-vehicle-orv#:~:text=Driving%20and%20roads.%20Driving%20an%20off-road%20vehicle%20(ORV)