NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*************************
During this fall season, the Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police are reminding residents who drive and operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road vehicles (ORVs) to adhere to safe driving practices and laws to ensure everyone's safety is kept at the highest priority.
ATV safety tips:
- Always Ride Sober: Never operate an ATV/ORV under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (Failure to do do so can result in a criminal impaired driving related charges).
- Take a Safety Course: Enrol 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.
*************************
