With more people hitting the trails and enjoying outdoor activities on their Off Road Vehicles (ORV). The OPP are reminding riders to follow the rules.
Dirt Bikes:
A two-wheeled dirt bike is an ORV. These are prohibited from travelling on highways or city streets. There are no lights (headlight, signal, brake light), tires are designed for dirt, insurance may not be required, and class M license not required. These are strictly for off-road use only.
An ATV is an ORV that:
- has four wheels, the tires of which are all in contact with the ground,
- has steering handlebars,
- has a seat that is designed to be straddled by the driver, and
- is designed to carry a driver only and no passengers, or a driver and only one passenger, if the vehicle, (a) has one passenger seat that is designed to be straddled by the passenger while sitting facing forward behind the driver, and (b) is equipped with footrests for the passenger that are separate from the footrests for the driver.
Always check local by-laws pertaining to ATV/ORV rules specific to the municipality you are riding in.
ORV Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Regulatory Requirements:
To operate on a Highway/City streets (including ditches & crossing) requires:
- Permit
- Plate
- Insurance
- Proper helmet and/or Seatbelt
- Driver's licence of Class G2 or M2 or higher (16 years)
- Any passenger must be at least 8yrs old
- Speed limit of 20km/h in zone not greater than 50km/h
- Speed limit of 50km/h in zone greater than 50km/h
- Lights must be turned "on"
Golf carts:
Can only be used where the HTA does not apply, such as private property. Operation on or across highways or city streets is strictly prohibited.
