The Greater Sudbury Police Service has received a number of complaints pertaining to All-Terrain Vehicles during the past few months.
The calls refer mostly to ATV’s being driven on private property without owner’s permission or on local streets, and to the damage being caused by four-wheelers on trails designated for other purposes (i.e. snow machines, pedestrians or bicycles).
ATV owners and riders are reminded there are no legal, designated trails in the City of Greater Sudbury for ATV’s.
Everyone should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of ATV’s if you have not done so already, a press release stated. Those with questions regarding the use of off-road vehicles can locate the information by going to the Greater Sudbury Police Service’s website at www.police.sudbury.on.ca and looking in the menu for “Traffic.”
Where to ride:
ATV's can only be legally driven in the City of Greater Sudbury on two occasions: on private property with prior consent of the property owner, and on crown land.
Rules of the road:
- Children less than 12 years of age are not permitted to drive an ATV except on land occupied by the vehicle owner or under close supervision of an adult.
- Never allow a passenger on your ATV. A passenger can throw the vehicle's balance off and cause injury.
- You must have a valid permit for your ATV and a number plate displayed on the vehicle.
- You must have insurance on your ATV because it is a motorized vehicle. You must be able to show the insurance to a police officer, if requested.
- If you lend your ATV to another person, you are liable for any damages or injuries if an accident should occur.
- Under the Highway Traffic Act, you must wear an approved safety helmet securely strapped under the chin.
- The owner or occupier of the property you are using may stop any person riding an ATV and you must identify yourself with your name and address. A police officer may also stop any person riding an ATV.
- ATV's are not allowed on Sudbury Trail Plan trails. Anyone caught on an OFSC trail within the City of Greater Sudbury can and will be charged with trespassing.
