Off Road Vehicles
ATV
In July of 2015 the province of Ontario implemented new changes to the Off-Road Vehicles Act which allowed more off-road vehicles (OVRs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) – including two-up ATVs, side-by-side ORVs and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) – on the shoulder of public roads, where permitted. Off-Road vehicles can be used for recreation however can also be dangerous to operate. Please see the Learn More link below for further information on who can ride and the rules of the road.
Who Can Ride:
For on-road riding, an ATV/ORV driver must:
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be at least 16 years old
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hold at least a valid G2 or M2 licence
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wear an approved motorcycle helmet, securely fastened under the chin with a chin strap
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wear a seat belt, where provided
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travel at speeds less than the posted speed limit, as outlined below
For on-road riding, a passenger on an ATV/ORV:
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cannot be under the age of eight
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must wear a seat belt or use foot rests, when applicable
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must wear an approved motorcycle helmet, securely fastened under the chin with a chin strap
Rules of the road:
ATVs/ORVs on the road must travel at speeds less than posted speed limit:
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no more than 20 km/h on roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less
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no more than 50 km/h on roads with a posted speed limit greater than 50 km/h
Municipalities may set lower speed limits or additional rules for ATVs/ORVs.
ATVs/ORVs travelling along a road must:
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be driven in the same direction as traffic
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travel on the shoulder - if the shoulder is unsafe or impassable or not wide enough, an ATV/ORV can be driven on the travelled portion of the road
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have headlights and tail lights on