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If you own or operate an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or any off road vehicle in Ontario, you are subject to the rules and regulations of the Off Road Vehicles Act. Mini-bikes, dune buggies and similar motorized vehicles with two or more wheels and designed primarily for recreational use are also governed by the Act. The following is a summary of the requirements of the Act, which you should know.

-By law, all ORVs must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation – even if operated only on your premises.

-Operation on public roads

It is unlawful to operate any Off-Road Vehicle on any public roadway, street or highway except as noted below. This includes the entire area between the boundary lines of adjacent property including ditches.

-ORVs (including ATVs) with three or more wheels may be driven along a public road by a farmer engaged in a farming activity or by a licensed trapper while trapping, provided:

1. The ORV is registered and its permit is carried by the driver

2. The ORV is insured on a motor vehicle liability policy and that the driver carries proof of such insurance.

3. The driver is the holder of a valid driver’s license that is in the driver’s possession.

4. A slow-moving vehicle sign is displayed on the back.

ATVs (as described in the definitions section) may be driven on certain highways, highway shoulders, or municipal roads where a by-law has been passed allowing such operation provided that, in addition to point 1, 2 & 3:

5. Headlights and tail lights are activated at all times on a highway.

6. A brake light is required if the ATV was manufactured after January 1, 1998.

7. The driver wears a helmet and no passengers are on the vehicle.

8. The driver is travelling no more than 20 km/h where the speed limit on a highway is not greater than 50 km/h, and 50 km/h where the speed limit is greater than 50 km/h.

Driver requirements

Persons under 12 years of age are not permitted to drive an ORV except on land occupied by the vehicle owner while under close supervision of an adult.
Insurance for Off-Road Vehicles

The law requires that ORVs be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy. In Ontario, this means an automobile insurance policy.

Personal and farm liability policies are not considered motor vehicle liability policies in accordance with the Insurance Act. In fact, personal and farm liability policies usually exclude “the operation of any vehicle subject to motor vehicle registration” such as Off-Road Vehicles.


Theresa Wever and the Money Concepts Team.

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