Off-Road Vehicles & Snowmobiles: Regulations & Requirements

Off-Road Vehicle Requirements:

Off-road vehicles include ATVs, two-up ATVs, side-by-side ATVs, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), amphibious ATVs, off-road motorcycles and dune buggies. You must be 12 years or older to drive an off-road vehicle, except on land occupied by vehicle owner or under close adult supervision.

Off-Road Vehicle Registration:

Off-road vehicles must be registered with Ministry of Transportation at ServiceOntario centre. Must be 16 or older to register. After registering, you receive vehicle permit and licence plate. Carry permit at all times unless operating on owner's land. Must have liability insurance when driving off owner's property.

Where You Can/Cannot Drive Off-Road Vehicles:

Cannot drive on most public roads in Ontario. Exceptions include:

• Directly across some public roads

• Certain vehicles for farming, hunting, or trapping (under specific conditions)

• Within provincial or public parks if permitted

• Emergency personnel performing duties

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs):

ATVs meeting specific requirements can be driven on shoulders of some provincial highways, provided they:

• Weigh 450 kg or less

• Width 1.35 metres or less (excluding mirrors)

• Meet federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements

• Designed to carry only driver (no passengers)

• Driver has valid G2, M2 or higher licence

• Driver wears motorcycle helmet

ATV Speed Limits:

• 20 km/h or less where posted speed is 50 km/h or less

• 50 km/h or less where posted speed is over 50 km/h

Snowmobile Requirements:

Can drive snowmobile with valid Ontario driver's licence (any class). If no driver's licence and 12+ years old, can get motorized snow-vehicle operator's licence (MSVOL) for trail use. Must be 16+ with driver's licence or MSVOL to drive on public roads where permitted.

Snowmobile Registration and Insurance:

Must register snowmobile with Ministry of Transportation through ServiceOntario centre. Pay one-time registration fee and receive permit and registration number decal. Must have validation sticker unless driving on own property or exempt northern Ontario resident. Must have liability insurance to drive off own property.

Snowmobile Safety Equipment:

• Must wear helmet when driving or riding (meets motorcycle helmet standards)

• Recommended to wear face shield or goggles

• Select appropriate tinting for conditions

• Check snowmobile before each trip:

- Steering mechanism

- Drive belt condition and tension

- Emergency switch, headlights, tail lights

- Battery solution level

- Throttle and brake levers

- Spark plugs and fuel level

Where You Can Drive Snowmobiles:

• On your own property

• Private trails of organizations you belong to

• Private property with owner's permission

• Permitted public parks and conservation areas

• Directly across public highways (90-degree angle)

• Along public roads (between shoulder and fence line)

• On public trails established by snowmobile clubs

Snowmobile Speed Limits:

• Maximum 20 km/h in public parks or roads with 50 km/h speed limit

• Maximum 50 km/h on trails or roads with speed limits over 50 km/h

• Municipalities may set other limits

Prohibited Areas:

• High-speed roads, freeways

• Queen Elizabeth Way

• Ottawa Queensway

• Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway

• Railway tracks without permission

Alcohol and Drug Laws:

Same impaired driving laws apply to off-road vehicles and snowmobiles as regular vehicles. Zero tolerance for drivers 21 and under. Criminal Code charges for impairment or refusing tests. Administrative licence suspensions apply.

Safety Practices:

• Never drive alone - use buddy system

• Tell someone your route and expected return time

• Check weather and ice conditions

• Carry emergency supplies and repair kit

• Practice safe driving techniques

• Respect private property and wildlife

• Follow environmental conservation practices