ATV Information for Durham Region
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), once used mainly for farming and logging, have become popular recreational vehicles. In Ontario, ATV sales have increased dramatically from less than 6,000 in 1997 to more than 18,356 in 2006. (Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council).
ATVs can provide hours of recreational enjoyment if the rules are followed and if basic safety precautions are taken.
Who is at Risk of Injury?
ATV-related injuries tend to be severe and can include head trauma, fractures of the vertebrae, ribs or sternum and internal injuries.
More than one-third of injuries are to children between the ages of 5 and 19 years (Smartrisk, 2006). Young riders lack the physical strength, experience and cognitive skills to operate an ATV safely. Riders must know their limitations and follow age and size restrictions for specific types and sizes of machines.
Know the Rules
ATVs can be legally driven on private property, with prior consent from the property owner, and on designated trails. There is only one legally designated trail system in Durham Region - in the Ganaraska Forest in Clarington. In order to use these trails, you must have a valid trail permit.
- Municipalities can pass a by-law allowing access to local roads.
- Unless they do, you are not allowed to ride ATVs on any public road or road allowance.
- To date, only one municipality in Durham Region has passed such a by-law. The Township of Brock passed a by-law to permit the operation of ATVs on open and maintained Township roads only between December 1 and March 31 the following year (effective December 1, 2007 subject to a number of rules and regulations).
- Police can charge riders driving on highways and rights-of-way under Part IV Reg. 316/03 of the Highway Traffic Act.
For more information about ATVs and provincial roads, visit www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/orv.htm.
Requirements
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to drive an ATV except on land occupied by the vehicle owner or if under close supervision of an adult
- You must be 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s licence to cross a highway or drive along a permitted highway
- You must also be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid G2 or M2 licence (minimum) to drive on a permitted provincial highway or municipal road
- You must carry a valid off-road ownership with you and have a number plate on the rear of the vehicle
- You must properly wear an approved safety helmet
- An ATV is a motorized vehicle, therefore, you must have insurance for your ATV and must show the insurance to a police officer, if asked.
- If stopped by a police officer or property owner when riding an ATV, you must provide your name and address
- If you lend your ATV to another person, you are liable for any damages or injuries if an incident occurs
Ride Safely
- Invest in a safety course and learn to ride safely from an expert
- Ride smart - no drugs, no alcohol to impair your judgment and slow your reaction time - it’s against the law!
- Perform a pre-ride inspection on your ATV before each ride and know your operator’s manual
- Wear your helmet and proper eye protection
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, leather gloves and sturdy boots
- Carry a cell phone and consider GPS equipment
- Carry a safety kit that includes flares, a flashlight, map, compass, blanket, matches and a sounding device
- Ride with others - never alone
- Ride within your ability and for weather and trail conditions
- No passengers - they throw off your balance. Most ATVs are designed for one person - check your operator’s manual
- Preserve the environment
- Keep noise levels low
- Be courteous to all you
meet
- Respect riding area rules
- If you encounter horses on trails, move off to the side and turn off your engine
Durham Region ATV Safety Coalition
