ATV’S AND THE LAW
Effective July 1, 2015, the province implemented new changes to ORV and ATV on-road use. These changes include:
Allowing more types of off-road vehicles (ORVs) 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
Mandating that all riders — including drivers and passengers of all ages — wear an approved motorcycle helmet and use a seatbelt or foot rests, where applicable
Children under the age of eight will not be allowed as a passenger on any ATV/ORV operating on-road
Limiting the number of passengers to the number of available seating positions
Requiring compliance labels on all ATVs/ORVs
Clarifying access and exemptions for farmers and trappers and for Far Northern Ontario municipalities
Who can ride
For on-road riding, a ATV/ORV driver must:
be at least 16 years old
hold at least a valid G2 or M2 licence
wear an approved motorcycle helmet, securely fastened under the chin with a chin strap
wear a seat belt, where provided
travel at speeds less than the posted speed limit, as outlined below
For on-road riding, a passenger on a ATV/ORV:
cannot be under the age of eight
must wear a seat belt or use foot rests, when applicable
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 the posted speed limit:
no more than 20 km/h on roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or less
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:
be driven in the same direction as traffic
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
have headlights and tail lights on
ATVs and other types of ORVs are popular year-round utility and recreational vehicles that can offer hours of enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts, as long as you obey the law and follow safety precautions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/drive-ATV