ATV and off-road vehicle rules

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check whether you are old enough to ride an ATV and under what supervision.
• You can name the safety gear and documents you need.
• You can tell where ATVs are allowed and where they are not.
• You can follow on-road speed and passenger rules where road riding is permitted.
• You can plan a safe ride and avoid common causes of rollovers.

What you need to know and understand

• In Ontario, you must be at least 16 with a G2 or M2 licence or higher to drive an off-road vehicle on roads where they are allowed.
• In Ontario, off-road riders must be at least 12 unless supervised by an adult or riding on the owner's land.
• Ontario on-road speed limits for off-road vehicles: 20 km/h where the posted limit is 50 km/h or less, and 50 km/h where it is over 50 km/h.
• Ontario off-road vehicles are banned from 400-series highways and the Queen Elizabeth Way, and from municipal roads unless a bylaw or regulation allows them.
• In Alberta, CSA-compliant helmets have been required on public land since 2017, and riders under 14 must be directly supervised by an adult there.
• In BC, off-road vehicles used on Crown land must be registered with ICBC and display a plate or sticker, and riders must wear an approved helmet.
• Helmet, registration and insurance rules apply in most provinces; check local rules for exact ages.

Age, supervision and licences

Ages differ widely. In Ontario, off-road riding generally starts at 12 unless an adult supervises or you are on the owner's land, and on-road riding needs you to be 16 with at least a G2 or M2. To cross a highway you must be 16 with any class of driver's licence. Alberta requires riders under 14 on public land to be directly supervised by an adult. BC requires children to be supervised in most cases and bars them from carrying passengers. Quebec has its own minimum ages and training rules under its off-highway vehicle law.

Gear and paperwork

• An approved helmet with the strap fastened; Ontario requires a motorcycle helmet for drivers and passengers on and off road.
• Eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, long pants and over-the-ankle boots.
• Registration, a plate where required, and proof of insurance carried with you.
• Trail permits for many organised trail networks, and landowner permission on private land.

Riding on roads in Ontario

Where road riding is permitted, ride in the same direction as traffic and on the shoulder when it is wide enough and safe. Use headlights and tail lights at night and in poor weather, and wear seatbelts where provided. Passengers on road must be at least 8 and use a seatbelt or footrests, and off-road motorcycles may not carry passengers on road. Municipalities can set lower speed limits.

Staying upright

Rollovers are a leading cause of serious ATV injuries. Ride within your skills and the conditions, slow down on slopes and loose ground, and never carry a passenger on a machine built for one rider. Take a safety course, do a pre-ride check of tires, brakes and controls, tell someone your plans and never ride impaired.

Common mistakes

• Riding on any road you like. Check the provincial rules and municipal bylaws first.
• Carrying a passenger on a single-rider ATV. Only carry passengers on machines designed for them.
• Skipping the helmet for a short ride. Helmets are required and most injuries happen close to home.
• Letting young children ride machines too big for them. Follow age and supervision rules and the maker's size guidance.
• Riding too fast on slopes or loose ground. Slow down to avoid rollovers.

Test yourself: ATV and off-road vehicle rules

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Road test car checklist for Canada