Safety Begins with the Operator

Orillia, ON (OPP - Central Region) Central Region of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts to make every ride a smart ride and a safe ride. This year three deaths have occurred while operating an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), including two adults and one child in OPP patrolled areas of the Region.


ATV’s are prohibited from all roadways in Ontario unless the municipality has passed a bylaw to make exception to this rule. ATV enthusiasts must remember that:

• Operator must drive the ATV on the far right hand side of the roadway.
• All riders must always wear an approved helmet.
• Drivers must hold a G2 or greater drivers licence (if operated on an allowed roadway).
• 20km/h is the maximum speed an ATV can travel on roads with a posted speed limit of 50km/h or less.
• ATV’s are prohibited from travelling along or across 400 series highways.
• Age – must be at least 12 years of age (when operating on trails unsupervised).
• Impaired Operation – drinking and driving and impaired by drug while operating an ATV is a criminal offence and carries the same penalties as operating a vehicle.
• Licence plate – the vehicle must have properly displayed off-road licence plate
• An ATV travelling along a road must have its headlights on and tail lights on.
• Ownership – vehicle must be registered and proof of same must be produced at trailside.
• ATV owner must have liability insurance and surrender proof upon request.

Practicing a few safety tips including supervising youngsters, be courteous to all you meet, and ride within your capabilities will be your role in helping to reduce preventable tragedies.
For more information on ATV’s please visit one of these websites:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/drive-ATV.shtml
http://www.safety-council.org