Steinbach RCMP would like to remind the public about the laws regarding the usage of an off-road vehicle (ORV). ORVs include all-terrain vehicles (ATV), snowmobiles, dirt bikes, utility task vehicles (UTV), side by sides and similar.
- ORVs must be registered and insured. This can be done at any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre.
- ORVs can only travel in ditches, trails or Crown land where ORVs are permissible. You cannot ride on roadways.
- Approved helmets must be worn at all times. There are some exceptions, such as if your ORV has rollover protection or seatbelts which must be worn at all times and specific types of employment.
- If you are under 14 years of age, you can only operate an ORV if accompanied and supervised by your parents (or someone 18 years old, authorized by a parent) at all times and remain in clear view. Only travel in ditches and cannot travel on roadways, shoulders, or sidewalks.
- If you are 14 years and older (without a valid driver’s licence) or 15 1/2 years of age (with a valid learner stage driver’s licence), you can operate an ORV unsupervised. You can operate in ditches but cannot travel on roadways, shoulders or sidewalks.
- If you are 16 years and older (with a valid intermediate or full stage driver’s licence), you can operate in ditches and where ORVs are permissible on Crown land or trails. You can cross a roadway at or within five metres of an intersection.
- Do not ride with passenger unless your ORV is specifically designed to hold more than one person.
RCMP remind riders to be respectful to anyone you come across and keep to the right and remember that impaired driving laws also apply to all motorized vehicles, including ORVs.
