COURTNEY McCLURE The Standard
NORTH DURHAM: Have you seen dirt bikes and ATVs on your local roadways? While this may be a common sight in North Durham, riders are still expected to follow road safety rules set for on and off-road vehicles.
“Our primary concern [is] the safe and lawful use of these vehicles,” said Constable Colin Granger, from Durham Regional Police (DRPS).
ATVs and two-wheel dirt bikes are allowed on some roadways, as long as riders follow the provincial and municipal rules and regulations set for these vehicles.
“The majority of issues and complaints stem from individuals who disregard the provincial laws and operate [the vehicles] in an unsafe manner,” Cst. Granger explained.
For example, some riders will drive their vehicle on the sidewalk.
“It’s unsafe for the rider, it’s unsafe for pedestrians; it’s unsafe for everyone,” he said, speaking about riders driving their ORVs on the sidewalk.
If you are stopped by a local police officer or a conservation officer, while riding on private property, you may be asked to present a few items. These items may include: your driver’s license, registration permit and proof of insurance.
If the owner of the private property stops you, you must actually stop, and, if they ask for your name and address, you are legally required to give it to them.
According to the government of Ontario website, Ontario.ca, dirt bikes are not allowed on public roads or certain highways. For example, they are not allowed on any 400-series highway.
However, municipalities have different rules for ORVs. Not all municipalities allow ORVs on roadways. Before riding an ORV on a municipal road, check your municipalities by-laws.
If there is no by-law against riding an ORV on that specific municipal road, check Ontario Regulation 8/03.
“There are many different requirements [dirt bike riders] have to fill, in order to be on the road,” explained Constable Colin Granger.
ORVs must be registered for off-road use, including having a rear license plate, and must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy.
On-road vehicles will have a blue and white plate on the back and must be registered with Service Ontario.
According to Cst. Granger, vehicles plated for off-road use will have a green and white plate on the front.
For off-road riding, drivers must be at least 12 years old. If a driver or passenger is under 12, they must be supervised by an adult. In addition, children must be at least 8 years old, or older, to be a passenger in a side-by-side vehicle.
The Ontario government also recommends adults supervise young riders at all times.
The most important thing about riding an ORV is to be a responsible rider. Make sure you ride your ORV in a designated area, or you could get in trouble with the local police and have your license revoked and your vehicle impounded. Always, ride according to the trail you are on, and use caution when riding up or down large hills.
To learn more about riding ORVs and other vehicles, please visit ontario.ca.