Approved places to drive off-road vehicles

Drivers are only allowed to operate all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles on approved trails or on their own property. The network of trails across the province is continually growing, so please contact the New Brunswick All-Terrain Vehicle Federation or Snowmobile-Motoneige NB for the most up-to-date information on approved trails.

For all-terrain vehicles using managed trails, a trail pass must be securely attached to the vehicle and be clearly visible. For snowmobiles, a trail pass must be permanently attached to the bottom centre of the windshield. If there is no windshield, a pass must be attached on the left side of the front of the cowling. 

• be respectful and responsible - stay away from environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and sand dunes
• it is illegal to ride up and down streams
• stay off private properties, farms and beaches
• use approved off-road vehicle bridges to cross waterways whenever possible

• recreational-use closed-courses are the only place where children aged 6 to 13, with proper training, can safely drive off-road vehicles designed for their age group  
• closed-courses must be accredited, meaning that the organizations running them must have liability insurance and adhere to specified safety and design 
• signage indicating speed limits, course boundaries and warnings is mandatory  

Learn more about recreational-use closed-courses and applicable rules.

• off-road vehicles cannot be driven within 7.5 m of a highway, unless on an approved trail
• operators under the age of 16 are not allowed to cross any two-lane highways
• if you are crossing a highway, you must bring the vehicle to a complete stop before crossing
• identified section of highways may potentially be shared by off-road vehicles and vehicular traffic
• highway usage permits are required to drive an off-road vehicle on the highway
• once on a highway, drive your vehicle directly across the highway

While it is generally an offence to operate an off-road vehicle on or near a road or highway, the following exceptions apply:

1. Municipal bylaws:
Local governments can create bylaws, with approval from the Department of Justice and Public Safety, to permit off-road vehicles on certain highways or parts of highways.

2. Provincial motorized trails initiatives: 
Some provincial highways may allow limited off-road vehicle use as part of the provincial motorized trails program, under specific conditions:

• highway usage permits are required to drive an off-road vehicle on the highway and must be obtained through the relevant trail federation
• the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will post signs on these highways to show where off-road vehicle crossings or limited travel are allowed

These rules aim to ensure that off-road vehicle users can enjoy their activities while keeping the roads safe and well-managed.  

• inspect your off-road vehicle 
• wear the proper protective clothing and helmet 
• let someone know where you are going – it is always better to travel with at least one other person 
• stay on marked trails, they are safer
• a survival kit and cell phone can also be helpful in case of an emergency
• make sure your off-road vehicle is equipped with an exhaust system that meets original manufacturer’s standards and does not cause excessive noise
• check your front and rear lights and ensure reflectors on the sides are in place particularly if you're traveling at night

• remember that alcohol, drugs and fatigue can affect the skills you need to ride safely – it is illegal to operate an off-road vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• if your driver’s licence has been suspended, you are also prohibited from operating any off-road vehicle

Trail passes/permits are provided by:  

QuadNB
C-1925 Route 640
Hanwell, NB E3C 1M4
Phone: 1-888-847-1100 | 506-472-5130
Fax: 506-472-5140
Email: [email protected]   

Snowmobile-Motoneige NB 
109 Regent St. Unit 2 
Woodstock, NB 
E7M 2N6 
Phone: 506-325-2625  
Fax: 506-325-2627  
Email: [email protected]

Snowmobile safety course online is provided by:

Official New Brunswick Snowmobile Safety Course
SNOWMOBILEcourse.com
Toll Free: 1-866-499-7669
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CST)
Sat - Sun: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST)
Email: [email protected]