Recreational-use closed-courses

A recreational-use closed-course is the only place where children from six to 13, with proper training, can safely drive off-road vehicles designed for their age group.

As per the Off-Road Vehicle Act and regulations, organizations wishing to operate a closed course must be accredited by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. The following guidelines will be used to accredit closed-course operators in New Brunswick.

• complete the application for accreditation form (PDF 84 KB) and provide any additional information requested  
• provide proof of liability insurance 

Note that accreditation is only required if the trails will be open to off-road vehicle riders aged 6 to 13. When not operating as a closed course, these standards do not apply.

Access to closed courses is limited to off-road vehicles, as defined in the act. Closed courses must not cross or intersect with public roads.

• as children six to 13 will be operating smaller, age-appropriate off-road vehicles on closed courses, it is important that the trails be suitable for these types of machines and for the rider’s level of ability 
• the traveled portion of trails containing hazardous terrain and obstacles will not be considered for accreditation 
• the traveled portion of trails that have the following characteristics will not be considered for accreditation: 
  • water (standing or running) over 15 cm deep 
  • unusually steep terrain 
  • large amounts of debris on the trail (such as large logs, fallen trees or low hanging branches) 

• all posted signage must be approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles 
• signage must be displayed indicating that a closed course is in operation 
• when an existing trail or part of it is being used as a closed course, approved signage must be displayed to indicate all major entry and exit points, as well as clearly marking where the closed course begins and ends 
• signage must be displayed indicating the point at which a trail intersects with another trail, warning the operator that vehicles could be entering from there (left, right or front) 
• signage must be displayed indicating that a maximum speed of 32km/h is in effect on a closed course 

The maximum speed on a closed course is 32 km/h, but the operator can set a lower limit if necessary for rider safety. 

When a closed course is in operation, a designated official must be onsite. A close course official must meet the following requirements:

• have an approved first-aid certificate 
• have immediate access to a first-aid kit 
• have the use of a cellphone or a radio to call for assistance in the case of an emergency 
• have completed an approved all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile safety course 
• must wear a vest, armband or any other noticeable piece of clothing, identifying them as a close course official 
• have a good knowledge of the standards for recreational-use closed-courses 

Operators of off-road vehicles on designated tracks must comply with the Off-Road Vehicle Act, its supporting regulations and any other applicable legislation. Guidelines for these areas must be clearly displayed at entry points. The requirements of use must include, but are not limited to: 

• must comply with the posted speed limit 
• must wear a helmet while operating any off-road vehicle 
• must obey all posted signage 
• additional protective equipment, including eye protection, long pants, long sleeves, gloves and boots are required for riders aged 15 and under 
• must stay within the designated closed course area 
• must enter and exit the trail system at approved points only 
• stop when signaled to by an official, an off-road vehicle enforcement officer or any other law enforcement officer 
• must adhere to course hours of operation as set by the operator 
• operators may establish additional requirements to ensure the safety of all riders 

Operators under 16 must possess a training certificate issued by an authorized trainer. The supervising adult must have the same training certification for the vehicle being operated by the person they are supervising.

All off-road vehicles must be registered. ATVs and snowmobiles must be insured unless operated exclusively on property owned by the registered owner.