Snowmobiling, off-roading and ATVs 

Restrictions and information about snowmobiling, off-road and all-terrain vehicles.

Overview

Off-road vehicles are motor vehicles designed or adapted for off-road use, each with specific regulations. Off-road vehicles include:

  • All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
    • traditional ATVs (four-wheelers)
    • amphibious vehicles
    • utility vehicles (UTVs)
    • side-by-sides
    • any other off-road vehicle, other than a motorized snow vehicle that:
      • operates or travels on three or more tires or has been adapted to operate on four tracks
      • has a seat designed to be straddled by the operator of the vehicle
      • has handlebars for steering the vehicle
  • Other off-road vehicles
    • dune buggies
    • dirt bikes
  • Snowmobiles

Insurance is mandatory for all off-road vehicles operating on trails except dirt bikes and dune buggies.

Age requirements

Snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle operators under 16 years old are required to take an approved safety training course. Off-road vehicles must also be registered and insured.

All operators under 16 years of age must:

  • be supervised in clear view of someone who is at least 19 years old and who has taken the approved safety training course
  • complete an approved safety training course

Size restrictions for operators under 16:

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.

Ages 6-11:

  • all-terrain vehicle not exceeding 70cc
  • snowmobile not exceeding 120cc
  • dirt bike not exceeding 120cc

Ages 12-13:

  • all-terrain vehicle not exceeding 90cc
  • snowmobile not exceeding 340cc
  • dirt bike not exceeding 150cc

Ages 14-15:

  • all-terrain vehicle not exceeding 90cc
  • snowmobile not exceeding 340cc
  • dirt bike not exceeding 230cc

A driver under 16 years of age is also prohibited from crossing any road or major highway.

More information 

Get help

For additional inquiries, you can contact us Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., excluding holidays.

Motor Vehicle Branch 
Phone
506-453-2410
Email[email protected]