NIPIGON – The Nipigon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police would like to remind all-terrain vehicle and off-road vehicle users of the requirements to operate in Ontario and within the township.
Operating an ATV or ORV on a roadway while impaired by drugs or alcohol carries the penalties as operating a motor vehicle which can be found here.
Police urge residents to ensure that they are aware of the requirements to operate an ATV/ORV in Ontario.
For off-road driving, the owner of the ATV/ORV must ensure the driver is at least 12 years of age, unless they are on land occupied by the ATV/ORV owner or under the close supervision of an adult and operators must be 16 years of age and hold a minimum class G2/M2 driver's license to drive on or even cross a roadway.
All operators must have valid insurance and registration if not on private property and must operate in the same direction of traffic on the shoulder if on a public roadway.
All occupants of ATVs and ORVs must wear an approved helmet that is securely fastened under the chin with a chin strap at all times
On a roadway if speed limits 50 km/h, operators cannot exceed 20 km/h, if speed limit exceeds 50 km/h, you cannot exceed 50 km/h.
Vehicles commonly known as side by sides are now permitted on the shoulder of public roads
A golf cart is not an approved vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act or the Off Road Vehicles Act. It may only be used on private property.
For more information on ATV/ORV safety or legal requirements, visit www.ontario.ca/atv and www.e-laws.gov.on.ca
Nipigon has its own rules regarding ATVs and ORVs as well, the Township of Nipigon By-Law No. 1877 Section 3.4 states that no person shall operate an Off-Road Vehicle over or upon the following areas:
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On any private property without consent of the owner.
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On any municipal public property without the written consent of the Municipality.
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On or within the Nipigon Community Centre and/or recreation fields.
For more information and definitions of Off-Road Vehicles, see Nipigon By-Law No. 1877 to regulate the operation of off-road vehicles within the Township of Nipigon
Members of the public are urged to report impaired driving by calling 911 in emergency situations.
Complaints of impaired, aggressive, or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.