Did you know that the Off-Road Vehicles are allowed to be operated within certain areas of the Township of Nipigon? The Off-Road Vehicles By-law was passed on September 22nd, 2020 and allows for the following Off-Road Vehicles to operate within the Township of Nipigon.
- An “All Terrain Vehicle” is four wheeled, has steering handlebars and seat that must be straddled, can carry one passenger along with the operator if it is properly equipped to do so, has headlights and taillights that must be on at all times, has an operating brake light, and has an all-terrain vehicle license plate and valid insurance. An example would be a quad.
- An “Extreme Terrain Vehicle” has six to eight wheels, can carry one passenger along with the operator if it is properly equipped to do so, does not have tracks, and must not be modified. An example would be an Argo.
- An “Off-Road Motorcycle” has two wheels, passengers are not allowed at any time, and cannot be modified. An example is a dirt bike.
- A “Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle” has four or more wheels, has a steering wheel, seats that are not meant to be straddled, and engine displacement equal to or less than 1,000 cubic centimetres, and has not been modified. An example would be a UTV or “side by side”.
To operate one of the Off-Road Vehicles listed above in Nipigon, you must also follow the rules and guidelines set out in the Highway Traffic Act:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Hold at least a valid G2 or M2 licence
- Wear an approved motorcycle helmet
- Wear a seat belt, where provided
- Travel at speeds less than posted speed limit (20 km/hr)
- Travel only on the shoulder, and where unavailable, right most portion of the roadway
- Be driven in the same direction as traffic, and
- Carry the ATV/ORV’s registration permit
- Every passenger must wear a seat belt where provided, have the ability to reach the footrests, number of occupants allowed is limited by the number of available seating positions, no passengers under the age of 8 are allowed and additional passenger restrictions apply if the driver is a young and novice driver with a minimum G2 or M2 licence, and all riders and passengers must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
