ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES
All terrain vehicles were prohibited on Ontario roadways. New regulations in the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario Regulation 316/3 that took effect in August, 2003 permitted municipalities to pass by-laws pertaining to the use of all terrain vehicles on their roadways. The Township of Chatsworth has passed a by-law allowing ATVs on certain roadways(see By-Laws).
These regulations apply only to one category of off road vehicle, defined as an all-terrain vehicle. An all-terrain vehicle means an off road vehicle that:
- has four wheels, the tires of which are all in contact with the ground;
- has steering handlebars;
- has a seat that is designed to be straddled by the driver; and
- is designed to carry a driver only and no passengers.
They must have a permit and plates issued under the Off Road Vehicles Act and meet specific criteria concerning weight and diminsions, tires, brakes, lighting and they must meet the requirements of the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Off-road vehicles such as 3 wheeled ATVs, mini-bikes, dirt bikes and moto-cross bikes do not qualify.
Valid License
Drivers must have a valid G2/M2 or greater driver's license. In addition the all-terrain vehicle must be insured, registered and plated. Previous exemptions for farmers, trappers and public utility workers have not changed.
Rules of the Road
Passengers are NOT allowed. Approved helmets must be worn at all times. Speed limits must be observed and are LOWER then those posted for motor vehicles. On roadways with a maximum speed of up to 50 km/h an A.T.V. may be operated at a maximum speed of 20 km/h. On roadways with a maximum posted speed of over 50km/h an A.T.V. may be operated at a maximum speed of 50 km/h.
An all-terrain vehicle must be driven in the same direction and on the same side of the roadway as other traffic. In addition they must remain on the gravel shoulder unless there is no shoulder provided or it is obstructed in some way. In any case, they must move to the right to permit faster moving vehicles to overtake.
Liquor Licence Act offences and Criminal Code driving offences, including impaired operation and dangerous driving, apply to all-terrain vehicle operators as they do to all other motorists.
Where ATVs can be Driven
As a general rule, Provincial highways, construction zones, closed roads and parks are off limits. Individual municipalities in Grey County have passed by-laws that specify when and where they may be operated within their juridictions. The Township of Chatsworth has the following restrictions.
Prohibited Hours:
11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Prohibited Municipal Roadways:
Grey-Bruce Line: From Scone to Grey Road 16 - Prohibited 24hours/7 days a week.