Chapter 7: Off-road Vehicles & Snowmobiles

Introduction

This chapter covers the vehicles you can ride off the pavement. Dirt bikes may not be driven on public roads, though snowmobiles may be.

Driving a snowmobile

Any class of Ontario driver's licence lets you drive a snowmobile. With no licence, a motorized snow-vehicle operator's licence (MSVOL) lets anyone 12 or older ride club trails. To ride along or across a road where snowmobiles are allowed, be at least 16 with a licence or an MSVOL, not both. A suspended licence or MSVOL means you may not drive any vehicle, on or off roads.

Register a new snowmobile within six days of sale, and wear a helmet whenever you ride, including on a toboggan it tows. When you cross a road, slow down, stop, then cross at 90 degrees. Riding on private land without the owner's permission is trespassing; in a park or exhibition ground, keep under 20 km/h.

Stop when a police officer asks. If you do not and a court finds you wilfully avoided the police, your licence is suspended for at least five years. Report a collision at once if anyone is hurt or damage appears over $400. Driving impaired by alcohol or a drug is against the law.

Driving an off-road vehicle

You must be at least 12 to drive an off-road vehicle, except on land occupied by the owner or under close adult supervision, and wear a motorcycle helmet whenever you ride. To drive on or across a road you must be at least 16 and hold a valid Ontario licence of Class G2, M2 or higher.

Never carry a passenger on an off-road vehicle designed for one person. Careless driving can bring a charge, and a collision on a public highway must be reported at once if anyone is hurt or damage exceeds $5,000. Electric and motorized scooters and pocket bikes are not off-road vehicles: they cannot be registered as such, do not meet motorcycle standards and cannot be registered as motorcycles.