All Terrain Vehicles

Rules of The Road - Know Where To Ride
The Greater Sudbury Police Service has purchased All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to conduct patrols in an effort to decrease the number of ATV-related injuries and deaths in the region. The following information is designed to assist ATV owners in understanding what the rules are and how to ride safely.

Facts:
• ATVs are the fastest growing recreational vehicle on the market.
• The rate of off-road motor vehicle injuries in the Greater Sudbury area is growing.

2004
There were seven reported collisions involving ATVs. Eight people were injured. Six operators and four passengers were injured. Four of the seven collisions involved four people not wearing helmets. One collision was alcohol-related. The majority of the collisions were speed-related.

2005
There were thirteen reported collisions involving ATVs. Fifteen people were injured. Twelve operators and four passengers were injured. Five of those injured were not wearing their helmets. Four of the collisions were alcohol-related and nine speed-related.

2006
There were eleven reported collisions involving ATVs. One was fatal (a 39-year-old Hanmer man died in Valley East), and speed and alcohol were factors. Ten operators were injured. Three people were found not to be wearing helmets. Six of the collisions were speed-related, and one was alcohol-related.

Where to Ride
Bylaw 2011-150  

  • ATVs can only be legally driven in the City of Greater Sudbury on three occasions: (1) on private property with prior consent of the property owner, and (2) on crown land (3) Roadways allowable by by-law 2011-150. There are no legally designated trails in Greater Sudbury; most land outside of private property is owned by INCO or Falconbridge Limited. 
  • ATVs can cross public road or road allowance at a 90-degree angle. 
  • Police will charge individuals who persist in trespassing. 
  • Police can charge riders driving on highways and rights-of-way under the Highway Traffic Act, Section IV Reg. 316/03.

Rules of the Road

  • Children less than twelve years of age are not permitted to drive an ATV except on land occupied by the vehicle owner or under close supervision of an adult. 
  • Never allow a passenger on your ATV. A passenger can disrupt the vehicle's balance and cause injury. 
  • You must have a valid permit for your ATV and a number plate displayed on the vehicle. 
  • You must have insurance on your ATV because it is a motorized vehicle. You must be able to show the insurance to a police officer, if requested. 
  • If you lend your ATV to another person, you are liable for any damages or injuries if an accident should occur. 
  • Under the Highway Traffic Act, you must wear an approved safety helmet securely strapped under the chin. 
  • The owner or occupier of the property may stop any person riding an ATV and you must identify yourself with your name and address. A police officer may also stop any person riding an ATV. 
  • ATVs are not allowed on Sudbury Trail Plan trails. Anyone caught on an OFSC trail within the City of Greater Sudbury can and will be charged with trespassing.

Offense
Anyone caught operating on a roadway prohibited by by-law is subject to charges of unlawful driving ORV on a highway, and will receive a $110.00 fine.

Links of Interest