ATV's and ORV'S

Municipal and provincial rules apply to the use of Off‑Road Vehicles (ORVs) within city limits. Only specific types of ORVs are allowed on designated city streets. Please review the City of Greater Sudbury All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) By-law 2015-158

You can find information on the types of ORVs allowed on designated city streets, maps of approved routes, FAQs, and links to both the GSPS and MTO websites. These resources explain licensing requirements, passenger rules, and vehicle definitions for on‑road ORV use.

All ORVs used off your own property—or on private property where you have permission—must be registered, display a valid plate, and be properly insured. This requirement also applies when riding on Crown Land.

Please ride responsibly and respect other land users.

The Greater Sudbury Police Service Rural Community Response Unit will continue enforcement in areas with high complaint volumes.

If you need to report unsafe or unlawful ORV use, you can submit an online complaint through CopLogic

Snowmobile Safety

We know many people in Sudbury and Northern Ontario love to take advantage of our snowy winters and take their snow machines for a ride. Before you rev up your snow mobile engine, please consider these safety tips:

 Before you leave
  • Fill your gas tank.
  • Check the weather forecast.
  • Dress in layers, with a snowmobile suit or another windproof outer layer.
  • Tell someone your destination, route, a description of your snowmobile, and your expected return time.
  • Avoid travelling alone.
 While riding
  • Drive within your skill level.
  • Take extra care on corners and hills.
  • Follow all speed limits and trail signs.
  • Stay on the right-hand side of the trail.
  • Use proper hand signals before stopping, slowing down, or turning.
  • Use caution at road and rail crossings—cross only at designated areas and at a 90‑degree angle for maximum safety.
  • Never ride on private property without the landowner’s permission.

When driving at night
  • Reduce your speed—hazards can be harder to see in the dark.
  • Use your headlights and travel at a speed that keeps your path within their beam.
  • Wear clothing with reflective markings so others can see you more easily.
When driving on ice
  • Avoid unfamiliar frozen lakes and rivers—open water or thin ice may not be visible.
  • If you must travel on ice, wear a buoyant snowmobile suit.
  • Only drive on ice that is new, hard, and clear.
  • Never drive on ice that is slushy, weak, near moving water, or recently thawed and refrozen.
  • Check ice conditions with your local snowmobile club before heading out.

Boating Safety

If you're planning on taking your boat out for a ride, please be reminded that having open alcohol onboard a moving vessel is against the law. 

 Safety Tips
  • Wear your lifejacket. Make sure there is an appropriately sized lifejacket on board for each passenger. But don't just carry them – wear them. Make sure they are in good condition. Always check that the zippers, buckles, fabric and seams are in good working order.
  • Boat sober. Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only against the law – it can be deadly.
  • Prepare your vessel. Ensure your boat has all the required safety gear and sufficient fuel. Be sure the weather is suitable for your vessel's capabilities.
  • Pleasure craft operators are required to take and pass an accredited course and obtain a pleasure craft operator card before getting behind the wheel
Essential Safety Equipment for Your Vessel

It is your responsibility to carry the proper safety equipment on your vessel. If something goes wrong on the water, having the required equipment easily accessible and in good working order can save your life.

All vessels must carry essential safety items such as a floating rope, flashlight, whistle, manual bailer, and a paddle or anchor. All equipment must:

  • Be in good working condition
  • Be easy to reach in case of an emergency
  • Be maintained and replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions

These requirements do not apply to inflatable, self‑propelled water toys, as they are not designed for open water. However, if you choose to operate them in open water, enforcement officers will treat them as pleasure craft. This means they must meet the same requirements outlined in Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.

Enjoy the water responsibly and stay safe.
Boating Accident Reporting Requirements
 You must report a boating accident to local police as soon as possible if it results in:
  • The death of any person
  • An injury that requires hospitalization
  • Property damage over $5,000

You must also submit a written report to the Minister of Transport within 14 days if the accident causes:

  • An injury that requires more than first aid but does not require hospitalization
  • Property damage over $2,500

A pleasure craft is any boat used for recreational activities, such as fishing, sailing, or water sports.

Common types of boating accidents include:

  • Collisions with other boats, rocks, or objects
  • Sinkings

Accidents can occur during any boating activity, including:

  • Canoeing or kayaking
  • Waterskiing or tubing
  • Operating a speedboat
Why Do Boating Accidents Occur?

Boating accidents can happen for many reasons. Some are directly related to the actions of the operator, including:

  • Operating a boat or PWC while impaired by alcohol or drugs
  • Inexperience or lack of training
  • Driving recklessly
  • Not following required safety practices

Accidents can also occur due to other factors, such as:

  • Defects in the boat or personal watercraft
  • Sudden or severe weather changes
  • Missing or unclear safety warnings
  • Mechanical failures
  • Carbon monoxide buildup in small or enclosed spaces
Responsibilities of Boat Owners and Operators
Transport Canada regulates boating laws across Canada under the Canada Shipping Act, which sets the rules for operating all pleasure craft. Owners and operators must also follow regulations such as the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORRs), which outline speed limits, licensing and registration rules, age requirements, and other safety standards.

It is the responsibility of every owner and operator to follow these laws and take reasonable care to prevent injuries to passengers and other boaters.

Provincial Requirements

In Ontario, recreational boat owners and operators must also follow provincial laws, including:

  • Occupier’s Liability Act
  • Highway Traffic Act
  • Insurance Act
Age and Operator Restrictions
 Under the VORRs (Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations), age and horsepower rules apply to anyone operating a pleasure craft for recreation in Canadian waters:
  • Under 12 years old (without supervision): may operate a boat with up to 10 hp (7.5 kW)
  • 12 to under 16 years old (without supervision): may operate a boat with up to 40 hp (30 kW)
  • 16 years or older: may operate a personal watercraft (PWC) such as a Jet Ski or Sea-Doo

These age restrictions do not apply in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut.
Proof of Competency

Anyone operating a pleasure craft with any type of motor - including an electric trolling motor - must carry proof of competency when boating for recreation. Acceptable forms of proof include:

  • A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) issued after passing a Transport Canada–approved boating safety course
  • Proof of completing a Canadian boating safety course before April 1, 1999
  • A certificate from Transport Canada’s List of Certificates 
  • A completed safety checklist for a rented boat (valid only during the rental period)

The only exception applies to operators in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut.

Failure to carry your PCOC when required may result in a fine.
Enforcement

Boating laws are enforced by:

  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
  • Provincial and municipal police services
  • Other local authorities

Operators must cooperate with officers by following all applicable laws. Enforcement officers may request to see your Pleasure Craft Operator Card at any time.
Reciprocity
 The PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)) is recognized across all Canadian provinces and territories. In addition:
  • Canada accepts boating education cards issued by U.S. states that meet NASBLA requirements.
  • Likewise, other jurisdictions with mandatory boater education will accept the Canadian PCOC.

This mutual acceptance is known as reciprocity.

Police Officer driving boat on lake water