News release

PGRCMP cracking down on off-road vehicle use in City limits

August 20, 2025 - Prince George, British Columbia
From: Prince George RCMP

Content

Prince George RCMP and the City of Prince George Bylaws Services are going to be focusing some of their attention on off-road vehicle use within City limits, following an increase in complaints from the public.

“Most of our complaints have involved under-age riders on dirt bikes, so we are reaching out to the parents of these riders. Make sure you are reviewing safe usage of dirt bikes with your kids and reminding them that unlicensed dirt bikes are not permitted on roadways or in residential areas. Respecting our neighbours goes a long way towards creating peaceful neighbourhoods,” says Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Mounties will be using a variety of methods in the upcoming weeks, including the use of our RCMP UTV, the RCMP Helicopter, traditional vehicle patrols and foot patrols with Bylaw Services Officers.

Here are some quick reminders on the use of dirt bikes:

As dirt bikes are for off road use only, they are not allowed to be operated on the road, sidewalks, bike lanes or any place the public may be.

They are subject to Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) offences and fines:

• No insurance $598
• No license $276 and three demerit points
• Ride motorcycle without required helmet $138 and two demerit points
• Drive without due care and attention $368 and six demerit points
• Drive without consideration $196 and six demerit points
• Subject to 7-day vehicle impoundment if found stunting

They are subject to Criminal Code offences for the following:

• Dangerous Operation
• Flight from Peace Officer
• Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle

They are not covered under any insurance policy and can expose you to personal Civil Liability:

• There is zero tolerance as this is high-risk behaviour
• If a violation ticket is issued, this can cause increased insurance premiums when declaring these high-risk drivers on family vehicles
• This can negatively impact the youth operators before being eligible for a driver's license

“City of Prince George staff take great pride in maintaining our parks, trails, and public spaces for everyone to enjoy. We strongly encourage residents to do their part in keeping our community safe and beautiful, whether that’s speaking to your children about safe operation of dirt bikes or reviewing the laws and local bylaws yourself,” says bylaw services manager, Kent MacNeill. “Bylaw staff will be making more frequent foot patrols in the coming weeks and staff are looking to improve signage to raise awareness about what isn’t acceptable in our parks and public spaces.”

For more information on the use of off-road vehicles in City limits, see:

Road safety | Royal Canadian Mounted Police 
ICBC | Off-road vehicles 
BC Motor Vehicle Act

Contacts