News release
RCMP NL reminds parents and guardians of Off-Road Vehicles Act requirements
July 16, 2025
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St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP
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RCMP NL is reminding parents and guardians of their role in providing proper supervision to all off-road vehicle riders under the age of 16 years, as enforcement of the Off-Road Vehicles Act continues across Newfoundland and Labrador. Off-road vehicles include quads, trikes, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and snowmobiles.
Off-road vehicle use should be an enjoyable experience shared between adults and children. Adults are encouraged to teach youth about off-road vehicle safety and ensure they are following all rules and requirements, including use of helmets and seatbelts. Unsupervised off-road vehicle use by our youth presents a serious risk to the operator and others. While unsupervised, youth often test the limits and exceed their capabilities to operate an off-road vehicle safely.
Parents and guardians are reminded that proper supervision must be provided to all riders under the age of 16 years. Proper supervision requires that the supervisor is 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s licence, and has successfully completed the approved provincial off-road vehicle safety training.
The supervisor must also be able to see and be seen by the operator at all times, and be in a position to provide immediate directions to the operator.
Over this past year, our province has experienced devastating loss of life and serious life-altering injuries to operators and occupants of off-road vehicles, including our youth. These situations are tragic and sadly are often avoidable.
In additional to providing proper supervision, parents, guardians and off-road operators are reminded that:
- All occupants of off-road vehicles are required to wear helmets, as well as seat belts where available.
- Children who are required to use a child seat restraint system, such as a booster seat, under the Highway Traffic Act are required to follow that same legislation as a passenger of an off-road vehicle.
- It is illegal to operate an ATV on a roadway, except to cross from one side to the other, and the operator must have registration, insurance, a driver’s licence and not less than one hundred and fifty metres of visibility to do so. To access a trail, an ATV can be operated on the shoulder of a roadway for a maximum distance of 1 kilometre and at a maximum speed of 20 kilometres an hour, all while yielding to motor vehicle traffic.
- Operating an off-road vehicle while impaired is a criminal offence. Impaired operation of any motor vehicle is a choice that unnecessarily places the driver and all others who share the roadway at an increased level of risk of serious injury or death.
If you witness off-road vehicle operation that is dangerous, illegal or involves an unsupervised youth, please contact your local police detachment and provide a report including as much detail as possible, such as the vehicle’s color, style, make and model, if possible, and the description of the operator.
To prevent injuries and promote safe operation across the province, RCMP NL will also continue to provide the public with education on the requirements of the Off-Road Vehicles Act and highlight various violations and enforcement actions over our social media platforms.