More ATV access coming to public roads

New regulations that will allow increased all-terrain vehicle (ATV) access to public roads will come into effect on July 1.

The province will implement changes that will ensure that ATVs and off-road vehicles (ORVs) can reach their destinations in a safe manner.

At present, only ATVs that are manufactured to carry single riders and no passengers are allowed to operate on public roads. The new regulations will allow for more types of ORVs, including two-up ATVs, side-by-side ATVs and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs).

“This legislation is good news for thousands of ATV enthusiasts in Sudbury and right across Northern Ontario,” said Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault in a press release. “Connecting trails to public roads will help more people discover and enjoy the unique experiences our great region has to offer.”

Thibeault says that roads like Falconbridge Road near Garson will be one such road that will see an increase in ATV and ORV traffic due to the new regulations.

“We're announcing this now so that municipalities will have time to adjust their own regulations accordingly,” said Thibeault. “This will be great for tourism in the Sudbury region where a lot of these outfits have purchased the two-seat ORVs for tours but were only able to get around on back trails, it will be a benefit to them as well as recreational riders.”

All riders – including drivers and passengers - will be required to wear helmets and use a seat belt or foot rest where applicable.

The new rules will come into force on July 1, and there will be a two month education period running until Sept. 1. During that education period, violation tickets may not be issued but police officers may still lay charges through a summons.

Drivers operating ATVs and ORVs along a road or highway must hold at least a G2 or M2 driver's license and their vehicle must be registered and insured.