New requirements for off-road vehicles

Got a snowmobile, quad bike, ATV, dirt bike, or other off-road vehicle? Starting Friday, September 10, 2021, you’ll have to comply with new requirements under the Act respecting off-highway vehicles.

These concern driver’s licences, off-road vehicle rentals, and impaired driving.

Driver’s licences

A valid driver’s licence is already required to operate an off-road vehicle on public roads and private roads open to public traffic. Now you’ll also need one to ride on a trail, public land, or private land owned by a municipality.

A licence of any class, a learner’s licence, a probationary licence, or a licence issued by another province is acceptable. In addition, off-road vehicle drivers have to heed the restrictions associated with their licence, including curfew, demerit points, and zero alcohol.

Off-road vehicle rentals

To rent an off-road vehicle, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s licence, and have received the minimum training on how to operate the vehicle and the main rules for driving it.

Impaired driving

The Criminal Code already applies to off-road vehicles, and now the Highway Safety Code (HSC) provisions on impaired driving will also apply to off-road vehicles on trails and any other traffic area not covered by the HSC. This means that maximum alcohol and drug levels and administrative and penal sanctions for impaired driving (immediate suspension of the driver’s licence, immediate seizure of the vehicle, revocation of the driver’s licence, fine, etc.) will apply to the different categories of drivers.

With off-road vehicles more popular than ever, CAA-Quebec encourages you to be extra careful on the road. Have a great ride!