Province Urges Safe Off-Highway Vehicle Riding

Nova Scotians who drive off-highway vehicles such as ATVs and dirt bikes are reminded of mandatory safety training courses and other legal requirements.

"We know that more off-highway vehicle riders enjoy travelling forest roads and trails at this time of year and we want to remind them they must have safety training, vehicle registration and insurance before heading out," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "This is an important reminder so they remain safe and avoid fines for violations of the law."

All drivers of off-highway vehicles must complete a safety training course to legally operate their vehicles in Nova Scotia unless they are exempt. They are exempt from the requirement to take safety training if they:

• were 19 years or older before April 1, 2006 (born before April 1, 1987) and,
• purchased an off-highway vehicle before April 1, 2006
• registered an off-highway vehicle on or before Sept. 30, 2007
• have a valid drivers licence
• are not a parent or guardian of an operator under 16 years of age.

"We encourage all our members to make sure they have the proper safety training, vehicle registration and insurance when riding their vehicles," said Barry Barnet, executive director of the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia. "Any rider who ignores provincial laws gives a bad name to the responsible riders who operate their vehicles legally, safely, and with respect for people and the environment."

All off-highway vehicle drivers also must have a minimum of $500,000 in third-party liability insurance while using their vehicles.

The laws against drinking and driving apply to off-highway vehicle drivers just as they apply to car and truck drivers. Riders must wear helmets while operating their machines.

For more information about safety training courses and other legal requirements, visit http://novascotia.ca/natr/ohv/.