NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to take the opportunity to review all terrain vehicle (ATV) usage on roadways within the Townships of New Tecumseth, Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa.
Dirt bikes are not permitted on any of our roadways unless they are properly licensed with a blue and white passenger licence plate. Dirt bikes equipped with a green and white licence plate are not road worthy.
Anyone operating ATVs on roadways where permitted, must be 16 years of age, have a valid Ontario driver's licence and valid liability insurance. Riders must also wear an approved DOT or equivalent helmet and can only carry the number of riders specified by the vehicle's manufacturer. Aftermarket seats do not permit an increase of the number of riders carried.
In Essa Township, off-road vehicles (ORVs), inclusive of ATVs, dune buggies and dirt bikes, are not permitted on any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway, roadway, parks, parkland or any other property owned, operated or leased by the Township of Essa:
• There are no public trails owned or maintained by the Township of Essa that permit motorized vehicles. However, the Central Ontario ATV club maintains trails within the County of Simcoe, where ORVs are permitted to be ridden. For maps, fees and regulations regarding the use of these trails, please contact the Central Ontario ATV Club by visiting here.
• Any individual found to be operating an ATV on Township of Essa property may be charged under By-Law No. 2005-24, the Off-Road Vehicles Act and the Highway Traffic Act.
• ORVs are permitted to be driven only on private property where the vehicle is owned or where permission has been granted by the owner of the property. If permission has been granted, proof of such permission must be carried with the driver of the ATV at all times.
• Refer to the Essa Township By-Law 2005-24 for further clarification on the operation of ORVs in the Township of Essa by visiting here or via the direct link.
In Adjala-Tosorontio Township:
• ATVs are permitted on Township roadways, but not on County Roads or Provincial Highways.
• Various restrictions are in place, including operation only during daytime (half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset).
• Not permitted in parks, community centres, conservation areas, schools and stipulated walking trails.
• Refer to the Adjala-Tosorontio Township By-Law 11-07 for further information by visiting here or via the direct link.
In the Township of New Tecumseth:
• ATVs are permitted on Township roadways, excluding Industrial Parkway, County Roads and Provincial Highways.
• Various restrictions are in place, including operation only permitted between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Not permitted in parks, community centres, schools, conservation areas and stipulated walking trials.
• Refer to the Township of New Tecumseth By-Law 2020-029 for further information by visiting here or via the direct link.
More information regarding equipment use can be located within the By-Law pertaining to each Township. The speed limit for ATVs is 20 km/h where the posted speed limit is 50 km/h, and no more than 50 km/h on roads with a posted speed limit of greater than 50 km/h.
"With the warmer temperatures, we anticipate an increase in ATV operators. With that being said, we would like community members to take the time to familiarize themselves with the varying by-laws within the municipalities. Safety is our priority, and ensuring that operators and owners of ATVs are aware of the by-laws is the first step."
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