ATV Safety

With the increasing usage of ATVs in our Town and around the Province, it is important to know all you can about ATV safety, and knowing the places you can and can’t ride is the best preparation for safe and enjoyable riding. Prior to riding an ATV within the Town of Paradise, please review the information below regarding safe practices and legal usage. Safe ATV usage by everyone will keep you and our community safe.

Areas where ATV usage is allowed within the Town of Paradise:

• Provincial Trailway West of McNamara Road until CBS Boundary
  
  
• Areas outlined Off-Road Vehicles Act which includes:
• abandoned railway corridors
• highways abandoned under the Works, Services and Transportation Act, 
• forest access roads as defined under the Forestry Act, 
• roads constructed under licence issued under the Lands Act
• and any other road constructed for the purpose of providing vehicular access to resources including but not limited to forestry, agriculture, hydroelectric, recreation, mining, industrial and similar developments

Areas where ATV usage is not permitted within the Town of Paradise:

• Public roads and highway
• Any Town walking trails or public parks maintained by the Town of Paradise
• Any private property maintained by the Town of Paradise
• Bogs and other environmentally sensitive areas are out of bounds except for the lawful transportation of an animal from the place where it was killed, and only under certain conditions (See the Provincial legislation for details).
• ATVs are not permitted on a highway except to cross from one side to another and the operator must have insurance to do so. This rule does not apply to private woods roads, resource woods roads and cottage development roads.

ATV Rules

A person under the age of 16 must not operate an off-road vehicle that has an engine size that exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendation for an operator of their age and weight. This replaces the original proposed prohibition that a person under the age of 13 must not operate an off-road vehicle with an engine size greater than 125 cc.

A person must be able to keep both feet on the pedals, or footrests, designed for use by the operator of a mini-bike, dirt-bike, or trailbike. This replaces the original proposed requirement that a person must be able to keep both feet on the ground when operating this type of off-road vehicle.

Off-road vehicles must be registered with the Motor Registration Division, licence plates must be affixed to the vehicle and be clearly visible and insurance may be required.

Off-road vehicles are not permitted on managed trails without trail permits and must comply with all rules and regulations. Managed trail users pay trail pass fees to their snowmobile club for grooming and maintenance. Managed trails are not permitted to be plowed.

Users must not operate off-road vehicles to chase, harass, agitate, injure, or kill wildlife. Operators are also not permitted to carry more passengers than recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

At all times, it is an offence to operate an off-road vehicle without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons or property.

Off-road vehicle users are also reminded that operation is prohibited while distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Operators are encouraged to arrange safe and sober rides if planning to consume alcohol or cannabis.

On November 16, 2021, the House of Assembly approved the new Off-Road Vehicles Act to replace the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act, the purpose of which is to enhance safety for all off-road vehicle users in Newfoundland and Labrador.

ORV Safety Training

From October 15, 2024, ORV safety training will be required for anyone who:

• Is under 16 years of age.
• Is registering an off-road vehicle with Motor Registration Division for the first time.
• Has been convicted of an offence under the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations and has had their off-road vehicle registration suspended or cancelled, as a condition of reinstatement.

In addition, anyone who is supervising a person under the age of 16 who is operating an off-road vehicle will have to ensure that the person has completed a training program.

Training certificate shall be produced when requested by a Peace Officer (when training is required).

The Town's Municipal Enforcement Officers now have the ability to enforce the regulations.  

Regulations:  https://www.gov.nl.ca/dgsnl/files/NLG20220510_EXTRA.pdf

Act:  https://www.assembly.nl.ca/HouseBusiness/Bills/ga50session1/bill2122.htm

 If you see unsafe or illegal usage of an ATV in Paradise, please contact:

• The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary: 729-8000
• Town of Paradise: 782-1400

Additional Resources

• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - ATV Safety