All-terrain vehicles

An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a self-propelled vehicle that is designed for off-road use and includes vehicles such as mini-bikes, dirt bikes, all-terrain cycles, quads and off-road utility terrain vehicles.

Who can drive an ATV

You must be 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s licence to operate an ATV in any public area.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 15 can operate an ATV in public areas and may cross roads – but cannot drive on roads – if they have passed an approved ATV training course, or if they are supervised by someone who has held a driver’s licence continuously for the preceding 365 days.

Where you can drive an ATV

You can drive an ATV on Crown land (except for roads on Crown land), including highway right of ways (ditches).

You can only drive an ATV on the travelled portion of a road or street, in the following circumstances:

on a road or street authorized by a local bylaw
on a road or street authorized by the Highway Traffic Board
when crossing a road or bridge (unless prohibited by local bylaw or the Highway Traffic Board)

To drive an ATV on private land, you need the permission of the land owner or occupant.

Both the Highway Traffic Board and your local municipality may prohibit the operation of ATVs on:

untravelled portions of highways (for example, ditches or medians)
Crown land
private or municipal land

Look for signs indicating permission, prohibition or restriction, or contact your local municipality.

Safety tips

Always wear an approved motor-cycle helmet and appropriate protective eye wear – both are legally required when operating or riding on ATVs in public areas.

Use a buddy system when operating an ATV and do not carry a passenger if the ATV is not built for it.

When operating ATVs in public areas:

keep to the right when approaching other vehicles
pass other vehicles on the left
signal turns when required
stop for police
yield to vehicles on your right and pedestrians
maintain a safe following distance
drive with due care and attention
drive with consideration for other people
maintain at least a 2-metre distance from the edge of the road
travel in the same direction as traffic, when driving at night

Before crossing a road:

bring the ATV to a complete stop
all passengers must dismount the ATV
yield to all other vehicles and pedestrians

Then, cross by the most direct route.

Unsafe practices

When operating an ATV, do not:

drive at an unsafe speed or over the speed limit (maximum 80 km/h)
drive in highway medians which are less than 50 metres in width
drive at night if the headlight and rear lights are not working
disturb, injure or kill wildlife
drive animals or birds towards hunters

Impaired driving and other Criminal Code offences

It is illegal to operate an ATV while you are impaired, even on private property. Not only is it illegal, but also very dangerous for you, your passengers and other riders.

Operating an ATV in a manner dangerous to the public or failing to remain at the scene of a collision (hit and run) is also illegal.

Insurance and collisions

Although an ATV cannot be registered, it must be insured with a $200,000 liability policy before it can be operated in public areas. Contact your local independent insurance broker to discuss your insurance options.

When operating an ATV in public areas, you must produce proof of insurance if requested.

Both the owner and operator of the ATV are liable for any loss, damage or injury incurred when operating the vehicle.

If a collision occurs:

remain at the scene or return immediately after notifying authorities
provide all reasonable assistance
notify the property owners of any damage
inform property owners, in writing, of the names of the ATV owner and operator
submit a written report if there is an injury or death

Training

A safety course is a good idea for any new rider or an experienced rider who wants to refresh their skills. There are ATV instructors all over Saskatchewan.

For more information on training, contact:

Saskatchewan Safety Council
Regina: 306-757-3197
Fax: 306-569-1907

David Burnett, Chief Instructor
Saskatoon: 306-384-8079
Email: burnett3@sasktel.net

For more information

This summary is for easy reference. For any official purpose, please refer to the relevant legislation.

The All-Terrain Vehicles Act does not regulate the operation of ATVs on private land owned or occupied by the operator or a member of the operator’s immediate family.

For more information on the All-Terrain Vehicles Act, call SGI’s Customer Service Centre toll-free at 1-800-667-9868.

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