B.C. News

Rules for off-road vehicle registration and licensing, helmet use, youth safety and environmental measures will be implemented over the next two years under a new off-road vehicle (ORV) management framework, announced Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Kevin Krueger today.

"We've heard much from ORV groups, the public, and other stakeholders, including the chief coroner and the Union of BC Municipalities on this topic," said Krueger. "There is a broad consensus that it is time for ORV regulations we have a common vision and a solid blueprint for action."

Under the new framework, all ORV riders using Crown land will require one-time registration with a licence plate for their machines, in addition to wearing helmets and using lights at night. Age-appropriate safety measures and adult supervision will be required for young riders.

All ORVs will require registration and licensing at time of sale and re-sale. New standards for mufflers will minimize the noise impact on wildlife and spark arrestors will reduce the risk of forest fires. Additional measures to connect communities and trail networks will mean licensed ORV riders will be able to cross public roads more conveniently with an annual vehicle licence and basic insurance.

"This initiative, in part, is about allowing law enforcement officials to track stolen ORV's, something almost impossible today. It is absolutely not about taking away anyone's safe, responsible fun," said Minister of Community and Rural Development Bill Bennett.

"I own a quad, and I know this is the right thing to do. Recreationists have lots of fun riding their ORVs in Ontario and Quebec with a similar system and it will work well here in B.C. too."

"The requirement to display a licence plate on ORVs will make it possible for conservation officers, park rangers and law enforcement agencies to identify those who are damaging sensitive habitat or harassing wildlife, so they can be held accountable," said Environment Minister Barry Penner.

"It will also give members of the public a way to help us by calling our toll-free 1-877-952-RAPP (7277) line to report licence plate numbers of irresponsible operators."

"For over 30 years, we've known that B.C. has lagged behind when it comes to ORV regulations, to the detriment of personal safety, environmental responsibility, tourism potential and enhancement of ORV sport," said Bruno Delesalle, co-chair of the ORV Coalition, also the executive director for the Grasslands Conservation Council.

"The coalition is pleased that the provincial government, after receiving 47 recommendations from coalition stakeholders, is taking action with the implementation of expanded regulations for all ORVs."

"We expect that these regulations will improve safety, environmental impacts and trail development for ORV use, as well as make those who are currently causing property and environmental damage accountable," said Bev Felske, co-chair of the ORV Coalition, and member of the Quad Riders Association of B.C. "This is an incredible province to explore and work on the land the majority of riders do so responsibly, and those that do not will now be identifiable and liable for their actions."

The proposed framework is the result of extensive consultations over a number of years with a wide variety of interested organizations. The regulations define ORVs as including dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, and will not apply to private lands.