Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Trinity-Conception RCMP responded to two separate incidents involving ATV collisions operated by youth in the past week. A 14-year-old unsupervised driver was injured when they lost control of the ATV they were operating and a 12-year-old unsupervised dirt bike operator was hospitalized with injuries due to a collision with an ATV.
Violations of the Off-Road Vehicles Act include operators not wearing helmets and seatbelts; operation without a licence, registration or insurance; operating in areas not permissible to off-road vehicles and youth operating ATVs without supervision.
Supervision of youth while operating off-road vehicles is extremely important to help ensure the safety of all young riders. RCMP NL reminds the public of the requirements of proper supervision as set out in the Provincial Off-Road Vehicles Act.
According to the legislation, a supervisor is a licenced driver who is at least 18 years of age. A supervisor must see and be seen by the youth they are supervising at all times and be able to provide clear instruction to them. Youth under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times and must only operate an off-road vehicle that is suitable for their age/weight as listed in the manufacturer’s recommendations. Any local by-law allowing travel on roads to access trails does not apply to youth under the age of 16 as they are too young for a valid driver’s licence.
As defined in the legislation, off-road vehicles include all-terrain vehicles such as snowmobiles, quads, three-wheelers, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes.
Parents or guardians of unsupervised youth can be charged under the Off-Road Vehicles Act for failing to provide the required supervision and also open themselves up to seizure of the off-road vehicle and any applicable impoundment fees.
Children may place themselves at increased risk of serious injuries or death, especially if unsupervised. Let’s do our part as parents/guardians and protect our children with proper supervision and guidance to instill safe and enjoyable riding practices.
RCMP NL continues to enforce the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Highway Traffic Act, violations of which can result in tickets, fines and seizure of off-road vehicles.
Further information on the Off-Road Vehicles Act can be found here:
SNL2021 CHAPTER O-5.1 – OFF-ROAD VEHICLES ACT (assembly.nl.ca)