‘Illegal and dangerous,’ OPP cracks down on kids riding off-road vehicles

Dirt bike. (Source: cottonbro studio/Pexels)

Police in Orillia are warning parents to keep a close eye on their children’s activities after a recent spike in complaints involving youth operating dirt bikes, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles (ORVs).

Provincial police say the incidents often involve young people riding without proper licensing, supervision, or safety gear, and sometimes on public roads where off-road vehicles are not permitted.

“The Orillia OPP has seen a spike in complaints about youth operating dirt bikes, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles in local communities, often without proper licensing or supervision,” the detachment said in a social media post on Friday. “Driving an ORV on public roads without a licence is illegal and dangerous. It can lead to fines and charges under the Highway Traffic Act.”

Officers remind the public ORVs are not always permitted on public roads and should never be driven on private property without permission.

OPP recommends checking “local bylaws and Ontario Regulations 316/03 and 8/03 to see where ORVs are allowed” to operate.

The OPP also noted the minimum age to operate an ORV off-road is 12, while riding on-road requires a minimum age of 16 and at least a G2 or M2 driver’s licence. Riders must wear an approved, securely fastened helmet, and vehicles must be registered, plated, and insured.

Police added that speed limits for ORVs are capped at 20 km/h where the posted limit is 50 km/h or less, and 50 km/h where the posted limit is higher.

“Parents & guardians: Help young riders stay safe. Teach them the rules and lead by example,” OPP concluded. “Let’s keep our communities safe on and off the road!”

More information on ORV rules and regulations can be found at ontario.ca/page/driving-road-vehicle-orv.