New rules for ATVs come into effect on July 1

Side by side all-terrain vehicles and other multi-seat machines will soon be allowed to join single passenger ATVs on the shoulder of public roads.

On Tuesday, Mark Hammerton was riding a one seater ATV on a trail, but come next month there will be new rules for people who ride two, four and even six seater ATVs.

“The really big deal here is this is huge for tourism. Nobody goes on vacation without their family and a single rider ATV is not always conducive to the family unit,” says Hammerton.

These new rules allow ATVs, off-road vehicles and utility vehicles to drive on the shoulder of provincial-run roads. Municipalities will still have to pass local bylaws allowing off-road vehicles on the side of their roads and highways.

The province is also implementing new safety rules. All riders and passengers will have to wear a helmet and seatbelt. Drivers will also have to have a G2 or M2 licence and the vehicle must be registered and insured.

The new rules take effect July 1, although there will be a grace period where only warnings will be handed out until September 1.