Constable Kevin Wynn

When operating any vehicle there are rules and regulations that have to be followed in order to keep within the law and also to stay safe.

That according to Constable Kevin Wynn is also true for any off-road vehicle. Wynn says an individual under the age of fourteen cannot operate an off-road vehicle without being accompanied or supervised by an adult. He notes once you're fourteen you're allowed to operate the vehicle on your own, however you cannot leave your property or cross public roadways.

“If you are sixteen or older and you have a valid drivers license and you are riding an off-road vehicle, you have to obey all traffic laws,” explains Wynn. “Keep in mind though, that these all-terrain vehicles are called off-road vehicles for a reason. They cannot be on the road. They cannot go down the highway or streets. That includes the shoulder and the ditch going down. So a person has to be on the far side of the ditch.”

Wynn notes sometimes when you're trying to get from point A to point B it's almost impossible without briefly crossing a roadway or going down the side of the road. He says that's fine as long as the driver isn't being dangerous and shows respect.

Wynn explains, regardless of age, helmets are mandatory and must be worn at all times. Other safety tips include not exceeding the number of people allowed on the machine at one time, wearing appropriate clothing and making sure the machine is in good working order.

“Complaints that we get would be just careless use,” Wynn says when asked what about proper off-road use. “Maybe someone is on somebody else's property and they're just ripping around, ripping grass up and going across their yard. Or even on public property. A lot of times the different municipalities complain that the ditches and the grass is getting all ripped up by people riding their quads and not being respectful.”

He adds side-by-sides are still considered off-road vehicles and need to abide by those set of laws. However, because side-by-sides have seat belts passengers are not obligated to wear a helmet. Wynn would still recommend wearing one because you're being bounced around, you could flip over and you're crashing through the bush having tree branches coming at you.

For more information on rules and regulations for off-road vehicles, visit the MPI website.