An officer for Steinbach RCMP says now is the time of year that their detachment starts to get more complaints and hand out more tickets for illegal use of off-road vehicles.

"The biggest thing is safety," says Steinbach Community Liaison Officer Dennis Redikop. "We would like off-road vehicles to respect the laws and rules and the biggest thing is also wearing helmets when people are out and about."

Redikop stresses that off-road vehicles, which can include anything from dirtbikes to four-wheelers or Gators, must stay off the road. This includes gravel roads or highways. He notes one of the biggest complaints they receive is for off-road vehicles on roadways. 

The laws to properly drive an off-road vehicle fall under the Off-Road Vehicle Act, which can be accessed on the province's website. The RCMP are offering a few reminders:

  • anyone under the age of 14 must have direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who is a minimum of 18 years of age
  • youth over the age of 14 can ride without parental supervision, but cannot cross a roadway until they obtain a valid driver's license
  • off-road vehicles are not to be operated on roadways, shoulders, medians of divided roadways or sidewalks
  • off-road vehicles are permitted to be in the ditch, provided travel is in the same direction as vehicle traffic, the off-road vehicle is to the right of the roadway and the shoulder, and the off-road vehicle is being operated in an area where off-road vehicle use is permitted. Always remember to be on the lookout for hazards in the ditch, such as culverts, driveway approaches and road signs.

There are several scenarios when the use of off-road vehicles is prohibited, such as:

  • on privately owned or leased land without permission
  • within 30 metres of a dwelling that is not yours between midnight and 7 am
  • within 30 metres of a playground or area set aside for recreation that is not fully fenced
  • in a careless manner
  • without reasonable consideration for other persons and property

Other tips include: 

  • Staying away from environmentally sensitive areas and wetlands, and areas easily damaged by churning wheels.
  • When conditions are dry, use caution as sparks from an off-road vehicle can ignite grass and branches, starting a fire.
  • Be aware of local bylaws in the area you are riding.
  • Impaired driving laws apply to all motorized vehicles. Only operate an off-road vehicle when sober and alert.

"We'd like to have everybody have fun and be out," notes Redikop. "But there's rules and laws that have to be followed as well."