New Rules for Off-Road Vehicles

There’s new regulations when it comes to off-road vehicle (OVR) registration and safety provisions. Starting on November 1^st all off-vehicles on Crown land must be registered, following the passage of regulations in support of the Off-Road Vehicle Act.

While operating an OVR riders must wear a helmet. If the vehicle has a seatbelt it must also be worn, and drivers must turn on their lights in low visibility areas while traveling on Crown land 30 minutes before sunset, and 30 minutes before sunrise.

"The BC Snowmobile Federation along with its other power sports partners (ATVBC & BCORMA) invested a lot of volunteer time, effort and expense in working with government on this initiative. We are very pleased that the new regulations are being implemented and we look forward to working closely with government to further enhance organized snowmobiling in the Province of British Columbia," Erin Hart, President of the BC Snowmobile Federation said.

The registration is part of the pre-existing structure of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBO) motor vehicle registry. Drivers were previously able to voluntarily register the vehicle, but as of the beginning of November it will be a necessity. The number plate and registration fee will be $48.00.

British Columbia is also fulfilling the sticker option for the vehicles that cannot place a metal plate on the vehicle. Until December 31^st drivers can visit any ICBC broker with their registration and metal plate and can switch to a sticker.

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations said the registration will combat vehicle theft as well as promote responsible use of the vehicles.

Registration will differ depending on the type of ORV a driver has. For more information visit the ICBC website.

An estimated 200,000 off-road vehicles are used in the province.