Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework

ORV Framework Details

The ORV management framework includes:

  • Registration:

    • Mandatory vehicle registration of all ORVs for all current and new owners.
    • A more visible licence plate or decal which will assist compliance and enforcement efforts in identifying irresponsible ORV riders and help track stolen ORVs.
    • An expanded definition of ORVs will include small, self-propelled motor vehicles manufactured to be operated for off highway travel purposes on land, water, snow, ice or on other natural terrain, and are ride-stride or side-by-side vehicles with wheels, tracks and/or skis.  Examples of ORVs include: all terrain vehicles, ‘quads’, off highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, utility vehicles, recreational vehicles, amphibious argos and dune buggies.

  • Public Road Crossings:

    • All ORV riders will be able to legally cross public roads and highways or portions of the right-of-way at designated locations with an optional annual vehicle licence and insurance.  These crossings will connect our rural communities and support a world-class trail network.

  • Safety:

    • All ORV riders will be required to wear a helmet and use lights for low-visibility conditions.  Seatbelts will be required to be worn, where installed by the manufacturer.
    • Additional measures to better protect youth under 16 years of age will include adult supervision, appropriately-sized machines for age and weight of drivers, and reduced speed limits.

  • Environment:

    • Improved muffler standards for ORVs will reduce noise disturbance to wildlife and recreationists; spark arrestors will reduce the risk of forest fires.
    • British Columbia supports the Federal Government’s proposed emission standards for ORVs under the Marine Spark-Ignition Engine and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations; once approved, these standards will apply in British Columbia.
    • The Forest and Range Practices Act has already been amended to add penalties for mud bogging, which damages sensitive habitat.

  • Compliance and Enforcement:

    • A provincial ORV compliance and enforcement strategy will be developed and will include an education component to help achieve voluntary compliance.

  • Implementation:

    • An ORV Implementation Committee was established in January 2010 to oversee the smooth implementation of the ORV framework.  Honourable members include: Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations; Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation; Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; Minister of Environment and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Registration and licensing costs will be based on a user-pay approach, comparable to other small vehicles.  The ORV laws will apply across BC; private lands are excluded.