Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework

Questions and Answers

General Questions

What is the ORV Management Framework?

Please see the ORV Framework Details page for more information.

What has led to this decision to implement a new ORV Management Framework?

Milestones which led to this announcement include:

In 2005, the Coalition for Licensing and Registration of Off-Road Vehicles in B.C. (referred to as the “ORV Coalition”), comprised of ten key stakeholder associations, produced a report with 47 recommendations to address longstanding ORV management issues in B.C.
In 2006, the Coroners Service of British Columbia, Child Death Review Unit, recommended an improved ORV regulatory framework to help address ORV accidents resulting in injuries to youth and deaths.
In early 2009, during the review of the proposed Provincial Trails Strategy, there was strong overall public support for improving ORV management.
Over the years, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities has passed numerous resolutions requesting an improved ORV management regime.
In September 2009, the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce recommended that government immediately institute the registration of ORVs.

How much will the new ORV framework cost for owners and operators?

Please see the Costs for Owners and Operators page for more information.

How does the ORV Management Framework fit with the proposed Provincial Trails Strategy?

Government is continuing to explore a Provincial Trails Strategy. In early 2009, during the review of the trails strategy, there was strong overall public and stakeholder support for the strategy and improving ORV management. The strategy is an essential component of the ORV Management Framework as it includes the approach to trail development for the broad range of outdoor recreation activities.

Who was consulted before deciding on this ORV management framework?

The proposed framework is the result of extensive consultations over a number of years with a wide variety of interests, including the stakeholder-led ORV Coalition.

The ORV Coalition Report recommendations came to government in 2006. Why has it taken so long for government respond?

Through extensive dialogue with stakeholders, agencies and ministries over the years, we have learned that ORV issues are complex and achieving consensus among the range of parties was challenging. As time progressed, we also found that there were many aspects of shared interest and a common ground. The result of this hard work is the new ORV Management Framework.

When will the framework be implemented?

The framework is being implemented in phases starting in fall 2011. The Province is also considering legislative changes to the Motor Vehicle (All Terrain) Act around areas of compliance and enforcement based on feedback from our stakeholder associations. As a result, the ORV Management Framework is expected to be fully implemented by fall 2012.

We will continue to work with our key stakeholder associations on the implementation of the ORV framework.

Will the proposed ORV Management Framework result in an increased number of regulations?

As we draft the new laws, we’ll be working to minimize the regulatory burden placed on citizens, as well as the monitored count.

Registration Questions

What is the difference between registration and licensing?

Registration is identification that links the vehicle to the rider; a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) only identifies the vehicle. Mandatory vehicle registration is required for all current and future ORV owners; private lands will be excluded. The licence refers to the clearly visible registration plate or decal that is part of vehicle registration. A vehicle licence and insurance are required to cross public roads and highways under the Motor Vehicle Act.

A validation decal will be issued along with the Owner’s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licence.

Under what circumstances do I need registration, licensing or insurance for my ORV?

Vehicle registration – all current and future ORV owners will require one-time mandatory vehicle registration (sale/resale). Private lands will be excluded.
Licence plate/decal – all ORV riders will require a licence plate or decal that will be associated with vehicle registration.
Annual vehicle licence – only applies to ORV riders who choose to access designated public road/highway crossings or portions of the right of way. ORV riders that stay on Crown land only need registration.
Insurance – On public roads and highways, basic insurance continues to be a requirement for all motorists; ORV riders who choose to cross at designated public road crossings will require insurance. On Forest Service Roads, liability insurance continues to be a requirement. On Crown land, liability insurance is voluntary but recommended.
Driver’s Licence – On public roads and highways, a valid driver’s licence continues to be a requirement for all motorists; ORV riders who access at designated public road/highway crossings or portions of the right of way will also require a valid driver’s licence. A driver's licence is also required to operate an ATV or off-road motorcycle on a Forest Service Road.

For more detailed information on these requirements, contact ICBC.

Will ICBC be responsible for ORV registration and licensing?

The Province will work closely with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) to implement service delivery. ORV registration and licensing costs will be based on a user-pay approach and comparable to the operation of other small vehicles.

Safety Questions

Why should I wear a helmet when I have a drivers licence and I am an experienced ORV rider?

ORV riders on Crown land access a range of terrain types, such as un-maintained and rugged trails, and can reach higher speeds with the newer vehicles. Studies, such as those extensively done for motorcycles and bicycles, have shown that helmets provide the rider with a much better chance to avoid serious head injury or related death as a result of a vehicle accident; even the most experienced ORV riders can have accidents.

Why should youth under 16 years of age have restrictions on vehicle size and speed limits?

Government has responded to the Coroners Service of British Columbia, Child Death Review Unit, 2006 Report Recommendations to improve ORV regulatory framework to help address ORV accidents resulting in injury or death to youth.

The Coalition for Licensing and Registration of Off-Road Vehicles in BC also recommended adult supervision, vehicle size restrictions and reduced speed limits for youth.

Government will continue to work with our key stakeholders to advance ORV education and training initiatives.

Environment Questions

How will regulating ORVs help the environment?

Improved muffler standards will reduce noise disturbance to wildlife and recreationists; spark arrestors will reduce the risk of forest fires. Many manufacturers of ORVs already meet a noise standard of 96 decibels and have spark arrestors. Companies with the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributers Council already comply.

Exceptions to these standards may apply and include ORVs used for competitive sports. There may be some costs associated with vehicles that have been modified by the owner after purchase.

B.C. supports the federal government’s proposed emission standards for ORVs under the Marine Spark-Ignition Engine and Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Emission Regulations.

The Forest and Range Practices Act has already been amended to add penalties for damage to areas, such as wetlands, grasslands and the alpine. This management framework will help with compliance and enforcement.

Government will work with our stakeholder associations as laws are developed to better protect the environment.

Public Road Crossing Questions

What are the requirements and conditions related to the ability to cross public roads more conveniently?

Starting January 1, 2012, snowmobile and snow vehicle operators will no longer need to obtain a police-issued operation permit if making a direct crossing across a highway from a point on a resource road or an authorized trail where there is a stop sign or traffic control signal. All other Motor Vehicle Act requirements on highways remain the same. Note: snow vehicles include utility terrain vehicles with tracks and ATVs with tracks/skis.

The police issued operation permit will continue to be required at all other on-highway situations. For incidental operation on a highway, snowmobiles and snow vehicles must be registered, licensed with a “Restricted Plate” and have basic insurance with ICBC. When in doubt, ORV operators should contact local law enforcement to inquire about whether an operation permit is required.

Government will continue to work closely with our key stakeholder associations as the laws for these crossing are developed to ensure they address the range of ORV riders. Candidate locations for these designated ORV public road crossings will be identified in collaboration with our stakeholders.

ORV riders who choose the option for blanket Province-wide authorization to cross at designated public roads/highways or portions of the road right of ways, are required to have the following: an annual vehicle licence, insurance, and a valid driver’s licence. Additional conditions include restrictions on the number of passengers and what is towed behind the ORV; these conditions will enhance safety and better harmonizes with road crossing conditions in Alberta.

ORV riders, including vehicles for non-recreational use, who want to cross at other locations that are not designated will continue to have the option to obtain a temporary operation permit from the local police or RCMP detachment.

Compliance & Enforcement Questions

How will these regulations be enforced?

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

Who do I notify if I witness irresponsible ORV riders on Crown land or public roads?

If you have any information about irresponsible ORV riders that may be breaking the law, please call:

Your local Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations office, via Inquiry BC, dial toll-free, 1 800 663-7867 or by website at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/regdis.htm
Your local Ministry of Environment, Conservation Office Service for issues such as wildlife harassment, via Inquiry BC, toll-free, 1 800 663-7867 or visit their website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cos/
- Report All Poachers and Polluters: dial toll-free 1-877-952-7277 or cellular dial #7277.
Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-8477 (callers may remain anonymous).

If there is evidence of a contravention, an investigation is conducted, which may lead to the issuance of a violation ticket, penalty or other enforcement action. The most serious crimes are prosecuted through the court system. For example, irresponsible ORV riders found to have caused environmental damage due to “mudbogging” may face criminal convictions with maximum fines of up to $100,000 or up to one year in jail, or both.

How does this framework address the conflicts between recreational non-motorized and motorized activities?

When the framework is implemented, peace officers will have better tools to identify and deal with the few irresponsible ORV enthusiasts who are not following the rules. In some cases, land use planning may be explored to resolve conflicts between incompatible recreation activities.

For more information about land use planning in BC, please refer to the Ministry of Forests, Range and Natural Resoure Operations website.

Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework

Questions and Answers

General

Registration

Safety

Environment

Public Road Crossings

Compliance & Enforcement