The OFATV is an acronym for the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle clubs. We are a new Federation, initiated in June 1999. A volunteer Board of Directors governs the OFATV. The OFATV employs two full time staff persons.

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The OFATV's top priority is club development. We have already developed many key guidelines and policies designed to assist our member clubs throughout their development, while fostering strong partnerships within their communities. Through the OFATV, ATV clubs have access to these guidelines and policies, and can acquire liability insurance coverage, which is necessary when dealing with other organizations and developing trails. The OFATV also acts as a 'voice' for all ATV riders in Ontario, and is in constant dialogue with several government ministries.

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The Province has been split into 17 districts. A representative from each district with an OFATV Club sits on the Board of Directors. The board consists of volunteers from the various clubs in each district whom are dedicated to seeing the organization grow.

The OFATV has a very strong relationship with other groups representing a large spectrum of ideas: the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Canadian All Terrain Vehicle Distributors Council (CATV), All Terrain Vehicle Magazine, ATV Trail Rider Magazine, ATV World Magazine

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No person shall operate an ATV in such a way as to disrupt or destroy the natural environment including fish habitats, property and flora or fauna.

Every member receives the CATV 'Nature Watch' brochure to ensure that they understand the importance of riding responsibly and not trespassing on sensitive environmental areas.

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What user groups are allowed on a given trail is often the decision of local collaborative steering committees. There will be some areas in Ontario that do have year round ATV access, and others that are restricted by season.

OFSC snowmobile trails are not for use by ATV riders, check with your local snowmobile club.

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It is important to remember that snowmobile trails and ATV trails are not always the same. In many areas of the province, snowmobile trails travel over private land, or agricultural land. In these areas, especially in the case of agricultural land, it may not be possible for ATV clubs to acquire permission for usage due to the fact that this land is not utilized in the winter, but is in the summer. In some cases permission may be granted, but in a different manner, i.e. around the edge or headland of fields, or utilizing lanes. Some snowmobile trails also utilize ice crossings, which will not work for ATV clubs for obvious reasons.

In other areas, particularly in areas of crown land, we encourage ATV clubs and snowmobile clubs to work closely together and identify trails that can be shared. Clubs can benefit from working together. When this occurs the trail is being maintained year round, which means less costs, effort and equipment for both clubs. Clubs also have the potential to partner on signage, new trail development, bridge projects and other trail enhancement endeavours.

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To legally ride off your own property you require proof of third party liability insurance coverage, your ATV has to be plated and registered, and you must wear a helmet. Though not mandatory, the OFATV recommends that you wear long sleeves and pant legs, gloves, eye goggles, and sturdy footwear. For maximum protection, ATV specific safety gear can be purchased.

ATVs must have the appropriate equipment (e.g.: head lights, tail lights, working brakes and brake lights, reflectors, low-pressure bearing tires)

Width and weight restrictions appropriate to type of vehicle

You must be twelve years of age or older to ride an ATV alone in Ontario, though adult supervision is always recommended.

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Bill 11, the Red Tape Reduction Act 1999, contains changes that will affect the Highway Traffic Act, allowing for increased road access for ATV use. Essentially it will authorize municipalities to pass by-laws permitting ATV use on roads and highways under their jurisdiction. This will prove to be a major and necessary part in our evolution, allowing clubs to link trails and access important amenities such as fuel, lodging, repairs and restaurants. These changes will have an even greater impact in areas of higher private or agricultural land, allowing clubs to circumvent 'bottlenecks' and link sections of the trail.

Please refer to the ORV Act Changes page  for details.

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The manufacturers recommend that most ATV's be ridden by one person only, with no passengers. The reason for this is that an ATV handles differently, has different weight distribution, and a different centre of gravity when a passenger is riding behind the driver. There is also a possibility of the passenger interfering with the driver. The only exception to their recommendation is machines which are designed to accommodate more than one person. They are still not allowed on any roadways, see reference in bill 11 section.

But the manufacturers produce seats that attach to the back rack of my ATV, can I ride double if I have one of these?

These seats are not made by the manufacturers of ATV's, but are instead produced by after-market vendors. There is the strong manufacturer recommendation that an ATV designated for a single person is used by a single person.

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Bombardier has developed a machine called the 'Traxter Max" which is capable for two person use. Arctic Cat and Polaris have also produced two up machines, though they currently qualifies for road access (see changes to ORV Act or bill 11).

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According to the Off Road Vehicles Act, you have to be older than 12, or under the close supervision of an adult, to ride an ATV, but not on roads, or crossing a road. To do this, (roads) you must be 16 with a valid driver's licence. In addition to this the manufacturers have recommended age limits for specific C.C. sizes. These recommendations are found on a sticker on the ATV at the time of purchase. You must have a valid driver's license to utilize any new riding privileges that result from the enabling of Bill 11.

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The Off Road Vehicles Act primarily governs ATV usage in Ontario. You can find this act online at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca. After accessing the site click on the 'legislation' tab, and then on 'E-laws- statutes and regulations of Ontario'. You can then search that site for the ORVA.

Off-road vehicles (ORVs) now have more access to the shoulder and paved portions of some Ontario highways. These new regulations, effective July 31, 2003, apply to one category of ORV only. This particular “all-terrain vehicle” (ATV) is defined as an off-road vehicle that:

Has four wheels, the tires of which are all in contact with the ground

Has steering handlebars

Has a seat that is designed to be straddled by the driver

Meets requirements of federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI standard)

Is designed to carry a driver only and no passengers.

New regulations do not apply to other types of off-road vehicles such as mini bikes, dirt bikes and moto-cross bikes, nor to all other categories of ATVs, including three-wheelers, dune buggies, snowmobiles and amphibious vehicles.

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Prohibited from 400 series highways, Trans Canada Highway

Access to highways 500 to 899, 7000 series and Summer Average Daily Traffic (SADT) less than 5,000. Specific highways are defined in the regulation schedules

ATV’s can operate on the shoulder; move to traveled portion of highway if shoulder is impassable/unsafe

Speed limit lower than posted limits (same as snowmobiles)

20 km/h - highways where speed limit is 50 km/h or less

50 km/h – highways where speed limit is over 50 km/h

Not allowed on rights-of way (e.g.: medians) between opposing lanes of traffic

Riders must operate their ATV’s in the same direction of traffic

Cannot operate in a construction zone, on a closed highway or within a provincial park unless allowed by the park

Municipalities may pass by-laws to decide if, where and when off-road vehicles can be used on local roads.

No Passing other vehicles.

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Riders must wear a DOT or ANSI approved helmet, have a valid G2/M2 or greater driver’s licence, registration and insurance

ATVs must be registered and have a valid permit except in exempt areas (e.g. far Northern Ontario, Schedule “C” to O. Reg 316/03)

Exemptions are provided for farmers, trappers and public utility workers to ensure previous allowances for highway access, type of off-road vehicle, type of driver’s licence and number of passengers are not impacted by new regulation

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ATV operators must observe a speed limit lower than posted limits, same as for snowmobiles

Passengers are not allowed

May tow trailers

Driver’s view in all directions must not be obstructed, including when towing trailers.

It is against the law to drive an off-road vehicle when impaired by alcohol or drugs.

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With regard to 2-up riding, it is not the OFATV who makes the rules of the road. We may not agree with them but we do have to respect them. As far as riding on an OFATV trail - you are welcome to ride - it is only on actual road access that the rules of the road apply and the OFATV has no say in the matter. We are working on having this changed, but this type of process takes a long time. We were actually instrumental in the introduction of Bill 11 in 1999 and only today are we finally seeing municipalities passing by-laws allowing road access. We have worked VERY hard for all ATV riders in Ontario - not just our members! There have been some wonderful advancements but only through membership dollars and volunteer support will this continue to happen.

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MTO regulation 316 states that exhaust systems must be stock and unmodified. Riders with modified exhaust systems would be subject to fines from the O.P.P. As a Provincial organization the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV), does not welcome modified "bikes", and they are not allowed on OFATV trails due to the noise level, nuisance and neighbour confrontations, etc.

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To legally ride off your own property you require proof of third party liability insurance coverage, a valid driver’s licence, your ATV has to be plated and registered, and you must wear an approved helmet.

OFATV Members can ride on any existing OFATV trail in Ontario as well as join in on rides and events planned by any OFATV Club.

Please visit the Calendar section of our website for a list of upcoming events.

OFATV clubs throughout the province are working feverishly at getting ATV By-laws passed so they can proceed with trail development in their areas. Many have already succeeded in establishing trail networks locally, although not many have reached the point where signing and mapping have occurred. For information specific to a given area, you should contact the local club, who can inform you to their status. A complete list of OFATV clubs can be found elsewhere on this website.

Although Municipalities have the authority to pass By-Laws allowing ATV’s on the highways/roadways under their jurisdiction, it is your responsibility to inform yourself if the municipality you choose to ride in has a By-Law as well as the requirements of the By-law.

If a Municipality has not passed a By-Law it is against the law to ride on the highways/roadways under their jurisdiction.

If a Municipality has passed a By-Law, the By-Law may among other things, prescribe the time which ATV’s are allowed on the highways/roadways under their jurisdiction as well as which highways/roadways.

Outside of the OFATV, there are some private sector based operations that offer an ATV experience. These include tour/ATV guide providers and lodges that offer 'stay and ride' packages. Further information on those providers is located on this website.

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If we wish to have an interlocking trail system we will need to establish our own trail system. The OFSC trails have been established over 25 years plus. The property used often includes water accesses and private property. Because ATV’s are land-locked in the summer months; and the private property landowner agreements are generally exclusive to use of property—and that private property is also used for other purposes in the summer, namely farming.

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Many people appreciate trails and have only the best of intentions. They may say that they accept responsibility and would not sue, should they be hurt while riding on the trails. That they do not realize however, is that it is not their decision alone. Your insurance company will pay the bills to get you better, then they will try to recoup their losses by taking action against the property owner, trail user, and any other participant that is involved. Land owner's and volunteers cannot be expected to take any risk on our behalf, which is why the OFATV 3rd party liability insurance is necessary.

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The liability insurance on your machine is not the same as the third party liability insurance through the OFATV. Should you get hurt on property, other than your own, or while participating in an OFATV event, your insurance company will seek to recover the costs they incur, should they feel the OFATV is negligent. The OFATV has 3rd party liability insurance in place to protect the land owner, the club and the OFATV from being sued for these expenses. Without comprehensive liability insurance we can not protect the landowners and clubs that are making it possible for you to have trails to ride on.