As all-terrain vehicle (ATV) traffic increases on Prince Edward Island, the provincial government and the RCMP urge riders to know and follow the rules for their safe use.
“ATV laws exist to keep users and other motorists safe and also to protect property – whether it is farm land, environmentally sensitive areas, the Confederation Trail, or residential areas,” said Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar. “Proper protective equipment, training, knowledge, and common sense will go a long way to ensure the safe and fun use of ATVs in Prince Edward Island.”
To legally operate an ATV in the province, users must:
• register their vehicle with the province’s Highway Safety Division (www.gov.pe.ca/vehicleregistration)
• be 14 years of age or over;
• take an approved ATV safety course;
• wear personal protective equipment including a helmet, gloves, goggles, footwear, and sturdy clothing that covers the entire body;
• not operate the vehicle on any public roadway – including the shoulder – and possess a valid driver’s licence for at least 24 months in order to cross a highway;
• not travel on the Confederation Trail; and
• never operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Use of ATVs is governed by the province’s Off-Highway Vehicle Act, the Trails Act, and the Trespass to Property Act, among others. Typical fines are as follows:
• Operating on a public roadway or shoulder - $250 first offence, $500 subsequent offence
• Driving on the Confederation Trail - $225
• Trespassing - $200
• Failure to wear an approved helmet - $250
• No registration – $75
• Operating on a beach or sand dune (unless engaged in a lawful fishery) - $275
• No licence plate – $50
• Operating in any watercourse - $3,000
• Additional penalties apply if the rider is determined to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Users who trespass on farm land can have costly consequences for producers and the Island’s entire agriculture industry. ATVs traveling between fields can unknowingly spread pests and diseases that could prove disastrous for crops, making it critical for operators to be aware of the activities taking place on the land where they are riding.
“Sadly, our province has experienced tragic accidents involving ATVs that could easily have been avoided,” said Insp. Denis Roy, acting criminal operations officer for PEI RCMP. “ATV safety is a priority for police and we will not tolerate any use that jeopardizes the safety of the rider, their passengers, the communities where they are used, or the travelling public.”
For more information on the laws governing ATV use on Prince Edward Island, visit www.gov.pe.ca/highwaysafety/ATV.
For Broadcast Use
The provincial government and the RCMP are urging riders of all-terrain vehicles – or ATVs – to know and follow the rules for everyone’s safety. Users must be 14 year of age or older and take a safety course, register their vehicles with the province, wear a helmet and protective clothing, stay off of all public roadways and the Confederation Trail, and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The province has experienced tragic ATV-related accidents that could have been avoided, and Transportation Minister Paula Biggar says that protective clothing, training, knowledge, and a bit of common sense can go a long way toward ensuring safe and fun use of ATVs across the province. More information on ATV use is available at www.gov.pe.ca/highwaysafety/ATV.