ATVs: Being Aware of Laws and Bylaws

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, we are supposed to still self distance as this pandemic slowly starts to let its grip go of the world, and we may own a quad.
What better way to enjoy spring and self-distancing then to take a quad ride, right?
But riding a quad is a privilege not a right, it comes with laws and bylaws just like any other privilege in our society.
There have been countless complaints of ATVs “racing” down back streets and up residential streets, to the extent that many town councils have felt the need to address the situation with local RCMP.
“These kids are racing up back allys and I’m unsure if they could stop if someone stepped out in front of them,” commented Mayor Fogg.
The Province of Saskatchewan has strict laws when it comes to owning and riding ATVs that fall under the jurisdiction of the RCMP, making it hard for local municipalities to enforce their bylaws; therefor, councils will be contacting RCMP to further deal with the situation.
Licensing requirements
Before you can ride an ATV on public land, you must have a driver’s license. If you’re between 12 and 15 years old, you must:
-have completed an ATV training course; or
be supervised by someone with a driver’s license (on their own ATV); or
-be accompanied by someone with a driver’s license (on the same ATV you’re driving).
You must be 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license to operate an ATV on public land.
Youth between the ages of 12 and 15 can operate an ATV on public land and may cross roads (but cannot drive on roads) if they have passed an approved ATV training course. Also, if they are supervised by someone who has held a driver’s license continuously for the last 365 days. The supervising rider can be riding a different ATV or be on the same ATV as the youth.
You can only drive an ATV on a public road or street when:
-the road or street is authorized for ATV use by a local bylaw or the Highway Traffic Board
-crossing a road or bridge (unless prohibited by local bylaw or the Highway Traffic Board)
Equipment
18(1) The operator of, and any passenger in or on, an all-terrain vehicle that is being operated shall wear a helmet and protection for the eyes of the type and in the manner prescribed.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the operator of, or a passenger in or on, an all-terrain vehicle while it is being operated on land owned or occupied by the operator or the passenger or by a member of the immediate family of either of them.
Bylaw 1988-89, c.A-18.02, s.18.
Many town bylaws regarding ATV use state that a person is authorized to operate an all-terrain vehicle on any municipal street for the purpose of leaving or entering the town at its shortest distance. No person is to operate an all-terrain vehicle on a portion of a provincial highway unless for the purpose of crossing the highway.
So, get out and enjoy the spring weather but when leaving town take the shortest route driving in a slow controlled fashion, wearing a helmet and other personal protective equipment, while respecting landowners, town bylaws and provincial laws.
By Gary Horseman
(Local Journalism Initiative Reporter)
Four-Town+ Journal