rules and regulations

[anphibman]

Hello, Not sure if this is the right place for this ppost but here goes. I Live in Ontario Canada, and i was wondering if i use my AATV for fishing in th ebays of small lakes and stuff in the summer, do i need all the proper stuff in it like a boat(paddles,whistle,throw rope,anchor). And also do you have to wear a helmet while riding these as mine is not very fast at all and i don't no how you would fall out of one. Do you need insurance and everything to ride one of these on a trail as i do not have an ownership or there is no place on my skipper that has a vin# of any sort. Any help would be great thankx.

[Bud]

I suspect that you do, but I admittedly do not know anything about Canada's boating laws.

Here in the USA there are varied regulations. In the state of Kansas, I had to register my Max II as a boat, and am paying dual property taxes on it. It has boat registration lettering, lifejackets, signal device, navigation lights for nighttime and a specified fire extinguisher.

[yellowargo]

Hey, I am also from Ontario and here are some things you should know. Not to be the bearer of bad news.

1) You have to be plated. You can an ownership through the MTO. This involves several steps and is time consuming.Then plate it.

2) You have to be insured. I have a new machine and it is $260 per year for the machine and 1 million in third party liability.

3) You have to wear a helmet off of your own land. (the fine is $80 per person)

4) No where is it "ok" to ride on the road because it is not classified as an atv although they make you license and insure it as one. (this is under review)

5) When you are on the water the rules are not clear. I carry the items listed as a just in case.


All the items listed above are only enforced if the police choose to charge you sometimes it is best just to smile and nod and hope he/she is in a good mood.

You can ride on crown land and road allowances if you follow the Off Road Vehicle laws above. Check out the MTO site to get the others but the include drinking, age limits etc.

Also based on my experience most ATV clubs will not allow you to be a member because it is not classified as an Off Road Vehicle in their insurance policies.

You best bet is to contact the MTO in your area, and they will probably not have a clue what you are talking about anyhow...


Sorry, but I hope this helps.

[yellowargo]

Hey I just noticed your from Brockville. we should get together for a ride I am from Prescott. I know where you can ride some great trails and avoid the issues.

[Swamper]

Hello fellow Ontarions
I have checked the Off Road Vehicle Act on line under the E-Laws section of the Ont. Gov't. The first line of the Act states that this Act does not apply to amphib all terrain vehicles. I did check with a Coast Guard fellow at Port Dover that stated that if the vehicle is swam in lakes and streams that it would fall under the Oceans and Seaway Laws, at least if I remember right that is the title. He stated that it would have to follow the rules of boats under 3 metres. Paddles, float rope, etc. but mostly if you were away from shore. He didn't elaborate on the distance. My son-in-law is a peace officer and he states that I should at the very least have a slow moving vehicle sign on the rear when I am driving on the roads around my area. When we drive down the highway at my place we keep to the right side of the road. Have had OPP pass me and never had a problem. The gentleman I purchased my Argo from used it up north in the fall and spring for hunting. He stated that he never had a problem with police either. I am always checking with the E-Laws to see if things change.
Cheers Al

[guyvapeur]

I just checked the Off Road vehicle act and found this definition for an off road vehicle. It would seem to me that this would include an 8 wheel vehicle regardless of it's amhibious qualities... Am I missing something here?

“off-road vehicle” means a vehicle propelled or driven otherwise than by muscular power or wind and designed to travel,

(a) on not more than three wheels, or

(b) on more than three wheels and being of a prescribed class of vehicle; (“véhicule tout terrain”)
[/B]