Yukon Motor Vehicles Act regulations for ATVs and snowmobiles
Yukon Government webpage on ATV use: http://www.env.gov.yk.ca/environment-you/ATV-use-yukon.php
In Yukon the territorial government does not include snowmobiles in its definition of off-road vehicles. The City of Whitehorse has much stronger rules/regulations concerning the use of snowmobiles and ATVs than does the territorial government.
The Yukon's Motor Vehicles Act was amended in November 2014 concerning the operation of ATVs and snowmobiles. Regrettably, these amendments dropped several requirements for driving these vehicles on trails (outside City limits). This is a step backward, and at odds with other jurisdictions. However, there still are requirements for operating snowmobiles and ATVs, as listed below.
City of Whitehorse requirements for ATVs and snowmobiles (see Rules within Whitehorse page for more info):
Outside City limits but still within the Yukon, the Motor Vehicles Act requires ORV operators to have:
In a November 2014 letter the (then) Minister of Highways Wade Istchenko summarized the amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act for both ORVs and snowmobiles:
“… any off-road vehicle or snowmobile that is operated on, or that crosses over, the roadway part of any maintained highway, except those highways that have been specifically exempted under the act, must be registered, owners must have liability insurance, riders and passengers must wear a helmet, and operators must have a valid driver’s license. In addition, anyone under the age of 16 years must wear a helmet at all times while riding an off-road vehicle or snowmobile, whether or not they are riding on the roadway.” (emphasis added) To view the full letter click on the icon below:
In Yukon the territorial government does not include snowmobiles in its definition of off-road vehicles. The City of Whitehorse has much stronger rules/regulations concerning the use of snowmobiles and ATVs than does the territorial government.
The Yukon's Motor Vehicles Act was amended in November 2014 concerning the operation of ATVs and snowmobiles. Regrettably, these amendments dropped several requirements for driving these vehicles on trails (outside City limits). This is a step backward, and at odds with other jurisdictions. However, there still are requirements for operating snowmobiles and ATVs, as listed below.
City of Whitehorse requirements for ATVs and snowmobiles (see Rules within Whitehorse page for more info):
- The Municipal Act allows the City of Whitehorse to have Bylaws with higher requirements than the Motor Vehicles Act when it comes to the operation of ATVs and snowmobiles within City limits.
- Whitehorse City Bylaws require operators of ATVs and snowmobiles to have the following: driver's license, insurance, registration, visible license plate, and for operators to wear a helmet at all time when driving on trails as well as anywhere else within Whitehorse boundaries.
Outside City limits but still within the Yukon, the Motor Vehicles Act requires ORV operators to have:
- Driver’s license, insurance, registration & license plate, helmet for operating ATVs and snowmobiles on or across a maintained roadway.
- Helmets must be worn at all times for anyone under the age of 16.
In a November 2014 letter the (then) Minister of Highways Wade Istchenko summarized the amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act for both ORVs and snowmobiles:
“… any off-road vehicle or snowmobile that is operated on, or that crosses over, the roadway part of any maintained highway, except those highways that have been specifically exempted under the act, must be registered, owners must have liability insurance, riders and passengers must wear a helmet, and operators must have a valid driver’s license. In addition, anyone under the age of 16 years must wear a helmet at all times while riding an off-road vehicle or snowmobile, whether or not they are riding on the roadway.” (emphasis added) To view the full letter click on the icon below:
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BC's new ORV Act & Regulations, effective November 1, 2015:
"Why are registration and a number plate or sticker important?
- This new law applies to snowmobiles and all other off-road-vehicles (ORVs) operation on BC crown land, including trails and backcountry.
- Yukoners who operate their snowmobile or other ORVs on BC crown land (e.g. Atlin area, Chilkoot, White Pass, Haines summit areas) must carry a certificate of registration for their machine, and display a Yukon license plate on their snowmobile or ORV.
- Quoting an ICBC agent concerning Yukoners operating snowmobiles in BC: "It would be the same as if you were driving your car or truck to Atlin or anywhere else in BC, if your home jurisdiction insures and registers vehicles, BC will recognize that."
- Parks Canada confirmed that this new law applies to snowmobile operation in the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site.
- As in the Yukon, snowmobilers and other ORVers must have a driver's license, insurance, registration & license plate if they drive across a maintained road in BC.
- Operators and passengers must wear helmets at all times.
- More info at this link: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015FLNR0313-001725?WT.cg_n=Hootsuite
"Why are registration and a number plate or sticker important?
- Modernizing the registration scheme will help enforcement officers better identify irresponsible ORV riders that endanger others, damage the environment or harm animals.
- In addition, it will help enforcement officers track stolen vehicles since ICBC’s registration data would be available to officers 24/7."
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