Fisheries and Aquaculture
October 30, 2015

Public Advisory: Residents Reminded of Rules Governing ATV/UTV Use

Residents are encouraged to become familiar with the rules and regulations governing the use of all-terrain and other recreational vehicles in the province.

The Forest and Agrifoods Agency received 120 complaints regarding the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs), commonly referred to as side-by-sides, in 2014. As of June 30, 2015, 60 complaints have been received. Over the past 18 months, a total of 154 charges have been laid under the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act and Regulations.

The public should be aware of the following:

• An individual shall not operate or ride as a passenger on an ATV unless wearing an approved helmet;
• Passengers are only permitted if the ATV is manufactured for carrying passengers;
• Each ATV/UTV or operator must be equipped with a fire extinguisher continuing a minimum 227 grams of ABC class dry chemical during forest fire season; and
• Wetlands and bogs are especially sensitive to damage from ATVs and UTVs and are not considered approved areas for ATV/UTV use. Exceptions are granted for holders of a valid big game license for the purpose of retrieving harvested animals.

The Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act is available at:

www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/m20.htm

The Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Regulations can be found at: www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/Regulations/rc961163.htm

For additional information, please contact your nearest District Forestry Office. A list of offices is available at www.faa.gov.nl.ca/department/contact_forestry.html#satellite

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Media contact:

Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

2015 10 30                              10:15 a.m.