Public Advisory: Public Cautioned About ATV Use

The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging the public to become familiar with the provincial Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles Act and the regulations governing the proper use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV).

The department has received several complaints of illegal ATV use in unapproved areas of southern Labrador.

The public should be aware of the following guidelines when operating an ATV:

• An individual shall not operate or ride as a passenger on an ATV unless wearing an approved helmet;
• A peace officer may seize an ATV or issue a violation ticket to an individual if the ATV is operating outside of an approved area; and,
• An individual shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher during the forest fire season containing a minimum of 227 grams of ABC class dry chemical.

Penalties for operating an ATV outside of an approved area include a fine for the first offence of $500.00 or in default of payment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 days.

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

Any questions regarding ATV use within southern Labrador, contact the Cartwright office at 709-938-7362 or the Port Hope Simpson office at 709-960-0400.

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Media contact:
Heather Maclean
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca 

2012 07 16             11:35 a.m.