To drive a quad bike, a snowmobile or any other off-road vehicle, you have to meet several requirements. Here’s an overview.
What is an off-road vehicle (ORV)?
It is a motor vehicle designed or adapted for use on unpaved, irregular or hard-to-access terrain. There are many different off-road vehicle riding areas: private roads, public land, special trails, etc.
Many vehicles are considered to be ORVs under the law, including:
- Snowmobiles
- Quad bikes, also called ATVs or four-wheelers
- Utility task vehicles, also called side-by-sides
- All-terrain motorcycles, including motocross bikes
Main rules to follow
Driver’s licence
To drive an ORV, you must have a valid licence of any class. A learner’s or probationary licence or a licence issued in another province is also acceptable.
ORV drivers must comply with the conditions related to their driver’s licence.
Legal age
In general, to drive an ORV, you have to be 16 or over (conditions apply). To drive a side-by-side, you have to be 18 or over. Full adult age is also required to drive an ATV when there is a passenger in a booster seat. In this case, in addition to a driver’s licence, the driver needs to have a training certificate.
ORV training certificates are issued by the Fédération québécoise des clubs quads, ConduiPRO or the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec.
Helmet and protective gear
On board an ORV, you must wear a helmet with a visor or safety glasses. For passengers in a completely enclosed sled or trailer, a helmet is enough.
It’s also important to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
For further details, go to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) website.
Insurance and registration
All ORVs must be registered and in good working condition, no matter where they are being driven.
Furthermore, ORV owners are required to have civil liability insurance of at least $1,000,000. For user clubs, this must be at least $5,000,000.
In the event of an accident involving only ORVs, the SAAQ will not pay any compensation for injuries. If the accident involves a regular insured vehicle that is moving, however, you will be covered by the plan. More information about compensation can be found on the SAAQ website.
Are you impaired due to drugs, medication or alcohol? Whether you are the driver or a passenger, you must not be aboard an ORV. Stiff penalties are imposed on offenders.
Questions or problems?
To learn more about the rules for driving an ORV, please go to the SAAQ website or Quebec.ca.
Are you dissatisfied with the services of the SAAQ or the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable? The Protecteur du citoyen provides free, confidential recourse. Reach out – we’re here to help!
