When you operate an all-terrain vehicle, you must obey the Act respecting off-highway vehicles, the regulations made under that Act, and some provisions of the Highway Safety Code.
All-terrain vehicles include quad bikes, recreational off-road vehicles, trail bikes and other motorized all-terrain vehicles:
The certificate is issued upon successful completion of a mandatory course.
As soon as you must cross a highway, a road or any other public roadway, you must hold a valid driver’s licence or probationary licence of any class, or hold a valid learner’s licence and abide by its conditions.
Driving on public roads is prohibited, other than in the few exceptional cases provided for by law.
You may cross a public road or drive on it only if:
You must register your all-terrain vehicle, even if it is only used on designated trails.
The licence plate must be affixed to the all-terrain vehicle.
Refer to our page on registering an all-terrain vehicle for information on the steps to follow.
Just because your vehicle is registered doesn’t mean you are covered in the event of an accident
If you have an accident that doesn’t involve an automobile (if you run into a tree, for example), you are not covered by the SAAQ for your injuries. The fact that you paid the registration fees for your off-road vehicle doesn’t change that fact.
However, if you have an accident involving an automobile or any other vehicle operating on a public roadway, you may receive compensation for your injuries. For more information, see the section on the automobile insurance plan.
You must hold private civil liability insurance for at least $1,000,000 to ensure compensation for any bodily injury or property damage caused by your vehicle.
Proof of insurance may be requested by a police officer, trail patrol officer or provincial officer. You must always have your proof of insurance with you; otherwise, you face a fine.
A valid trail permit is required if you wish to drive your all-terrain vehicle on trails maintained by off-road vehicle clubs.
Trail permits are sold by the clubs in question. They can be bought in a number of locations, including at dealerships and in gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants and other stores and services with easy access to the trails.
Offenders face:
Driving an all-terrain vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication is prohibited. The Criminal Code also applies to the operation of off-road vehicles.
If you commit an offence under the Highway Safety Code on a public road or anywhere else that law applies, the same penalties apply as for an impaired driving offence while at the wheel of any other type of motorized vehicle.
When operating an off-road vehicle, you must always have the following with you:
You can carry a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle provided:
The speed limit is 50 km/h, unless otherwise indicated.
Keep your headlights on at all times in order to help other drivers see you.
Avoid making a lot of noise near populated areas
As you near populated areas, slow down so as to make less noise. Be especially careful at night (in areas where driving at night is allowed).
Québec area: 418-643-7620
Montréal area: 514-873-7620
Elsewhere: 1-800-361-7620
I want to go a step further and not just provide basic answers but give people all the information they need. It feels great to get off the phone with someone who seems satisfied.
Aimée Dornéval
Call Centre Agent
When people know what the law says, we can ask them to work with us to help make our roads safer.
Benoît Tessier
Carrier Enforcement Officer (facility audits)
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Marie-Pier Jalbert
Accident Victim Counsellor
