VICTORIA – Off-road vehicle registration and safety provisions are mandatory on Crown land effective Nov. 1, 2015, following passage of  regulations in support of the Off-Road Vehicle Act.

The new regulations will promote safe and responsible use of B.C.’s backcountry, and include provisions on number plate placement, rules for child operators and safety equipment requirements. Operating
standards include:

* Helmets: Helmets must be worn when operating an off-road vehicle
(ORV). For standards of acceptable helmets see section 22 of the Off-
Road Vehicle Regulation at www.bclaws.ca (Off-Road Vehicle Act).

* Seat belts: If a manufacturer has installed seat belts, then the
seat belt must be worn during the operation of that vehicle.

* Lights: ORVs must use lights during low visibility conditions when
riding on Crown land 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before
sunrise. If lights are not installed by the manufacturer, temporary
lights can be attached to the ORV. For details on light standards see
section 24 of the Off-Road Vehicle Regulation.

* Children: Children must be supervised when riding on Crown land and
be riding an appropriate sized ORV as recommended by the
manufacturer. For details, see sections 16-18 of the Off-Road Vehicle
Regulation.

The off-road vehicle registration is integrated within the pre-existing structure of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) motor vehicle registry. This will reduce implementation costs
and allows off road vehicle owners to register at any of the 900+ ICBC insurance brokers in the province.