ATV Safety
Know the Law
General rules for Riders & ATVs
While many rules are imposed by provincial or municipal authorities, PEI ATV Federation applies additional expectations to permitted riders. These general rules apply to all riders and their ATVs on PEI ATV Federation trails.
As an ATV rider, you are an ambassador for ATV enthusiasts everywhere. In Prince Edward Island, PEI ATV Federation is fully committed to ensuring that all ATV riders abide by laws governing the use of ATVs where riding is permitted. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are familiar with local by-laws and other restrictions while riding PEI ATV Federation sanctioned trails. Before you ride, take time to know your obligations. If you are uncertain about trail restrictions or requirements for riding on PEI ATV Federation trails, contact us directly for assistance.
Rules for Riders:
• Must not trespass on private property or otherwise disrupt private landowners.
• Must avoid sensitive and restricted areas at all times, especially wetlands & shores.
• Must cross only at designated crossings or bridges when available.
• Must yield the right-of-way to other trail users when approaching: pedestrians (walkers or joggers) have priority right of way always – slow to a crawl when approaching walkers or cyclists and pass with extreme caution – stop, pull over and shut your machine off when a horse and rider are approaching(do not pass or overtake a horse and rider )
• Must pack out all your waste material.
• Must know applicable local and provincial laws.
• Must follow all warnings and stop signs.
• Must obey trail officials and By-law Enforcement.
• Must carry valid PEI ATV Federation trail permit
• Must wear a helmet whenever in motion.
• Must operate ATV in a safe manner.
• Must refrain from excessive noise.
Rules for ATVS:
• Must carry valid plate and registration.
• Must meet all safety and ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) specifications.
• Must conform to Prince Edward Island Highway Traffic Act definitions.
• Must meet acceptable noise levels.
HELMETS AND PROTECTIVE GEAR
Your helmet is the most important piece of protective gear for safe riding as it can prevent a serious head injury. Goggles or a face shield help protect your eyes from dust and/or debris and also helps with visibility. When purchasing a helmet, please make sure that it meets at least one of the following standards:
• Canadian Standards Association D230 “Safety Helmets for Motorcycle Riders”
• Snell Memorial Foundation “Standard for Protective Headgear”
• The United States of America “Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218” and bear the symbol DOT
• American National Standard “Specifications for Protective Headgear for Vehicle User” Z90.1 (ANSI)
Along with the helmet, the minimum necessary requirements for an ATV rider’s protection is wearing a long-sleeved shirt or jersey and a pair of long pants. Off-road riding gear, such as pants with knee pads and a jersey with shoulder pads, provide better protection. Good gloves will help protect your hands from the cold, or if you take a fall. The best protective footwear is a pair of over-the-calf boots with heels to prevent your feet from slipping off the footrests.
To operate an OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) other than a snowmobile or dirt bike, the driver must be at least 14 years of age. If the driver is between 14 and 19 years of age, they must have completed an OHV Safety Training course. All 14 and 15-year-olds must be supervised by an adult who has held a valid driver’s license for at least 24 months or who has completed an OHV Safety Training course.
Anyone over the age of 16 may drive an OHV so long as they have a valid driver’s license and have held that license for at least 24 months. If they have not held a valid driver’s license for 24 months, they are still required to complete an OHV Safety Training course.
Operators of an OHV must carry a government-issued registration for the OHV and must have a valid license plate attached to the OHV which must be visible anytime the OHV is off the owner’s property.