Off Road Vehicles
By Zach Schwingenschloegl
What You Need to Know
British Columbia’s expanded rules for off-road vehicle operators took effect November 1, 2015. The following fall into the category Off Road Vehicle (ORV):
- golf cart
- dirt bike
- quad
- side-by-side (rhino, argo, razors)
- snowmobile
When do I need to register?
Now, the hardline for registration was November 1st, 2015.
Where do I register?
Any licensed ICBC Autoplan broker in B.C.
Why register?
It’s the law. The maximum fine for offences has increased from $500 to $5,000.
What documentation do I need to register?
For new ORVs bring your NVIS form and bill of sale. For used ORVs, a bill of sale showing continuity of ownership back to the original dealership. You may be required to bring an affidavit proving ownership (ICBC document MV1484).
What is the cost to register?
$48. This is a one-time fee that lasts the length of time you own the ORV. If you sell or gift your ORV, the new owner must register the ORV into their name. Registrations are not transferrable.
Note that the following operating standards also took effect on November 1, 2015:
- 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.
Registration of ORVs will better assist officers in identifying irresponsible ORV riders, help track down stolen ORVs and assist in search and rescue efforts in finding lost or injured riders. Remember, registering your ORV does not mean you have off-road liability insurance which remains a requirement for use on BC Forest Service Roads.
To learn more about registering and insuring your off-road vehicle, contact the experts at Capri Insurance at 1-888-818-5821, or email offroad@capri.ca.