Legislation

Under existing off-road vehicle legislation, there are a number of requirements you may need in order to operate your off-road vehicle. Requirements may include registration, insurance, identification, safety training certificate, safety equipment and trail passes.

Eligibility
Registration – All off-road vehicles must be registered each year

Insurance – required for snowmobile and all-terrain vehicles (recommended, but not required for dirt bikes and dune buggies)

Safety Training Certificate- required if you are under 16 years old or are supervising youth operators

Trail Passes – for snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles using NB managed trails pass must be permanently attached and clearly visible

Insurance Requirements

Snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles must be insured unless operated only on the owner's property by the owner.

The vehicle must be covered by a motor vehicle liability insurance policy that includes first-party accident benefits and third-party liability insurance in an amount of no less than $200,000.

Remember to carry proof of insurance when you operate your off-road vehicle.

Insurance is mandatory for all off-road vehicles operating on trails, except for dirt bikes and dune buggies.

Required Safety Equipment

• All operators and passengers of any off-road vehicle are required to wear a helmet that complies with standards prescribed under the motor vehicle act.
• Off-road vehicles must be equipped with at least one working headlight, a red tail light and a red brake light
• At least one rearview mirror must be mounted on the left side of the vehicle
• If the off-road vehicle was equipped with turn signals when it was manufactured, they must be maintained and in working order
• Amber lights or amber reflectors must be mounted on each side of the vehicle
• Off-road vehicles must have a muffler or exhaust system that complies with the manufacturer's original specifications
• Operators are prohibited from driving off-road vehicles that cause excessive or unusual noise

Age Requirements

Snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle operators under the age of 16 are required to take an approved safety training course. Off-road vehicles must be registered and insured.

All operators under 16 years of age must:
• Complete an approved safety training course
• Be supervised in clear view of someone who is at least 19 years old.

Size restrictions for operators under 16

Age 6-11:
• All-terrain vehicle not exceeding 70cc
• Snowmobile not exceeding 120cc
• Dirt bike not exceeding 120cc

Age 12-13
• All-terrain vehicle not exceeding 90cc
• Snowmobile not exceeding 340cc
• Dirt bike not exceeding 150cc

Age 14-15
• All-terrain vehicle not exceeding 90cc
• Snowmobile not exceeding 340cc
• Dirt bike not exceeding 230cc

New Brunswick Legislation (Sourced from)

Rules & Regulations

Off Road Vehicle Brochure

Off Road Vehicle Act (N.B. Legislation)  - "off-road vehicle" means any motor vehicle designed or adapted for off-road use and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes an all-terrain vehicle, a dirt bike, a dune buggy, a motorized snow vehicle or an amphibious vehicle, but does not include any vehicle which is designed for use and is being used in agriculture, forestry, mining or construction, any vehicle registered under the Motor Vehicle Act or any vehicle exempted from the application of this Act by regulation;(véhicule hors route)

Authority Contact Information

Trail Passes/Permits & Safety Training
Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement Unit
1-877-449-2244
OffRoadVehicle@gnb.ca

New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
1-506-325-2625

New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation
1-888-847-1100

NB Trails Council
1-800-526-7070