Police urge ATVers to follow rules
Ignorance is not an excuse. Now that the weather is getting warmer, and all-terrain vehicle use will increase, the chief of police for Stellarton and Westville is reminding ATV users to make sure they’re aware of rules and regulations concerning their operation.
Some of the main complaints Don Hussher’s department receives are about the vehicles driving on private property and on the road.
“Most operators are responsible, but some spoil it for others,” he said.
“To operate these vehicles on private land, you must get written permission from the landowner. The Department of Natural Resources and Department of Transportation allow access for certain roads and trails. It is the responsibility of the operator to identify these areas, roads and trails.”
Hussher said it’s very frustrating for landowners to have these vehicles on their property when they’re not wanted.
“In some cases there is damage to the property, noise pollution or safety concerns for children and animals. If you do not have permission you should not be on the property.”
ATVs are not permitted on public roads or on the shoulder of these roads, but they may be unloaded on the side of a road or cross a road if the operator has a valid driver’s licence. To cross a road safely, no passengers are permitted, the driver must yield to all traffic, must wait until they can see clearly for 150 metres (500 feet) and go directly across at right angles to the road.
Hussher said what frequently happens in the two towns is that people who live there obtain ATVs, but then have no means to transport the vehicles to areas where they can be driven. “That’s where the problem exists,” he said.
“Sometimes people use the towns’ trails to get to the wilderness, and that’s not what they’re intended for – they’re for walking, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing.”
Other complaints include noise and speed.
Hussher notes that while many ATV users respect the rules, some either aren’t aware or they don’t care. “There are many responsible riders who obey the regulations and enjoy the outdoor activity associated with operating these vehicles. If everyone respects the regulations, they create a safe healthy environment for all.”
He said ATV operators must carry liability insurance when driving on land or other areas that don’t belong to them.
Failure to obey the rules can result in fines and vehicle can be seized, said Hussher. “If you own a vehicle of any type, there are laws and regulations about where you can go and when,” he said.
Local ATV clubs such as the Pictou County ATV Club or the ATV Association of Nova Scotia can provide valuable information to riders, and educational material can be obtained at the Off Highway Vehicle website https://novascotia.ca/natr/ohv .