ARGO is pleased to the share the announcement that more types of off-road vehicles now have the green light from the Province of Ontario to ride on the shoulder of public roads. The most recent ruling which came in effect July 1, 2020 by the Province expanded the type of ORVs permitted on-road, allowing Extreme Terrain Vehicles (XTVs) to travel on the shoulder of public roads. As defined by Ontario Highway Traffic Act, XTVs are off road vehicles with six or eight wheels all in contact with the ground.
Expanded Use
In 2003, the province originally gave single-rider ATVs access to some provincial highways and municipal roads, where bylaws permitted it. Since then, the Highway Traffic act has been amended several times to allow for newer types of off-road vehicles. The latest amendment is in response to the growing popularity of XTVs and how their owners want the same on-road access.
“We commend the provincial government in providing Ontarians with more options to safely explore the vast province of Ontario. This change will make it easier for owners to use their ARGO XTVs on trails, many of which require road links.” said Kevin Asselin, vice president sales at ARGO. “The expansion to include Extreme Terrain Vehicles for permitted on-road travel is also welcomed by our network of Ontario ARGO dealers who sell our XTV product line. This ruling will further contribute to a more vibrant, sustainable and safe powersports sector in Ontario”
Where to Ride
Permitted ORVs including Extreme Terrain Vehicles (XTVs) can travel on the shoulder of:
- Highways 500 to 899
- many 7000-series highways
- highways with low traffic volumes
ORVs cannot travel on:
- Highways 500 to 899
- many 7000-series highways
- highways with low traffic volumes
Municipal Allowances: XTVs are only permitted on municipal road if a by-law is passed after July 1, 2020. By-laws created before this date that permitted off-road vehicles on-road do not apply to these additional vehicle types. Please consult with your local municipality before riding to see if you are allowed on-road.
For a complete list of provincial highways where on-road ATV/ORV/XTV/ORM use is permitted along with regulations, please refer http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/drive-ATV.shtml
Link: ARGO
