Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Police Beat

OPP hearing more complaints about ATVs on area roads

Essa Township, Adjala-Tosorontio Township and New Tecumseth all have different rules about what's allowed and what's not
BarrieToday Staff
RedATV
Stock image

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
*************************
TOWN OF NEW TECUMSETH, ADJALA-TOSORONTIO & ESSA TOWNSHIPS – The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to take the opportunity to review All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) usage on roadways within the Townships of New Tecumseth, Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa. We have received an increase in complaints, in particular the areas surrounding Mill Street and Queen Street in Tottenham, New Tecumseth.

Dirt bikes are not permitted on any of our roadways, unless they are properly licenced with a blue and white passenger licence plate. Dirt bikes equipped with a green and white licence plate are not road worthy.

Anyone operating ATVs on roadways where permitted, must be 16 years of age, have a valid Ontario driver's licence and valid liability insurance. Riders must also wear an approved DOT or equivalent helmet and can only carry the number of riders specified by the vehicle's manufacturer. Aftermarket seats do not permit an increase of the number of riders carried. Other common infractions include no insurance and failing to have trail permits.

The Nottawasaga OPP is determined to keep all of our community members safe. In addition to public education, we will be conducting enforcement in an effort to reduce the number of complaints we have received from concerned citizens. We are requesting the public's assistance in identifying the drivers of the ATVs that are failing to comply with laws. Rules and regulations, including those related to helmets, are in place for the safety of operators and their passengers.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents, or any criminal activity, is asked to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). When you contact Crime Stoppers you remain anonymous, you will never have to testify and you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

REMINDER:
In Essa Township, off-road vehicles (ORVs), inclusive of ATVs, dune buggies and dirt bikes, are not permitted on any sidewalk or pedestrian walkway, roadway, parks, parkland or any other property owned, operated or leased by the Township of Essa.   

  • There are no public trails owned or maintained by the Township of Essa that permit motorized vehicles. However, the Central Ontario ATV club maintains trails within the County of Simcoe, where ORVs are permitted to be ridden. For maps, fees and regulations regarding the use of these trails, please contact the Central Ontario ATV Club by visiting https://www.coatv.ca/ 
  • Any individual found to be operating an ATV on Township of Essa property may be charged under By-Law No. 2005-24, the Off-Road Vehicles Act and the Highway Traffic Act.  
  • ORVs are permitted to be driven only on private property where the vehicle is owned or where permission has been granted by the owner of the property. If permission has been granted, proof of such permission must be carried with the driver of the ATV at all times.  
  • Refer to the Essa Township By-Law 2005-24 for further clarification on the operation of ORVs in the Township of Essa by visiting https://www.essatownship.on.ca/office/by-laws or via the direct link: https://www.essatownship.on.ca/Shared%20Documents/By-laws/Off%20Road%20Vehicles%20By-law%202005-24.pdf  

In Adjala-Tosorontio Township:  

In the Township of New Tecumseth:  

More information regarding equipment use can be located within the By-Law pertaining to each Township. The speed limit for ATVs is 20 km/h where the posted speed limit is 50 km/h, and no more than 50 km/h on roads with a posted speed limit of greater than 50 km/h.

*************************