On July 1, 2015, the Province will be implementing a new law that allows All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) to be driven on the shoulder of permitted provincial highways and municipal roads where a Municipal By-Law permits their use.
Here in Chatham-Kent, the existing ATV By-Law has not been amended therefore this new law does not apply.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is reviewing the legislative changes and will consider asking Council in the near future to approve amendments to the Municipal By-Law. In the interim, those operating an ATV are reminded that the only areas in Chatham-Kent that allow these vehicles to be driven on a road are in the Mitchell’s Bay, Erieau, Shrewsbury and Bates Subdivision (Rondeau).
Within these areas, the only permissible times of the year occur from the beginning of November until the end of March, supporting the annual ice fishing season.
The only other exception is for farming exemptions.
It is not lawful for ATVs to be driven on and/or along a highway. They may be driven on your own property or other private property where you have permission to ride them.
For more information regarding what you need to know to operate an ATV in Ontario, please see
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/pdfs/smart-ride-safe-ride-ATV.pdf
– Photo credit: ATVist
