Off-Road Vehicles on Township of Hamilton Roads
On April 1, 2022, Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) will be permitted to drive on Hamilton Township roads during certain hours as part of a pilot project approved by Township Council in 2021. The decision to implement the pilot project was made by Council following changes to the Highway Traffic Act, extensive public consultation, and debate.
ORVs include All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides, and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) as defined under the Off-Road Vehicles Act, 1990 and O.Reg 316/03: Operation of Off-Road Vehicles on Highways. Please note that Off-Road Motorcycles (ORM) and Extreme Utility Vehicles (6-8 wheels) are not permitted to drive on Township roads under this pilot project. In addition, golf carts are not considered ORVs under the regulations and are not permitted to ride on roads.
Riding ORVs on Township Roads and Pilot Project Details
| Pilot Project Time Frame |
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| ORV Hours of Operation on Roads during Pilot Project |
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| Applicable and Excluded Roads |
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Applicable Roads
Excluded Roads The ORV Pilot Project does not permit ORVs to ride on any portion of a Northumberland County road outside of the exempted sections listed above. Excluded roads include:
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| ORV Speed Limits on Township Roads |
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Below are the speed limits that all ORVs riding on Township Roads must follow as defined in By-law #2021-48:
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| Governing By-law and List of Fines and Charges |
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Governing By-law List of Fines and Charges The following fines are identified and defined within the by-law:
Additional fines and charges exist under the Highway Traffic Act and other Acts for violations associated with speeding infractions, no proof of insurance, not wearing a helmet, unsafe operation of a motor vehicle, impaired operation of a motor vehicle, and more. |
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Pilot Project Next Steps |
| Education Campaign During the pilot project, Township staff will work closely with community stakeholders, such as local businesses, residents, ATV Associations, and the Northumberland OPP, on an education campaign to ensure riders and non-riders alike are aware of ORVs on the roads, the pilot project, riding etiquette, and the rules for riding on Township roads. Pilot Project Data Collection Township staff will gather data throughout the pilot project to determine if ORVs should be permitted to ride on Township Roads on a more permanent basis. Data will be collected relating to:
This data will be collected through a variety of methods, including public consultation, internal processes, and police reports. Report to Council Following data collection and analysis, a staff report will be presented to Council in 2023 for debate and decision on whether ORVs should continue to be permitted to use Township roads. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Do I have to wear a helmet when riding my ORV on Township roads? |
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Yes. In accordance to the Highway Traffic Act, all ORV riders must wear a helmet when operating an ORV on Township Roads. Use of Helmets will be enforced by Northumberland OPP and are subject to fines under the Highway Traffic Act. |
| Do I need to have insurance for my ORV when riding on Township roads? |
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Yes. In accordance to the Highway Traffic Act, all ORV riders must have appropriate insurance when operating an ORV on Township Roads. Proof of insurance will be enforced by Northumberland OPP and is subject to fines under the Highway Traffic Act. |
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If I modify the exhaust system on my ORV, can I drive it on Township roads? |
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No. Modified exhaust systems on ORVs are not permitted in the Township. Modifications and noise in excess of regular ridership will be enforced by Northumberland OPP and authorized private security companies. Violations are subject to a $200.00 fine under By-law #2021-48. |
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What are the speed limits for ORVs on Township Roads? |
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By-law #2021-48 identifies the following speed limits for ORVs on Township roads:
Speed limits will be enforced by Northumberland OPP and are subject to fines under the Highway Traffic Act. |
| I have a complaint about ORVs on Township Roads, who do I contact? |
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Please contact the Northumberland OPP at 9-1-1 for emergencies or 905-372-5421 for non-emergencies for ORV-related complaints relating to:
Please contact the Township of Hamilton for ORV-related complaints relating to:
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| I want to compliment the Township for allowing ORVs on Township Roads, who do I contact? |
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A public survey with comments section will be made available at the end of the pilot project. |
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I'm a Hamilton Township business and would like to provide educational materials about riding ORVs in the Township to my customers, who do I contact? |
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To request educational and promotional materials like posters and leaflets about riding ORVs on Township roads, riding etiquette, the pilot project and more, please email the Clerks Office. |
Additional Resources
| Documents |
| Press Releases |
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| Web Links |