The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding all Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) operators that the Grey County’s CP Rail Trail is currently closed for ORV operators. ORVs are only permitted on a portion of the trail from May 1 – November 30. Anyone located on the trail can be stopped and charged under the Trespass to Property Act (TPA).
The Grey Bruce OPP suggests checking with their local municipality to determine if Off Road Motor Vehicle usage is permitted. Municipalities have the authority to create by-laws to restrict/prohibit usage of ORVs. Ensure that you are on a public trail and not private property. Ensure if a trail permit is required that you have it properly affixed.
The OPP offers ORV operators some safety tips and laws surrounding operating ORV’s on the highway:
- For any on road usage, all operators must be at least 16 years old and hold at a minimum a valid G2 or M2 licence. This includes driving the ORV across the road.
- Wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
- ORVs must be driven in the same direction as traffic and on the shoulder where available.
- Vehicles must be registered, plated, and insured.
- No passengers under the age of 8 and the number of occupants is limited to the number of available seating positions.
- Have headlights and taillights on between sunset and sunrise or when the weather is unfavourable.
- If the posted speed limit is 50 km/h or less the limit for the ORV is 20 km/h.
- If the posted speed limit is greater than 50 km/h the limit for the ORV is 50 km/h.
