Safe and responsible use of B.C.’s backcountry gets a boost on Monday, Nov. 17, with the upcoming launch of the registration system for off-road vehicles, as well as increases to safe access for highway crossings for recreational off road vehicles.

To provide plenty of notice and allow for a smooth transition, the new registration system is currently voluntary for operation on Crown land, but will become mandatory on June 1, 2015. The combined cost of the number plate and registration fee is $48.

Effective Nov. 17, off-road vehicle owners can obtain a one-time registration for off-road vehicles that is integrated within the pre-existing structure of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s (ICBC) motor vehicle registry. This will reduce implementation costs and allows off road vehicle owners to register at any of the 900-plus ICBC insurance brokers in the province.

These changes, made possible by the passage of the Off-Road Vehicle Act on March 24, 2014, support the Province’s Off Road Vehicle Management Framework. The framework will help British Columbians get out and enjoy the beauty of the province's backcountry and ensure off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, are driven in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

In addition, changes to the Motor Vehicle Act regulations, effective Nov. 17 will allow off-road vehicle operators greater access to highways, including the ability to:

• Cross a highway without having to obtain an operation permit if the crossing is controlled by a stop sign or traffic light.
• Cross a highway where local police authorize through an operation permit.
• Load or unload in a parking lot without an operation permit.
• Obtain an operation permit with an extended term of up to two years.

To date, the Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework has been implemented in stages. Future regulations will follow that will flesh out ORV rules of operation, safety standards, penalties and conditions of use for a wide range of modern ORVs, including snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles or “quads”, dirt bikes and side-by-sides (e.g., Rhinos and Argos).

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations −

“Off-road vehicle registration will help combat vehicle theft as well as promote safe and environmentally responsible use of ORVs in B.C.’s backcountry. Starting voluntary registration now provides ORV owners plenty of opportunity to adjust to the new requirements.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure −

“These new measures support the Province’s Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework, which has been developed to improve safety for all-terrain vehicle riders and motorists, providing greater access to backcountry trail networks and ensuring these vehicles are driven in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.”

Erin Hart, president, BC Snowmobile Federation −

“The BC Snowmobile Federation along with its other power sports partners invested a lot of volunteer time, effort and expense in working with government on this initiative. We are very pleased that the new regulations are being implemented and we look forward to working closely with government to further enhance organized snowmobiling in the Province of British Columbia.”

Jeff Mohr, president, Quad Riders ATV Association −

“The Quad Riders ATV Association of BC fully supports the implementation of Bill 13 - the Off-Road Vehicle Act. As the November 17 date is set to start the registration and licensing process, we can now increase our focus on connecting the trail networks and increasing the opportunities for responsible riders to get out and enjoy the sport we love. Thank you to all the people that put so many countless hours of work into bringing this to fruition.”

Trish Drinkle, president, Association of British Columbia Snowmobile Clubs −

“The Association of British Columbia Snowmobile clubs is pleased with the outcome of the new ORV legislation. Working closely with our powersports partners and others we feel the end result is a positive one for ORV enthusiasts across the province. With great effort comes great reward. We look forward to facilitating this process along the way. Now is a time for a more solid foundation for outdoor powersports recreation.”

Quick Facts:

• An estimated 200,000 off-road vehicles are used in the province.
• Snowmobiles have been registered in British Columbia since the 1970s.
• ORVs are used in a variety of sectors in British Columbia, including farming, ranching, forestry, oil and gas, mining, sport, tourism and transportation, as well as search and rescue.
• More information on B.C.’s new Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework can be found at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/orv/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Media Relations
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

BACKGROUNDER

Off road vehicle registration details

Why should I register now?

There are a number of good reasons to register under the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Act now rather than wait for the mandatory date of June 1, 2015:

• ORV riders that choose to register now start to benefit from this program earlier.
• For example, if your ORV is stolen, a registered vehicle can more easily be tracked back to you as the registered owner.
• The ORV number plate is a dual purpose plate -- if you register and a get the number plate under the ORV Act, it may also be used for highways crossings if the ORV is also licensed and insured under the Motor Vehicle Act.

What information do I need to bring to the broker to register my ORV?

To demonstrate you are the legal owner of the vehicle, one or more of the following is required:

• A New Vehicle Information Statement or a Certificate of Origin if purchased new, but never registered previously.
• A Bill of Sale or other document acceptable as a Bill of Sale, such as a Transfer Tax Form (APV9T) signed by seller - Transfer Tax forms are widely available from any Autoplan broker.
• A completed B. C. Consumer Taxation Branch Gift of Vehicle Form (FIN 319)
• For ORVs imported from the U.S., a Title Certificate; Form 1 or B15 Accounting Document.
• For ORVs imported into B.C. from another Canadian jurisdiction, the previous registration documents.
• In the absence of the above, a sworn statutory declaration (MV1484) will be required with information about how you came into possession of the off road vehicle and your attempts to get the one or more of the other documentation as described above.   

If you’re uncertain on what documents you need to register your ORV, contact your local ICBC Autoplan broker who can help figure out which document fits your situation best.

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Media Relations
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241