ATV owners in Tiny Township are going to have to be extra careful to follow the rules.

With a zero-tolerance approach to ATV use in the Township, both the Southern Georgian Bay OPP and the municipal by-law enforcement staff from the township are working together to make sure that ATV riders on local trails are following the rules.

“Respect for property and accordance to all laws will aid in governing this popular recreational pastime, but parents must be responsible and see to it that young children are not operating these very powerful machines,” says Const. Peter Leon in a news release.

Leon adds parents must also supervise their children at all times to make sure that they are not trespassing on private property, going into banned areas, are not causing damage to property and that any safety equipment that is available is used and used properly.

The use of ATVs is on the rise in Ontario, and Leon says this area is no exception. “The onus of both operator safety and the knowledge of the laws that govern their use fall upon the operator,” he says, adding it’s crucial that when crossing a road the operator of the ATV stop before crossing.

If they continue across, he says, the vehicle must be plated, insured, the operator must be wearing an approved helmet and must be properly licensed.

Leon says ATVs are governed under the Off Road Vehicles Act and, as soon as the driver travels on a road, the Highway Traffic Act governs the actions of the operator.

“Operators should also be aware that operation on shoulders – paved or gravel – or in ditch areas is also banned.

“If the operator is on private property that is owned by the operator or where permission has been granted for the operation to take place by the owner of a piece of property, the ATV must be plated under the provisions of the Off Road Vehicles Act.

“Safety is of a paramount importance and a lack of knowledge of the laws that govern this fast growing recreational activity will not be accepted,” he says.

“Recreational enthusiasts who participate in this pastime are encouraged to contact their local municipal offices to determine where they can operate their all terrain vehicles and to determine if there are any local bylaws that might exist to govern local usage.”

Anyone caught not following the bylaws could see a fine ranging from $125 up to $5,000.