Keeping trails safe for everyone

June 28, 2021 1:00 p.m.
​Off-road vehicles are not allowed in parks, woodlots, open spaces, highways and roads in Vaughan

 

Although off-road vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, are popular with outdoor enthusiasts, the City is reminding citizens that they are not permitted to operate in Vaughan. 

Safety concerns persist with them being used illegally though. The City is working in collaboration with York Regional Police (YRP) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to heighten awareness of by-laws and Provincial legislation to gain compliance with respect to this unsafe activity. 

An owner and/or operator of an off-road vehicle can be charged and convicted of an offence under the Off-Road Vehicles Act, Highway Traffic Act, Insurance Act, Trespass to Property Act and City of Vaughan by-laws. 

Offences may include but are not limited to:

  • Operating without a helmet
  • Operating an unregistered vehicle
  • Operating without insurance
  • Operating a motorized recreational vehicle in a park
  • Emitting noise from combustion engine
  • Using a public facility or public land in a manner other than their lawful intended use
  • Damaging plants and park property
  • Driving carelessly
  • Failing to stop
  • Failing to identify

Residents and visitors can help by reporting non-emergency activity occurring illegally in parks, woodlots and open spaces to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or YRP at 1-866-876-3423.

Please provide as much of the following information as possible, including:

  • Park name and location of sighting
  • Date and time of occurrence
  • Identifiable marks of the off-road vehicle (colour, size, make)
  • Licence plate number
  • Street name of where the vehicle is coming from
  • Number of vehicles and riders
  • Physical description of person riding

Off-road vehicles can be driven outside of Vaughan on approved trails and private property. Please visit the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders at oftr.ca for approved trails in Ontario.

To learn more, visit vaughan.ca.

To receive Vaughan’s latest updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels. 

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