Those caught riding dirt bikes in places where they are not supposed to risk up to $1,000 in fines and then some, Prince George RCMP said Tuesday in response to a recent wave of complaints.
RCMP said the detachment has received an increased number of reports from around the city over the last week about dirt bikes being ridden on streets and highways and being ridden aggressively on local walking trails.
City bylaws prohibit motorized vehicles in city parks or on city trails and provincial legislation allows "incidental travel" across roads at controlled intersections for motorized off-road vehicles such as dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides but only if they are registered and insured.
According to ICBC, to ride an off-road vehicle on or across highways, you must have basic Insurance.
To ride one on forest service roads, you must have $200,000 in third party liability insurance.
On all other Crown land, liability insurance is voluntary but recommended.
"From experience, the majority of riders that violate these laws, are youth that appear to be under the age of 18," RCMP said and added parents and guardians are urged to speak to their sons and daughters about proper use.
"Fines for violators can easily add up to over $1,000 and the motorized vehicle can be seized," RCMP said. "In addition, operators and their guardians could be subject to criminal and civil action should an incident take place. Failing to stop for police is a criminal offence."
