Today there are more than 200,000 snowmobiles, quads, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and other vehicles regularly being used in B.C.'s backcountry.
Until recently, there weren't a lot of safety rules in place and it was difficult for conservation officers to identify irresponsible drivers who damaged the environment, disrupted wildlife or put others at risk.
Last November, the Off-Road Vehicle Act came into full effect. The act replaced 40-year-old legislation and allowed the province to put in place some basic safety standards and rules for operating your ORV. Now, when you ride on Crown land you must wear an approved helmet, have your manufactured-installed seatbelt on and use your lights when visibility is low.
And just as with any vehicle, you now have to register your ORV with ICBC - there's a one-time, $48 fee. We also changed the rules so that if you purchased or leased your ORV before July 1, 2010, you don't need to show ICBC a sales tax receipt when you register.
ORV purchases have been subject to sales tax since provincial sales taxes were first introduced in 1948. The only difference is provincial taxes are now collected when the vehicle is registered with ICBC - unless the owner can demonstrate that the required taxes were already paid.
The new regulations were developed in consultation with numerous stakeholders, including the Quad Riders Association of BC, the BC Snowmobile Federation and the B.C. Wildlife Federation. With the support of these groups, ICBC and other concerned British Columbians, we are working to promote the safe and responsible use of ORVs in B.C.'s backcountry.
Steve Thomson
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Victoria
