Effective Nov. 17 a voluntary registration system for off-road vehicles is in place in British Columbia. The program does not become mandatory until June 1, 2015. However, the early registration will provide plenty of notice and allow for a smooth transition to the new system.
The combined cost of the number plate and registration fee is $48. Off road vehicle owners to register at any ICBC insurance broker in the province
In addition, changes to the Motor Vehicle Act regulations, effective Nov. 17 will allow offroad 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).
As well as providing traceability in case of theft the new system will increase to safe access for highway crossings for recreational off road vehicles.
More information on B.C.’s new Off-Road Vehicle Management Framework can be found at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/orv/