Ontario Laws for Dirt Bikes

Riding in the Trails

Off-road motorcycles are often allowed on designated trails, such as:

• Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) Trails: These require membership and adherence to specific rules.

• Crown Land: Riding is generally permitted on Crown land unless prohibited by local regulations or signage.

• As per the Off-Road Vehicle Act, Children under 16 years of age are not permitted on the sides of the road.

• Green plated operators must possess at least a G2 or M2 to travel on the shoulders of the roads.

• Remember, not all municipalities allow off-road vehicles on the roads. Please check with your local club before heading out. 

Requirements for Operation

To ride on permitted roads or trails, the off-road motorcycle must meet specific requirements:

• Registration: Must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

• Insurance: Riders must carry valid insurance.

• License Plate: Must display a visible plate.

• Driver’s License: The operator must have a valid G2/M2 license or higher.

• Equipment: The motorcycle must have working lights, a muffler, and tires suitable for off-road use.

To Ride OFTR trails 

Your bike must be:

• Licenced (Green off-road plate on front, or Blue street plate on rear)

• Insured (Carry proof with you when you ride)

• Quiet (94 db or less)

• Equipped with a spark arrestor

You Must:

• Carry proof of a valid RideOFTR trail pass

• Carry valid insurance for the off-road motorcycle you are operating

• Have your licence plate properly mounted 

• Use the RideOFTR app to get the most up to date trail information

• Remember that the Off-Road Vehicle Act (4.2, 4.2b) requires that children under the age of 12 are only permitted to ride on trails under close supervision of an adult

• Know where you are riding, don’t trespass and stay on designated trails.

• Ride in control and observe the speed limit.

• Respect and expect other trail users.

• Riders must at all times abide by the Off-Road Vehicle Act (ORVA) when on trails and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) when riding on the road.

• Abide by our Code of Conduct. (See below)

Code of Conduct

• Expect and Respect others who have the right to be on the trails. Be courteous to others.

• Remember that few other vehicles are as manoeuvrable as bikes, so give the others lots of room.

• Other user groups do a lot of trail grooming – respect their efforts.

• Stop when you see a horse, shut off your engine immediately. Then take off your helmet and ask for instructions

• Comply with all legislation, bylaws and insurance requirements.

• Ensure your license plate is properly mounted, green off-road plates are attached to the front of your bike, blue road plates are attached to the back. 

• Always wear a helmet and other safety gear. (Take off your helmet if you talk to someone)

• Whatever you pack in, pack out. Do not litter, and leave the place better than you found it.

• Use trails only according to the permitted uses indicated. Some trails are seasonal and can experience problems in the spring. Check the trail conditions.

• It is recommended that you check RideOFTR before you head out in case trails are closed for logging, maintenance, or any other reason. 

• Do not use any alcohol or drugs if you plan to ride.

• Children under 12 should be closely supervised

Riding on the Road

Off-road motorcycles are permitted on some but not all roads in Ontario. To be certain, consult the RideOFTR app which shows legal road connector routes that can be used within the context of the ORVA.

Remember that ORMs are motorcycles with green plates that must be affixed to the front number plate of the motorcycle.

• Under the ORVA, ATVs and ORMs are treated the same with respect to riding on roads

• When traveling on public roads with green plate single file on the right side of paved surface if there is one. Do not ride on the shoulder.

• Keep both wheels on the ground and show that we are respectful to local residents and other drivers and help preserve the opportunity we have fought for within Ontario

• If the posted speed limit is greater than 50 km/h you can go 50 km/h.  If the posted limit is 50 km/h or less you can go 20 km/h

• ORMs are not permitted on all roads. In addition, many other roads are closed by municipalities to ORMs – To be certain, consult the RideOFTR app which shows legal road connector routes that can be used within the context of the ORVA

• Operators must be age 16 or order and must have a valid drivers license (M1 or M2 motorcycle license is strongly recommended but is not required)

• Please turn on the front head light of your bike if equipped with such to increase visibility

In Ontario, off-road motorcycles, commonly referred to as dirt bikes, are subject to specific laws under the Off-Road Vehicles Act and the Highway Traffic Act. Here are the general rules governing where off-road motorcycles can ride:

1. Municipal Roads

Some municipalities in Ontario allow off-road motorcycles to ride on specific local roads. Riders must check with the local municipality to confirm whether and where this is permitted. Municipal by-laws often define the permitted roads, times, and conditions for off-road vehicle use.

2. Provincial Highways

Off-road motorcycles are not allowed to operate on provincial highways unless explicitly permitted under special circumstances (e.g., connecting trails or organized events with permission).

3. Unopened Road Allowances

Riders may use unopened road allowances if the local municipality permits it.

4. Roadway Crossings

Off-road motorcycles can cross a highway at an intersection if:

• They meet all legal requirements for off-road motorcycles (e.g., registration, insurance).

• The highway is not a controlled access highway (e.g., 400-series highways).

Remember:

• Check Municipal By-Laws: Contact your local municipality for details on permitted roads and trails.

• Verify Membership Requirements: If you plan to use trails, check if you need a permit (e.g., OFTR).

• Ensure Compliance: Confirm your bike meets all legal and equipment requirements.

• Do Not Trespass: If you ride without a trail pass you are trespassing.

• Trails are Patrolled: Trails are stewarded by the police and bylaw enforcement officers…. you will be charged. 

• Ride Legal: Encourage those you ride with to do the same.

• Don’t Ride Alone: Always inform someone you where you are riding before you head out

• Stay Safe: Consider downloading What3words

DIGITAL TRAIL PASS

Your OFTR membership card will now be digital BUT you will still be sent an OFTR and club sticker in the mail. Once you have completed your purchase of the trail pass, you will be taken to a thank you message with a link to your trail pass. We recommend printing or taking a screenshot of this. You will also be sent an email with a link to your digital pass incase you leave the page. 

There are 2 ways to provide proof of purchase for your OFTR trail pass when out on the trails.

1. Show your digital trail pass. 
2. Show valid current year OFTR sticker. 

Each riding area may accept a different combination of the above, therefore we recommend that you always ride with all 2.