OHV Riders Handbook

Why an OHV handbook ?

The goal is to educate you so you can protect yourself, protect other people, and protect the environment as you drive your OHV - off-highway vehicle.

This handbook focuses on ATVs, snowmobiles, and off-road motorcycles, which include dirt bikes and mini-bikes. However, the Off-highway Vehicles Act also regulates other vehicles you drive off road that are not registered under the Motor Vehicle Act.

It includes the rules, regulations, and behaviours that will allow you to enjoy riding your OHV while helping to keep you and others safe on the trail.

The handbook is free and is available at all Access Nova Scotia Centres, Department of Natural Resources field offices, Department of Health Promotion and Protection regional offices, OHV clubs, OHV dealers, or by calling 1-877-OHV-LINE (1-877-648-5463). It will also be provided to participants of OHV Safety Training.


Downloadable Documents

• Cover
  
  
• As a responsible off-highway vehicle rider I WILL:
  Be Legal. Know and obey all laws and rules governing OHV use, including municipal bylaws - Rule breakers threaten my riding opportunities. Riding is a privilege, not a right.
  
  
• Table of Contents
  
  
• Riders:
  Children , youth, and their parent or guardian must have a safety training certificate by 2008 to ride an OHV. Most other riders need a certificate by 2012. Some riders are exempt. See page 4...
  
  
• Vehicles:
  This handbook focuses on ATVs, snowmobiles, and off-road motorcycles, which include dirt bikes and mini-bikes. However, the Off-highway Vehicles Act also regulates other vehicles you drive off road that are not registered under the Motor Vehicle Act.
  
  
• Trails:
  OHV clubs post signs on many trails. However, some trails have no signs. Follow safe-riding practices whether there are signs or not.
  
  
• Rules and Regulations:
  The wording in this handbook may differ from the official version of the Nova Scotia Off-highway Vehicles legislation. The legislation may change. When accuracy is critical, please consult official sources.
  
  
• Appendices:
  Words Used in this handbook, Contact Information, Top 10 Off- highway Vehicle Offences.