There has been a great deal of discussion regarding the use of dirt bikes and E-Bikes (surrons) on Township roads.
It is important to clarify that off-road motorcycles (dirt bikes, surrons, etc.) are not classified as permitted highway Off-Road Vehicles (ORV’s) under Ontario Regulation 316/03. As a result, the Township has NO AUTHORITY to permit, regulate, or enforce their use on Municipal roads through a Municipal by-law as it does with ATVs and other types of ORVs.
The operation of off-road motorcycles on any public roadway falls exclusively under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and is enforced solely by the Ontario Provincial Police. For an off-road motorcycle to be legally operated on a roadway, it must meet all HTA requirements for an on-road motorcycle, including proper registration, insurance, licensing, equipment, and safety standards. The Township does not have jurisdiction to determine whether a motorcycle meets these requirements or to take enforcement action in relation to HTA offences.
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