Multi-seat all terrain vehicles can take to the roads in July

Morning North4:37New rules for off-road vehicles

New rules will mean more freedom for drivers of off-road and all terrain vehicles. Multi-seater off-road vehicles will be allowed to ride on the shoulder of public roads. We spoke about the new rules with Andrew Ryeland, President of ATV Ontario.

New rules are coming for off-road vehicles. Until now, only single-seat vehicles were allowed on the shoulders of public roads.

But that changes next month.

"This new law coming into place will really clean up some of the confusion out there," said OPP inspector Mark Andrews.

"People were going out buying these ATVs, UTVs and [they] still weren't allowed out on roadway with it."

Keith Meawasige, who sells ATVs in Sudbury, said he expects sales to soar, thanks to the new law.

"I think it's overdue, but it's definitely nice that it's going to happen July 1."

Meawasige has been collecting signatures from his customers to change the rules.

The tourism group ATV Ontario has also been petitioning the government. President Andrew Ryeland said the new law could prompt new uses for the vehicles.

"People are more likely to take their side-by-side down the road to pick up their mail or maybe to the local convenience store."

Despite the hype, Ontario Provincial Police caution drivers to use single seaters and side-by-sides judiciously.

They say the vehicles were involved in 11 fatal collisions last year.

Off-road vehicles are subject to the Highway Traffic Act.

Police will hold off on issuing tickets as the province promotes the new rules over the summer. But police can still lay a charge through a summons.