Snowmobile and ATV police officers from the Sûreté du Québec will intervene intensively in the various federated trails in Quebec throughout the winter season.
An Opération IMPACT VHR is an increased police presence on the trails with the collaboration of the various partners. This year, Sûreté du Québec quad riders will also patrol the federated trails. These operations will make it possible to carry out targeted interventions with OHV enthusiasts who have behaviors that could compromise their safety and that of other users.
By funding Opérations IMPACT, the Quebec government wishes to promote a safer environment for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, but also for all users who use public roads crossing trails.
For their part, the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec and the Fédération québécoise des clubs Quads invite off-road vehicle enthusiasts to adopt safe practices that respect the environment and the peace of citizens.
Impaired driving and speed are the leading causes of fatal ATV and snowmobile collisions. During the 2020-2021 season, 27 ATV riders died in 27 fatal collisions and 16 snowmobilers in 16 fatal collisions on the territory of the Sûreté du Québec.
It should be noted that these surveillance operations are part of the reform of the Law on off-road vehicles (OHV), but also of the Stratégie en sécurité des réseaux de transport 2021-2026.
Safety Tips
- Travel on marked trails and avoid unmarked bodies of water: ice conditions in some areas can pose a significant risk to people venturing off the trails;
- Maintain a safe distance between your OHV and the one in front of you;
- Keep the white headlight(s) of your OHV on, as well as the red parking light at the rear;
- Cross public roads where signage permits;
- Respect private property and stay on the trails;
- Always wear your helmet and safety glasses if the helmet does not have a visor;
- Find out about the condition of the state of the trail network before you go on an excursion https://www.fqcq.qc.ca/en/iquad/ and https://fcmq.qc.ca/en/.
Reminder of the OHV regulations
- The driver of an OHV must, since September 10th, 2021, have a valid driver’s license at all times, so as much to cross and use a public road as to travel on trails, on public land or on private territory belonging to a municipality. They must also respect the conditions and limitations provided in the driving license;
- ATV riders and snowmobilers are subject to the same laws as motorists with respect to the ability to drive impaired by drugs, alcohol or a combination of both;
- The speed limit on trails is 50 km/h for ATVs and 70 km/h for snowmobilers;
- All must comply with the signage on the trails;
- Persons aged 16 and 17, in addition to obtaining a safety certificate issued by the various federations, must hold a valid driving license.
