Northwest Territories Department of … the Department of Transportation online at Northwest...

Visit the Department of Transportation online at www.dot.gov.nt.ca

Northwest Territories

Department of Transportation

Road Licensing and Safety Division

July 2011

A Rider’s Guide to Mopeds, Motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles,

and More in the Northwest Territories

2

Introduction 3

Safety Requirements 4

Power Bicycles 6

Mopeds 8

Motorcycles 10

All-Terrain Vehicles and Special All-Terrain Vehicles

12

Mobility Aids 16

Licensing Table 18

Prohibited Vehicles 19

Table of Contents

3

Introduction

Why are these vehicles important? The popularity of vehicles like motorcycles, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles continues to grow as consumer interest in higher fuel efficiency, eco-friendly technologies, and lower fuel and maintenance costs increases.

Every year, manufacturers develop new products that challenge legislators to adequately address safety. The Department of Transportation works closely with other jurisdictions to ensure these safety concerns are met and that the territory is consistent with other jurisdictions as much as possible, while simultaneously ensuring that all legislation and policies are the best fit for the unique communities of the Northwest Territories.

Why should I read this handbook? Both new and experienced riders may have questions about territorial legislation or policies, or be unsure which requirements must be met to operate their vehicle of choice on NT roads. This handbook clearly sets out licensing, age, registration, insurance, and helmet requirements for small vehicle types likely to share NT roads as well as those vehicles that are prohibited from on-road use.

The Department of Transportation works hard to ensure that all policies are applied consistently across the Northwest Territories. If you have questions about driver or vehicle licensing, please contact your local issuing site. If you have questions or comments about this handbook or its content, please contact the Road Licensing and Safety Division.

Department of Transportation Road Licensing and Safety

Highways Building 4510 50 Avenue P.O. Box 1320

Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9 Phone: 867-873-7406

Fax: 867-873-0120 Visit us online at

www.dot.gov.nt.ca

The Department of Transportation legislates operational requirements for motor vehicles operating in the Northwest Territories. In addition, municipal bylaws may also apply. Contact your municipality to determine bylaws and other requirements specific to your community.

4

Safety Requirements

Helmet Standards An approved helmet is required if you operate or ride as a passenger on a special all-terrain vehicle (SATV; for more information on SATVs, see page 12) or motorcycle on-road in the Northwest Territories, and the Department of Transportation strongly recommends that you wear an approved motorcycle helmet if you operate or ride as a passenger on a power bicycle. An approved helmet must have a label indicating its compliance with standards (Motor Vehicles Act 243, All-Terrain Vehicles Act 9.04).

Helmets must meet one of the following standards:

Special All-Terrain Vehicle Helmet Regulations, Motorcycle Helmet Regulations,

There are three different types of helmets: full coverage, three-quarter coverage, and half coverage. A half-coverage helmet, or shorty, provides only limited head protection and typically does not meet prescribed standards.

Try several different types and brands to find the helmet that best works for you. To work effectively, a helmet must fit properly. Parents should be aware that the majority of ATV and motorcycle helmets, even ones marketed for youths, are too big for small children. A poorly fitting helmet may damage a child’s neck and will not properly protect them in the event of a collision.

Parents may be tempted to purchase a bicycle or hockey helmet for their infant, toddler or small child for either on– or off-road use of an ATV or motorcycle. These helmets are not approved and are not permitted for on-road use. The Department of Transportation strongly recommends that no child ride until old enough and big enough to properly fit an approved helmet.

Any passenger should be able to sit comfortably and securely in the designed and equipped passenger seat.

• CSA CAN3-D230-M85;

• UNECER 22;

• BS 6658:1985;

• FMVSS 218;

• ANSI Z90.1; or

• Snell M2010

5

Carrying Passengers Some after-market kits make it possible to install an extra seat on special all-terrain vehicles. The Department of Transportation strongly recommends that all riders follow the manufacturer’s warnings for their SATVs. If the SATV is designed for only one rider, it should carry only one rider.

An after-market seat installed behind the driver will disrupt the balance of the vehicle and make it more likely to tip, even on a

small incline.

An ATV may not be operated with more passengers, including the driver, than it is designed and equipped to carry. Regardless of the number of seats, no more than two people, including the driver, may ride on-road on an SATV. A motorcycle may not carry a passenger unless that motorcycle is designed and equipped to do so. No vehicle that is not designed and equipped to carry a passenger should carry a passenger (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 3(1)(d) and 9.05, Motor Vehicles Act 242). Vehicle Equipment Keep your vehicle in good repair. Always do a walk-around inspection before riding. Check your tires, wheels, lights, brakes, horn, fluids, clutch and throttle, mirrors, and kickstand.

Every all-terrain vehicle, including a special all-terrain vehicle, that is operated on-road must be equipped with at least one braking system in good working order (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 3(6)). When operated on-road at night, it must be equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the standards set out in All-Terrain Vehicles Act 3(7).

Gear Up for Riding The Department strongly recommends that all riders of small vehicles wear appropriate clothing. Layer your clothing for safety and weather preparedness. Wear bright colours and reflective strips, durable boots that cover your ankles, and comfortable gloves designed for riding. Always wear an approved helmet.

Impaired and Distracted Driving It is against the law to operate an all-terrain vehicle or a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices should not be used unless the vehicle is safely parked.

Contact your municipality to

determine bylaws and other requirements

specific to your community.

6

Power Bicycles

What is a power bicycle? A power bicycle is a pedal bicycle with an electric motor (maximum power of 500 watts), a top-speed of 32 km/h, and no prescribed weight, nor allowance to be engine driven. The Department of Transportation does not require you to obtain registration or insurance for your power bicycle, and a Drivers Licence is not required to operate.

Power bicycles are also commonly known as electric bicycles, e-bikes, power-assisted bicycles, and motor-assisted bicycles. A power bicycle is not a motorcycle.

Special Requirements • Power bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as a bicycle.

• Because of the speeds at which a power bicycle can operate, the Department of Transportation recommends that all operators of and passengers on power bicycles wear an approved motorcycle helmet.




7

Power Bicycles

Licence: The Department of Transportation does not require a Drivers Licence to operate a power bicycle.

Minimum Driving Age: There is currently no age restriction placed on the operation of power bicycles. However, the Department of Transportation strongly recommends that only those 12 years of age or older operate a power bicycle.

Registration: The Department of Transportation does not require you to register your power bicycle.

Insurance: The Department of Transportation does not require you to insure your power bicycle.

Helmet: The Department of Transportation does not require operators of or passengers on power bicycles to wear a helmet. However, the Department of Transportation strongly recommends that all operators of and passengers on power bicycles wear an approved motorcycle helmet.

Drivers Licence

Required?

NO

Minimum Driving

Age

N/A

Registration Required?

NO

Insurance Required?

NO

Helmet Required?

NO

8

Mopeds

What is a moped? In the Northwest Territories, a moped is a type of motorcycle that

• uses mechanical power or a combination of muscular and mechanical power and has

• an engine displacement not exceeding 50 cm3 (50cc); or

• an electric motor not exceeding a 1.5 kW rating;

• has a maximum attainable speed, unassisted by pedals and on level ground, not exceeding 50 kilometres an hour (50 km/h); and

• has operable pedals, if designed with pedals.

Is my motorcycle a moped? Many different terms, including moped, scooter, limited-speed motorcycle, motor-assisted cycle, and motorized cycle, are used across Canada and the automotive community, and these terms can mean many different things. However, in the Northwest Territories, the term “motorcycle” includes those motor vehicles known as mopeds and scooters.

A moped is a type of motorcycle subject to different operational requirements than a full-speed motorcycle. Any motorcycle that exceeds an engine displacement of 50cc will be classified simply as a motorcycle. For more information on motorcycles, see page 10.

Special Requirements • A Class 5, or regular, Drivers Licence permits the operation of a

motorcycle known as a moped. Any other full class licence or a Class 7 with supervision may also be used to operate a moped (Driver’s Licence Regulations, Schedule A).

• If you test on a motorcycle with automatic transmission, an endorsement (Code K and Code U) will be applied to your licence restricting you to motorcycles with automatic transmission only.

• You may not operate any motorcycle with an engine displacement of 90cc or less on a road outside of a municipality, nor on a road with a posted speed limit greater than 50 km/h (Motor Vehicles Act 245).




9

Licence: The Department of Transportation requires any full class (non-probationary) licence, a Class 5P or 6P (probationary) licence, a restricted Class 6 licence under prescribed conditions, or a Class 7 licence (with supervision while learning) to operate a moped.

Minimum Age: You may get a Class 7 learners licence at 15 years old, but holders require supervision while learning. The minimum age for a probationary Class 5P or 6P is 16 years old. The minimum age for a full Class 5 or 6 licence is 17 years old.

Registration: The Department of Transportation requires a moped to be registered and plated. It will be registered as a motorcycle.

Insurance: The Department of Transportation requires a moped, like any registered motorcycle, to be insured.

Helmet: The Department of Transportation requires all drivers of and passengers on motorcycles, including mopeds, to wear an approved motorcycle helmet (Motor Vehicles Act 243, Motorcycle Helmet Regulations).

Drivers Licence

Required?

YES

Minimum Age

YES


YES

Insurance Required?

YES

Helmet Required?

YES

Mopeds

10

Motorcycles

What is a motorcycle? Under the Motor Vehicles Act, “motorcycle” means a motor vehicle that

• has two or three wheels;

• is designed for use on a highway; and

• does not have a cab for the driver.

Those motorcycles with engine displacements of 50cc or less are classified as mopeds. For more information on mopeds, see page 8. All other motorcycles are classified and registered as regular motorcycles.

Special Requirements • You may not stand up while operating or riding on a motorcycle, carry

more passengers than the motorcycle is designed and equipped to carry, or permit your passenger to contravene passenger restrictions (Motor Vehicles Act 242).

• You must wear an approved helmet in the prescribed manner (Motor Vehicles Act 243).

• You may not ride abreast of other motorcycles except when passing (Motor Vehicles Act 244).

• You may not operate any motorcycle with an engine displacement of 90cc or less on a road outside of a municipality, nor on a road with a posted speed limit greater than 50 km/h (Motor Vehicles Act 245).

• If you test on a motorcycle with automatic transmission, an endorsement (Code K and Code U) will be applied to your licence restricting you to motorcycles with automatic transmission only.

• If you complete your road test on a motorcycle with an engine displacement of 90cc or less, you will be restricted to operating mopeds and other motorcycles with engine displacements of not more than 90cc.




11

Licence: The Department of Transportation requires a Class 6 or 6P Drivers Licence or a restricted Class 6 licence under prescribed conditions to operate a motorcycle. Operation with a Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 is permitted while learning to operate, with supervision by a full Class 6 holder who has held a Class 6 licence for a minimum of two years. The supervisor must either be on the motorcycle with the learner or in or on another motor vehicle in close proximity.

Minimum Driving Age: You may obtain a Class 7 licence at 15 years old, but holders require supervision while learning. The minimum age for a probationary Class 5 or 6 is 16 years old. The minimum age for a full Class 5 or 6 licence is 17 years old.

Registration: The Department of Transportation requires a motorcycle to be registered and plated (Motor Vehicles Act 5, 6).

Insurance: The Department of Transportation requires a motorcycle to be insured (Motor Vehicles Act 18).

Helmet: The Department of Transportation requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear an approved helmet, securely fastened (Motor Vehicles Act 243, Motorcycle Helmet Regulations).

Drivers Licence

Required?

YES

Minimum Age

YES


YES

Insurance Required?

YES

Helmet Required?

YES

Motorcycles

12

All-Terrain and Special All-Terrain Vehicles

What is an all-terrain vehicle? The on-road use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the Northwest Territories is governed by the All-Terrain Vehicles Act (ATVA). “All-terrain vehicle” encompasses a variety of vehicles, including but not limited to, snowmobiles, quads, dirt bikes, and trail bikes. Most ATVs are intended for off-road use only and territorial legislation prohibits all ATVs from operating on roads outside of a municipality. The only exception is operation on a winter road under prescribed conditions (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 2(3)).

However, the Department of Transportation will register special all-terrain vehicles (SATVs) for limited on-road use, subject to prescribed conditions. All ATVs are also subject to municipal bylaws.

What is a Special All-Terrain Vehicle? A special all-terrain vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle that operates on three or four wheels. SATVs, commonly known as quads or four-wheelers and including side-by-sides, are a part of daily life across the Northwest Territories. Only special all-terrain vehicles meeting all requirements will be registered with the Department of Transportation.




13

Utility Terrain Vehicles Side-by-sides, also known as utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles, are growing in popularity. Typical features of these powerful small vehicles include non-straddle side-by-side seating, seat belts, and a roll-cage. These vehicles meet the definition of an SATV. All laws applying to SATVs apply to side-by-sides.

Special Requirements • To operate on-road, an SATV must be equipped with a headlight and tail light

when operated at night, as well as at least one braking system at all times (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 3(6), 3(7)).

• You must be at least 14 years of age to operate an SATV on-road. An approved special all-terrain vehicle helmet is required and there is a maximum of two persons, including the driver, permitted per vehicle. Registration, licence plate and validation sticker, and insurance are required for on-road operation (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 9.03, 9.04, 9.05, 9.07, 9.08, 9.17).

Is this ATV permitted on-road?

Is registration required for this

ATV?

Is insurance required for this ATV?

What equipment is required for this ATV?

Is this ATV allowed on a roadway or

shoulder outside of a municipality?

Is this ATV

subject to

Municipal Bylaws?

SNOWMOBILE No, unless permitted

by municipal

bylaw.

No. Snowmobiles are not permitted

on-road, except for winter roads under

prescribed conditions.

Only if operating on a winter road.

Braking system, headlight, tail

light

No, except on a winter road under prescribed

conditions. (ATVA 2(3))

Yes

DIRT BIKES and TRAIL BIKES

No, unless permitted

by municipal

bylaw.

No. Dirt and trail bikes are not

permitted on-road, except for winter

roads under prescribed conditions.

Only if operating on a winter road.


light



Yes

QUAD Yes, under prescribed conditions.

Yes, for on-road use.

Yes, for all on-road use.


light



Yes

SIDE-BY-SIDE Yes, under prescribed conditions.

Yes, for on-road use.

Yes, for all on-road use.


light



Yes

Common All-Terrain Vehicles

14

Special All-Terrain Vehicles

Licence: The Department of Transportation does not require a Drivers Licence to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), including a special all-terrain vehicle (SATV). However, there may be bylaws in your community requiring operators to hold a valid Drivers Licence.

Minimum Driving Age: No person under 14 years of age may operate a special all-terrain vehicle on-road (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 9.03). Children should not operate full-size ATVs at any time. Children and young adults should be supervised and wear approved helmets and proper gear.

Registration: The Department of Transportation requires registration for on-road use of a special all-terrain vehicle (All-Terrain Vehicle Act 9.06).

Insurance: The Department of Transportation requires insurance for on-road use of a special all-terrain vehicle (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 9.17).

Helmet: No person shall operate or ride on a special all-terrain vehicle on-road unless that person is wearing an approved helmet, securely fastened (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 9.04).

Driver’s Licence

Required?

Minimum Driving Age

14, under prescribed conditions

Under prescribed conditions

Insurance Required?

NO



Where can I ride?

Permitted on-road under prescribed

conditions

Drivers Licence

Required?

Minimum Driving Age

14, under prescribed conditions


Insurance Required?

NO



Helmet Required?





Where can I ride? A registered SATV that meets all requirements of the All-Terrain Vehicles Act may be operated on NT roads. However, no ATV, including an SATV, is permitted on a road outside of a municipality. The only exception is operation on a winter road under prescribed conditions (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 2(3)). No ATV, including an SATV, may exceed the speed limit or 50 km/h (30 km/h where no limit is posted) (All-Terrain Vehicles Act 2(1), 8(2)).

15

Safety Tips for Users of All-Terrain Vehicles

Think and Ride

1. Use your head and protect it too. Always wear an approved helmet and encourage your friends to do the same.

2. ATVs and alcohol don’t mix! Never ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

3. Be prepared. Ensure that all equipment is functioning properly. Pack an emergency kit and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Dress appropriately for weather and bush conditions.

4. Size does matter. Children and young adults are too small to properly control a large ATV, regardless of experience. Adult-sized ATVs should not be operated by anyone younger than sixteen. Follow all manufacturer’s specifications respecting loading and passengers.

5. Ride responsibly! Respect the land and animals, as well as other riders, so that future generations can ride too.

Before You Ride

1. Make sure your registration and insurance, where required, are up to date. Secure your licence plate and carry proof of insurance.

2. Check your helmet. Get a new one if there are any dents or cracks. Replace your helmet if it used in a collision.

3. Give your ATV a twice-over. Check that all equipment, including brakes, lights, engine, and tires are functioning properly.

4. Familiarize yourself with municipal bylaws regarding ATVs.

5. Pack your emergency kit: blanket, snacks, waterproof matches, whistle, insect repellant and sun block, flashlight, spare fuel, tea/coffee, water purification tablets, duct tape, signal mirror, tool kit, first aid supplies, rope, flares, spare keys, sharp knife, GPS (Global Positioning System) or SPOT locater, and/or compass.

16

Mobility Aids

What is a Mobility Aid? For information only, the Department of Transportation describes “mobility aid” as a device used to facilitate the transport, in a normal seated orientation, of a person with a physical disability.

This includes devices like motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters. A mobility scooter should not be confused with a full-speed scooter (motorcycle).

Special Requirements Under the Motor Vehicles Act, the definition of a motor vehicle excludes “a mechanically propelled wheelchair.” A mobility aid does not require insur-ance or registration. A Drivers Licence is not required to operate a mobility aid.

However, a mobility aid may not be operated on-road and should never be operated in traffic like a motor vehicle. A person operating a mobility aid should act and be treated as a pedestrian.




17

Mobility Aids

Licence: The Department of Transportation does not require a Drivers Licence to operate a mobility aid.

Minimum Driving Age: The Department of Transportation does not legislate a minimum age for operation of a mobility aid.

Registration: The Department of Transportation does not require you to register your mobility aid.

Insurance: The Department of Transportation does not require you to insure your mobility aid.

Helmet: The Department of Transportation does not require you to wear a helmet while operating a mobility aid. However, the use of a helmet is recommended when operating on rough surfaces.

Drivers Licence

Required?

NO

Minimum Driving

Age

N/A


NO

Insurance Required?

NO

Helmet Required?

NO

18

Licensing Table

The table below describes what the Department of Transportation requires for the operation of certain vehicles on NT roads. The requirements of individual municipalities may vary. Please contact your municipality to determine bylaws and other requirements specific to your community.

Small Vehicle Licensing Requirements in the Northwest Territories

Vehicle Type

Which class of Drivers Licence can be used to

operate this vehicle?

What is the minimum operating

age?

Is registration required for this

vehicle?

Is insurance required for this vehicle?

Is a helmet required

while operating

this vehicle?

Is supervision required

while operating this

vehicle?

Special All-Terrain Vehicles (SATV, quads)

A Drivers Licence is not required to operate an SATV.

You must be at least 14 to operate an

SATV on-road.

Yes Yes Yes N/A

Mopeds Class 5 or 5P N/A Yes Yes Yes No

1,2,3,4,6, 6P N/A Yes Yes Yes No

Class 7 15 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Motorcycles Class 6, 6P N/A Yes Yes Yes No

1,2,3,4,5, 5P N/A Yes Yes Yes Yes

Class 7 15 Yes Yes Yes Yes

With a Class 1 licence, you may operate any motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles unsupervised, except a Class 6 vehicle. You may operate a Class 6 vehicle with supervision while learning. With a Class 2 licence, you may operate a bus, any vehicle in classes 3, 4, or 5, and any Class 1 or 6 vehicle with supervision while learning. With a Class 3 licence, you may operate any single vehicle with three or more axles, any combination of vehicles where the towed vehicle in the combination do not exceed a gross weight of 4500 kg, any combination of vehicles without air brakes where the towed vehicles exceed a gross weight of 4500 kg, any Class 4 or 5 vehicle, and any Class 1, 2 or 6 vehicle with supervision while learning. With a Class 4 licence, you may operate any bus up to 24 passengers, taxi, ambulance, or Class 5 vehicle, and any Class 1, 2, 3, or 6 vehicle with supervision while learning. With a Class 5 licence, you may operate any two-axle vehicle other than motorcycle with an engine displacement exceeding 50cc, a moped, any combination of a two axle towing vehicle and towed vehicles where the towing and towed vehicles do not exceed 4500 kg, a construction vehicle up to two axles other than a grader or three axle compactor, and any Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 vehicle with supervision while learning. A Class 5P licence is a Class 5 licence on a one-year probationary term. Holders of a 5P licence are subject to the requirements of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program. With a Class 6 licence, you may operate any motorcycle. A Class 6P licence is a Class 6 licence on a one-year probationary term. Holders of a 6P licence are subject to the requirements of the Graduated Driver Licensing Program. With a Class 7 licence, you may operate any Class 5 or 6 vehicle with supervision while learning. You must be at least 18 years of age to hold a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 licence. You must be at least 17 to hold a Class 5 or 6 licence. You must be at least 16 to hold a Class 5P or 6P licence. You must be at least 15 to hold a Class 7 licence. Visit the Department of Transportation online at www.dot.gov.nt.ca for more information.

19

Prohibited Vehicles

What does “prohibited” mean? Prohibited vehicles do not meet the Department of Transportation’s requirements for registration of either a motor vehicle or an all-terrain vehicle, nor the definition of a pedestrian under the Motor Vehicles Act. These vehicles are not permitted on NWT roads.

Neither a motor vehicle nor an all-terrain vehicle may be operated on a sidewalk. Mobility aids are permitted on sidewalks (Motor Vehicles Act 233, All-Terrain Vehicles Act 2(3)). For more information on mobility aids, see page 16.

Special Requirements • Under the Motor Vehicles Act, "pedestrian" means a person on foot or in

a wheelchair and includes a child in a carriage or carried by a person on foot.

• Under the Motor Vehicles Act, “sidewalk” means the part of a highway beside or near a curb or edge of a roadway that is improved for the use of pedestrians.




20

Prohibited Vehicles

Personal Transporter Golf Cart

Pocketbike

Motorized Skateboard

Go-Kart

Stand-up Scooter

Three-wheeled/Trike All-Terrain Vehicle

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