Types of off-road vehicles

To qualify as an off-road vehicle (ORV), a vehicle must be “mainly designed or adapted” for use on rough surfaces or unpaved or difficult-to-access terrain. A passenger vehicle temporarily modified for use in these areas cannot be considered an ORV. A motorized mobility aid (AMM) is not a ORV.

The types of vehicles considered to be ORVs, within the meaning of the Act respecting off-highway vehicles, are:

• snowmobiles
• quad bikes (ATVs or four-wheelers);
• utility task vehicles (side-by-side);
• all-terrain motorcycles, including motocross bikes;
• any other motorized vehicle primarily designed or adapted for use on uneven surfaces or unpaved or difficult-to-access terrain (surfaces consisting of snow, ice, earth, sand or gravel, as well as woodlands and other natural environments).

An off-road vehicle (ORV) must be equipped to make sure you and other road users are safe. To learn more, see page Compulsory equipment for off-road vehicles.