Provincial legislative changes to the Highway Traffic Act came into effect on July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021 with the intent to extend Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) use to Extreme Terrain Vehicles (XTVs) and allow ORV use on all roads in the municipalities prescribed in Ontario Regulation (O.Reg.) 8/03 (local municipalities where 80km/hr speed limits apply), respectively. The Township of Asphodel-Norwood along with all other municipalities in Peterborough County fall under this regulation.
Asphodel-Norwood adopted an ATV By-law on December 13, 2022 to regulate the operation of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) use on Township roadways. This By-law will be reviewed and, if deemed necessary, updated after one year.
Peterborough County approved an ORV By-law on June 29, 2022 to regulate the operation of ORVs on County Roads. This By-law is reviewed and, if required, updated every two years.
Regulation of ORVs within Asphodel-Norwood
- An ORV shall not be permitted to travel on municipal roads between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- ORVs shall not be driven at a rate of speed greater than 20 km/hr if the speed established under the Highway Traffic Act or by Municipal By-law for that part of the highway is not greater than 60 km/hr.; or 50 km/hr if the speed limit established under the Highway Traffic Act or by Municipal By-law for that part of the highway is greater than 60 km/hr;
- ORVs shall not be permitted to travel on a municipal highway if the exhaust system has been altered over the manufacturer's recommended decibel level;
- No person shall operate an ORV:
- over and upon any municipally owned property that is not deemed an opened road allowance (see By-law 2022-56 Schedule A);
- in any municipal park, trail system, or green space;
- on any sidewalk, footpath or other area meant solely for pedestrian traffic;
- on any private property, roads (see By-law 2022-56 Schedule B) or driveways without the consent of the owner thereof; and
- on any unopened road allowances (see By-law 2022-56 Schedule A);
- Helmets are required on all municipal highways along with a valid driver's licence and insurance; and
- Travel must be in the same direction as traffic and ORVs must travel on the shoulder of the road, but may travel on the road only if the shoulder is unsafe.
