The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Submitted by Creighton RCMP In recent weeks, Creighton RCMP have received numerous complaints of all-terrain vehicles causing problems in the communities of Denare Beach and Creighton. From dirt bikes driving in Highmoor's sand pit to quads and other ATVs driving dangerously down residential streets and even highways, this has posed a recurrent problem for officers and community residents alike. Many people do not understand the legislation surrounding the usage of these vehicles or the consequences of their misuse. The two relevant pieces of legislation for Saskatchewan residents is the All Terrain Vehicles Act and the Traffic Safety Act. Both documents can be found online at www.publications.gov.sk.ca. The Traffic Safety Act covers all motor vehicles and their registration, whereas the All Terrain Vehicles Act details the usage and safe operation of vehicles 'designed primarily for the movement of people or goods on unprepared surfaces.' This includes four wheelers (quads) and dirt bikes, as well as mini-bikes. The ATV act is not very large at only sixteen pages in length but it defines who is authorized to drive the aforementioned vehicles and where. All too many youths and parents are seemingly unaware of the requirements for the safe and legal operation of all terrain vehicles. The requirement to operate such vehicles is for the operator to have a valid driver's license and to not be under 16 years of age, in any case in which the operator is anywhere other than on private land. On private land, the operator can use an ATV without a license but only if that land is theirs or that of their immediate family. Off of private land, namely on Crown land (not otherwise being used by the Crown for a power station or something else), someone under the age of sixteen can operate an ATV so long as they are immediately supervised by a person who has held a valid driver's license for over a year. Please refer to the act for clearer details on both supervision and age restrictions. In terms of the current issues in the communities of Denare Beach and Creighton, these acts have not always been followed by residents. Other acts, including the Saskatchewan Trespass to Property Act, are applicable. For example, youths driving ATVs in Highmoor's sand pit may not only face tickets for driving without a licence, or for driving unregistered vehicles (under the Traffic Safety Act if driving on driven portion of roadways), but they may also be arrested or charged for trespassing. Criminal charges may include mischief or causing a disturbance. Other TSA offences may include stunting or driving at speeds greater than safe. In Denare Beach, many operators are not wearing helmets, which is a requirement under the All Terrain Vehicle Act (not including side-by-sides or enclosed ATVs). Finally, residents need to be aware of their local bylaws concerning locations where ATVs can be driven on roadways and at what speeds. The police have used discretion in dealing with many of these offences. Denare Beach especially is a leisure community and many individuals drive their ATVs not only along roadways but even on the driving portion of them, simply to get gas at the local Alpine Convenience Store. Generally no complaints are made regarding these drivers but due to the numerous recent complaints regarding the operation of ATVs it is likely strict enforcement will follow. Fines may be monetary or vehicles may be seized and towed, depending on the offence committed. In some cases, criminal charges have been laid for impaired operation of a motor vehicle for individuals driving all terrain vehicles. Please review the applicable acts mentioned in this article, and ensure yourself and your family are complying with the law in the use and operation of these vehicles. Within the past two years alone the unsafe use of these ATVs have resulted in injury, damage to property, criminal charges, civil liability, and even death. The Creighton RCMP are making ongoing efforts to minimize the unsafe use of ATVs and to educate communities on safety and the law. Be aware of your own limits and for parents please ensure you set limits for your children, and ensure their supervision as required by the law. Any questions concerning these laws can be directed to the Creighton RCMP detachment at 306-688-8888.
