Off-road vehicles

Do off-road vehicles need licence plates and insurance?

It depends what type of off-road vehicle it is, and how it is used.

Many types off-road vehicles cannot be registered, licensed or insured, including:

• dirt bikes
• dune buggies
• all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) - unless used for farming or industrial purposes

However, some off-road vehicles, when used to cross a road that the public has access to drive on, must be registered, licensed and insured. These vehicles include:

• snowmobiles
• golf carts
• ATVs (when used for farming or industrial purposes)

ATVs used for farming and industrial use

Before you can license and insure an ATV used for farming or industrial purposes, you must get an Operation Permit. This permit states where and when your ATV may cross a road. For more information about operation permits, or to get one for your ATV, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Once you have a permit, please see your Autoplan broker to register, license, and insure the ATV.

Need more information?

Please phone Vehicle Registration Support: 604-661-6638. (We accept collect calls.)

Or, write to:

ICBC - Vehicle Registration Support
Room 235 - 151 West Esplanade