Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs): questions about registration

Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs): questions about registration


Before heading out on snowy trails with your snowmobile or on dirt roads with your ATV, make sure you have the right documents in hand to legally practice your favorite activity. Here are the answers to 6 frequently asked questions about registrations and insurance.
1- How to register my snowmobile or ATV

Group of snowmobilers hiking on a trail Like road vehicles, snowmobiles and ATVs must be registered, even if they are only used on designated trails. If you own either of these vehicles, you can visit one of our registration centers to obtain a registration certificate.

The registration of snowmobiles and ATVs is renewed every year: in December for snowmobiles and in March for ATVs.

Note that snowmobilers who return their vehicle before March 31st can obtain a partial refund, since the vehicle does not run all year round.

ATV storage can be done year-round as they are all-season vehicles. A refund is possible and advantageous if it is stored for more than a month.

In Quebec, only vehicles that are registered and whose plates have been adequately renewed can cross a public road and use the trails. In addition, a valid trail permit is mandatory for all traffic on trails maintained by off-road vehicle clubs.
2- What is the cost of a registration certificate?

The price of registering an off-road vehicle differs depending on the type of vehicle. To find out the exact amount to pay for your snowmobile or ATV, it is best to refer to the site of the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec.

If it is a new vehicle, you will need to have your driver's license (regular or probationary, regardless of class) on hand, which also authorizes you to drive a snowmobile or any other ATV.
3- Can I register a snowmobile or an ATV without having the papers?

There are very specific cases, for example an inheritance or an inclusion in a building sale, that involve off-road vehicles. The new owner will have to register the famous vehicle before using it legally. These files are handled on a case-by-case basis and you must contact the SAAQ before going to a registration center.

However, remember this: all vehicles, even off-road, must be registered. You should do this upon acquisition. In this way, we avoid ending up with a vehicle without an owner.
4- What am I exposing myself to in the event of a violation?

In the event of a violation of the Highway Safety Code or the Act respecting off-highway vehicles, offenders risk:

    A fine
    Demerit points (the same ones that apply for drivers of road vehicles)

Also, when it comes to driving a snowmobile or ATV while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication, it is forbidden ... Zero tolerance!

In addition, the real impact on the wallet will be visible when you renew your driver's license. The price of the latter being modulated according to the number of skill points.
5- Do I absolutely have to insure my snowmobile or my ATV?

Quad Riders Downhill on a Rocky Trail While car registration fees include insurance premiums, snowmobiles and ATVs are not.

The Quebec Automobile Insurance Act does not provide any compensation for injuries sustained in an accident with an off-road vehicle, unless a moving car or other vehicle traveling on a public road is involved.

Whether you are traveling on private land or on a trail, if you drive a snowmobile or an ATV, you must take out civil liability insurance of a minimum of $ 1,000,000 guaranteeing compensation for material or bodily injury. caused by your vehicle. If you are a member of a federation, the fees you pay to help access and maintain the trails include liability insurance.

But you must understand that this compulsory insurance does not cover material damage that could occur to your vehicle and its accessories. It is therefore necessary to provide additional protection, which you can obtain from your auto insurer, because there are advantages to combining your car insurance and snowmobile or ATV insurance. Also note that liability insurance of only $ 500,000 may not be sufficient if you are doing snowmobile tours on the amé side.