Off-Road Vehicle Ban Takes Effect

The province has brought in a ban on operating any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes on Crown land as of noon today.

The ban covers the Cariboo, Southeast, and Kamloops Fire Centres which includes the Okanagan and Shuswap.

Forests Minister Doug Donaldson (pictured) says the step is being taken to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

“The operation of any off-road vehicles in these regions during the current wildfire situation creates a potential wildfire risk,” says Donaldson. “While jeeps, trucks and other on-highway vehicles are permitted on designated roads, they are not allowed off-road.”

The prohibition of off-road vehicles and on-highway vehicles does not apply to private lands or national parks. It also does not apply to emergency responders or to agriculture or commercial/ industrial users who operate vehicles for farming, emergency response or business purposes.

Violators could be issued a ticket for $767.

“If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.”

To report an off-road violation, call the RAPP line at: 1 877 952-7277.

Donaldson says during the current wildfire danger, it’s crucial the province do everything it can to prevent human-caused wildfires.

“Temporarily removing off-road vehicles from the back country is another component of our wildfire prevention strategy.”