The provincial government has announced legislative changes to address the number tragedies involving off-road vehicles – making helmets mandatory on all off-road vehicles and the inclusion of side-by-sides in the legislation.

A number of fatalities and serious injury accidents have occurred in the last few months involving off-road collisions.

Service NL Minister Sarah Stoodley says 68 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have lost their lives in off-road vehicle accidents since 2014.

Since January of this year, there have been another four fatalities, prompting proposed changes to legislation as outlined by the minister this morning.

After what Stoodley calls a comprehensive review, the province is proposing to combine the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act and the All-Terrain Vehicles Act into the New Off Road Vehicles Act.

The new act includes new language and the addition of side-by-side vehicles.

Training will be required for anyone under 16, as well and those registering an off-road vehicle for the first time, along with anyone convicted of an offence under the Act or who has had their registration suspended or cancelled.

In the new legislation, a person will not be permitted to use a dirt bike unless they can sit astride it with both feet on the ground, and a person will not be able to operate a side-by-side unless they’re able to sit with their seatbelt fastened and both feet on the floor.

Provisions will be made for persons with disabilities who require approved modifications recommended by the manufacturer.

Under the new act, it will be mandatory to wear a helmet on all off-road vehicles unless exempted under the regulations.

The legislation could be passed in the House as early as today, but individual aspects will become law at different times with the public notified of specific dates.

The full list of proposed changes can be found below.

Photos Courtesy: GovNL