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Powell River RCMP issues warning for dirt bike drivers

Zero tolerance for dangerous driving of off road vehicles on public roadways
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DANGEROUS DRIVING: Powell River RCMP issue warning about dirt bikes being driven on public roadways.

If residents in qathet have heard the loud buzzing of a dirt bike motor ripping down their public roadway recently, it's not their imagination.  

Powell River RCMP said in a recent statement, that they have been receiving a number of alarming reports regarding youth driving off road vehicles on public roadways and driving dangerously on the roads and in the trail systems.

Powell River RCMP are advising all off road vehicle drivers and parents of off road vehicle drivers that police will be strictly enforcing the Motor Vehicle Act and the Off Road Vehicle Act over the next few months, with zero tolerance for driving off road vehicles on public roadways and zero tolerance for dangerous driving.

If you operate an off road vehicle on or across a public roadway, highway or forest service road you are required: To obtain ICBC insurance; to have a valid driver’s license; to operate the vehicle in a safe manner.

Powell River RCMP stated that all off road vehicle drivers must carry identification and produce it to police when asked. All violation tickets are sent to Insurance Corporation of Canada (ICBC) regardless of the age of the driver and could affect the eventual acquisition of a driver’s license and insurance.

They also warned that non-adherence could result in seizure of the vehicle.

Anyone who witnesses a violation of the motor vehicle act or off road vehicle act is encouraged to call Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255.

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