Snowmobile and ATV use on Municipal Roads

Snowmobile and ATV use on Municipal Roads

The City of Iqaluit would like to remind residents that the operation of snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles within the municipality and upon roadways requires valid registration and insurance.

Registration for snowmobiles is available through the City of Iqaluit for an annual $25.00 fee.

Registration for ATV’s are issued by the Motor Vehicle Registrar and available through the Government of Nunavut’s Motor Vehicles Division in Iqaluit.

Proof of valid insurance is necessary in order to obtain a registration plate or to renew an existing registration plate and operate a snowmobile on municipal roadways.

Operators of snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles are required to follow all traffic laws and obey all traffic signage. This includes but is not limited to obeying speed limits, Stop and Yield signs and must drive as close as possible to the right hand side of the roadway.

Snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles used for traditional purposes are not required to be registered and insured, however the operator must be engaged in a traditional purpose and going to or from the land or sea ice by the most direct route possible.

Snowmobile and All-Terrain Vehicle operators are encouraged to utilize the identified snowmobile and ATV trail system within the municipality for enhanced public safety.

Operators of All-Terrain Vehicles, Utility Terrain Vehicles and Recreational Off-Road Vehicles shall wear a prescribed and approved helmet while operating the vehicle within the municipality as per the City of Iqaluit Traffic Safety Bylaw #894 and any of its amendments.

Any All-Terrain Vehicle that provides for the use of seatbelts, the operator shall wear the seatbelt in the prescribed manner as per the vehicles manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old must an operator be to drive an ATV?
A: No person under the age of 14 shall operate an ATV unless accompanied on the ATV by an adult.

Q: Do I have to wear a helmet while operating an ATV?
A: Yes, helmets are mandatory unless the operator is operating the snowmobile or ATV for traditional purposes and commuting to and from the land or sea ice.

Q: Does an operator of an ATV have the right-of-way when crossing the road at an ATV crossing?
A: No, the operator of an All-terrain Vehicle within the City shall stop the vehicle before crossing any highway and shall proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Residents of Iqaluit wishing to obtain more information on the rules and regulations of ATV’s and Snowmobiles within Iqaluit may reference the following legislation:

City of Iqaluit Bylaws

- All-Terrain Vehicle Bylaw 557
- All-Terrain Vehicle Bylaw Amendment 798
- Traffic Safety Bylaw 894

Territorial Legislation

- All-Terrain Vehicles Act, NSNWT (NU) 1988, CA-3

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For additional information, please contact: 
Municipal Enforcement
867-979-5670
municipalenforcement@iqaluit.ca