In the spring of 2023, the province passed Bill 273, the “Road Trails Act” which gives towns like the Town of Pictou the power to enact their own bylaws allowing OHVs, that meet requirements, to legally access designated roads. In April 2025 the Town of Pictou introduced amendments to the Town’s OHV By-Law to designate specific streets in the downtown and waterfront district open to OHVs which meet the requirements as set in Bill 273.

The following is a series of FAQs developed to answer questions about the bylaw, and OHV access to designated streets in the Town of Pictou.

DEFINITIONS:
OHV designates an “off-highway vehicle”, and also dirt bike, or other Off-Highway Vehicle that meet requirements (also known as “ATVs”)

“Road trail” means the shoulder and travelled portion of a highway designated under this Bylaw.

APPLICABLE LEGISLATION

BILL NO. 273, Road Trails Act, Province of Nova Scotia

Motor Vehicle Act

Off-Highway Vehicles Act

Town of Pictou Off-Highway Vehicles By-Law

PLEASE NOTE: Driver and passenger assume the risks of using a road trail. The Town of Pictou is not liable for injury, damage or death from operating on a road trail. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: On which streets in Pictou are OHVs allowed to travel?
A: At this time, OHVs are only allowed to access the following streets or portions of streets in Pictou (please refer to the Road Trail Map):
Brown’s Point Road, Weaver Road, West River Road, Haliburton Road, Church Street, Water Street, Front Street, Caladh Avenue, Market Street (from Water Street to Caladh Avenue), George Street, Coleraine Street, Commercial Street, Kempt Street, Creighton Street and Depot Street.

Q: Are designated streets accessible to all OHVs?

A: NOT NECESSARILY. A driver can operate an OHV, dirt bike, or other Off-Highway Vehicle on a Road Trail if they meet the requirements listed in Bill 273.

Q: What are the key requirements to operate an OHV on a designated street?
A: A rider must have a valid driver’s license (not learners) and third-party liability insurance. All riders must also have their OHV legally registered and inspected where applicable. License plates must be clearly visible, the same as on motor vehicles. Police can stop any OHV or motor vehicle to check for valid registration, insurance, and driver’s license.

Q: What are the key safety requirements?
A: Helmets and seatbelts* must be worn (*if OHV is equipped) and OHVs must have a headlight (on), red rear light, and left side mirror.

Q: Which system of signals to indicate turning or stop will be used?
A: Most OHVs are already equipped with brake lights and some brands even have signal lights. If not, riders must use their left hand with the arm to the left to indicate a left turn, the left hand pointing in the air for the right turn and the hand down pointing to the ground to indicate a stop or slowing down.

Q: What if I am in an accident while operating an OHV on a designated street?
A: If in an accident, stop, give information and provide assistance. If there is damage to an unattended vehicle, make an effort to identify the owner, and otherwise inform police. If a collision/damage occurs involving any OHVs and another OHV, or motor vehicle, it needs to be reported regardless of the amount of damage. Failure to do so, and if the rider(s) drives off, can result in a charge of failing to remain at the scene of an accident. The Registrar will receive and manage reports of accidents damages >$2000 or injury or death of a person.

Q: Are there any restrictions around children as passengers?
A: Yes, children under 9 years old are not permitted as passengers while accessing designated streets.

Q: Is there a speed limit set for OHVs using Water Street?
A: Yes, OHVs are not permitted to exceed 25 KPH while using designated streets.

Q: Is there a restriction on the noise made by OHVs?
A: Yes, noise may not exceed Original Manufacturer Specification.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the hours when OHVs can travel on designated streets?
A: Yes, no operation is permitted 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.

Q: Are OHVs permitted to go up any side streets?
A: No. Access is restricted to only designated streets.

Q: Where can OHV riders park?
A: There is designated street parking throughout the downtown and waterfront that may be used by OHV riders.

Q: Where can I get full details and information about the Provincial Road Trails Act?
A: The full act can be found on the Nova Scotia Legislature website at www.nslegislature.ca

Q: What else is important to remember when operating an OHV on designated streets?
A: Do not operate an OHV while impaired. Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol on an OHV carries the exact same penalties as driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

NOTE: if the above information referencing requirements is different from what is stated in the various Provincial Acts; then the Act prevails. It is the responsibility of OHV riders to consult the Acts and understand what is required while using an off highway vehicle on designated road trail.

Please ride safely!
Off Highway Vehicle - Designated Street Map, Town of Pictou
June 2025

pdf Download Map pdf(2.03 MB)