ATV Use in Gull Lake: What Residents Need to Know
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
With spring arriving—and the RCMP’s reminder showing up in local mailboxes—it's a good time to clearly lay out what ATV rules actually apply in and around Gull Lake. This guide breaks everything down in plain language, focusing on what matters inside town limits and what applies on public land, based on The All Terrain Vehicles Act and information from the RCMP and SGI.
Who Can Operate an ATV on Public Land
To legally operate an ATV on public land in Saskatchewan:
You must be 16 or older and hold a valid driver’s licence.
Riders 12 to 15 may operate an ATV on public land and at road crossings only if they:
complete an approved ATV training course, or
are supervised by someone who has held a driver’s licence for at least 365 days.
The supervising rider may be on the same ATV or on a separate one.
These rules apply anywhere outside private property.
Insurance Requirements
ATVs do not need to be registered.
However, to ride on public land, you must carry:
a minimum of $200,000 in third‑party liability insurance
This covers injury or property damage caused to others.
Safety Equipment
When riding in public areas:
An approved motorcycle helmet is required.
Protective eyewear is required.
Both are recommended at all times, including on private land.
Impaired Operation
Operating an ATV while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal everywhere, including private property.
It puts the rider, passengers, and others at risk.
Passengers and Riding Practices
Use the buddy system when riding.
Do not carry passengers unless your ATV is designed for more than one person.
Rules of the Road on Public Land
When operating an ATV on public land, riders must:
keep to the right when meeting other vehicles
pass on the left
signal turns when required
stop for police
yield to vehicles on the right and to pedestrians
maintain a safe following distance
drive with due care and consideration
stay at least 2 metres from the edge of the road
travel in the same direction as traffic when riding at night
Crossing Roads
Before crossing a road:
come to a complete stop
all passengers must dismount
yield to all vehicles and pedestrians
cross by the most direct route
➡️ Note: This crossing rule only applies when you’re already on land where ATV use is legal. If you live inside town limits, you must walk or trailer your ATV to the edge of town before riding.
Where ATVs Can Be Driven
ATVs may be operated on:
Crown land
highway rights-of-way
designated snowmobile trails on Crown land between April 16 and November 30
the travelled portion of a road or street only when:
authorized by a local bylaw
authorized by SGI
crossing a road or bridge (unless prohibited)
Private Land
You must have permission from the landowner or occupant before riding on private property.
ATV Use Within Gull Lake Town Limits
This is the part that matters most locally.
Under Section 7 of The All Terrain Vehicles Act:
No person shall operate an ATV on the travelled portion of a highway within the town limits of Gull Lake
In plain language:
You cannot ride an ATV on any street, road, or alley inside Gull Lake.
You may only cross a road—and only under the rules listed above.
Penalties
Under Section 32 of the Act:
Fines can be up to $1,000
If unpaid, imprisonment can be up to 30 days
Summary for Gull Lake Residents
ATVs cannot be operated on any street or road within town limits.
You may cross a road if you follow the rules.
You must have liability insurance to ride on public land.
Helmets and eyewear are mandatory in public areas.
Impaired operation is illegal everywhere.
Age and supervision rules apply outside private property.
For more information, residents can contact SGI or the RCMP detachment.
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