Welcome to the Town of Yarmouth
On the Edge of Everywhere
OHV Road Trail Access
For more than a decade, the Town of Yarmouth has actively engaged the province to be part of a pilot program to allow “OHVs” (Off-Highway Vehicles, also commonly called “ATVs”), to access specific streets within town. In the spring of 2023, the province passed Bill 273, the “Road Trails Act” which gives towns like Yarmouth the power to enact their own bylaws allowing OHVs, that meet requirements, to legally access designated streets.
In response to Bill 273, which became law in September 2023, the Town introduced a bylaw to designate Water Street as open to OHVs that meet the requirements.
The following is a series of FAQs developed to answer questions about the bylaw, and OHV access to Water Street in Yarmouth.
DEFINITIONS:
OHV designates an “off-highway vehicle”, and also dirtbike, 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 LEGISLATIONS:
- BILL NO. 273, Road Trails Act, Province of Nova Scotia
- Motor Vehicle Act
- Off-highway Vehicles Act
- Bylaw (bylaw 80) respecting the Road Trails Act in the Town of Yarmouth
PLEASE NOTE: Driver and passenger assume the risks of using a road trail. The Town of Yarmouth is not liable for injury, damage or death from operating on a road trail.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: On which streets in Yarmouth are OHVs allowed to travel?
A: At this time, OHVs are only allowed to access Water Street in Yarmouth.
Q: Is Water Street accessible to all OHVs?
A: NOT NECESSARILY. A driver can operate an OHV, dirtbike, 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 Water 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. Licence 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 licence.
Q: What are the key safety requirements?
A: Helmets and seatbelts* must be worn (*if OHV was 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 Water 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: No children under 9 years old are permitted as passengers while accessing Water Street.
Q: Is there a speed limit set for OHVs using Water Street?
A: Yes, OHVs are not permitted to exceed 25 KPH while using Water Street.
Q: Is there a restriction on the noise made by OHVs?
A: Noise may not exceed Original Manufacturer Specification.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the hours when OHVs can travel on Water Street?
A: No operation 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 Water Street at this time.
Q: What amenities are available on Water Street, or nearby?
A: There are restaurants on Water Street, and a fuel provider that offers cardlock service (requires an application with the provider). Riders are encouraged to access the amenities available on Water Street, or park on Water Street and access a variety of nearby businesses, parks, and other attractions in the downtown by foot.
Q: Where can OHV riders park when accessing Water Street?
A: There is designated street parking along much of Water Street 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 nslegislature.ca
Q: What else is important to remember when operating an OHV on Water Street?
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.
Please ride safely!
Road Trail Map (subject to change). Click the image for a larger version.
Transit Guidelines
For the comfort and safety of Town of Yarmouth Transit passengers, we ask that all passengers follow our rules of the road.
Strollers. Front seats will be yielded to passengers with strollers and those with mobility issues. Children in strollers are to remain strapped in and secure at all times.
Smoking/Vaping. Passengers may not smoke or vape (e.g. e-cigarettes) while on the bus or at bus shelters.
Food and Beverages. Food and beverages are permitted on the bus, provided that all beverages have a secure cover or lid. Please respect our space and remove any excess waste when you exit the bus.
Animals. Except for vested service dogs, animals are not allowed on the bus, unless properly restrained in a closed cage or carrier to prevent disturbance or damage to the bus.
Clothing. Passengers are required to wear a shirt or top and footwear.
Scents. Passengers are asked to respect the comfort of others who are sensitive to fragrances and consider a “scent-free” environment.
Luggage. Luggage and groceries should not exceed more than what is manageable by one person.
Recyclables. The town of Yarmouth Transit does not allow any bags of recyclable cans and bottles to be transported on the bus.
Scooters. Two-wheel scooters and skateboards are permitted on the bus but must be held securely by the passenger to prevent a tripping hazard.
Other Policies
- Passengers using electronic devices are asked to use earphones and adjust the volume accordingly as to not disturb other passengers.
- Passengers must refrain from using profanity.
- Roller blades are prohibited.
- Everything is subject to change.
Important Information
Town of Yarmouth Transit Operations does their best to follow the posted schedules in order for you to arrive at your destination safely and on time; however, on occasion, road construction, inclement weather or traffic tie-ups may cause delays in the schedule. Your patience and understanding are appreciated during these times. Town of Yarmouth Transit drivers have the authority to deny passengers the right to board Town of Yarmouth Transit buses or remove any passenger who may be causing a disturbance or damage to the bus.
Transit Route & Schedule
The Town of Yarmouth Transit runs using a "Flag Stop" system
Yarmouth Transit customers may choose to board and depart the bus at designated stops or create a flag stop.
Anywhere except Starr's Road and a portion of Main Street and Vancouver Street (see map below) on the designated route, you can “wave” down the bus.
When you want to flag the bus:
- find a safe location along the route
- stand on the side of the road that the bus is travelling
- wave at the bus
When you want to depart the bus
Ask the transit driver to find a “safe place” to stop close to your destination (a safe place is one where visibility is good and where the bus can easily stop).
Why a Flag Stop System?
It's really important to us that our service accommodates our users. This information will be used to help the Town to select new bus stop locations and make route changes in the future.
Holidays
The transit service does not run Sundays and on the following holidays. Notices are sent out to the public to remind of each of these closures as they approach:
New Year’s Day
Heritage Day
Good Friday
Victoria Day
Canada Day
Labour Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Boxing Day
Route & Schedule
The route and schedule are below. You may also download our brochure which contains the route, schedule, and guidelines by clicking the following link:
pdf Town of Yarmouth Transit Brochure 2025(4.63 MB)
