Prince George RCMP target unsafe dirt bike use inside city limits

Prince George RCMP and City of Prince George Bylaw Services are stepping up enforcement on dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles being used illegally within city limits. This action follows a recent rise in public complaints about riders, many of them youth, operating dirt bikes in residential areas and other public spaces.

The focus of this initiative is on unlicensed dirt bikes being driven on streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and in neighbourhoods, where they pose safety risks to riders, pedestrians and other road users. Police have linked this operational focus to file numbers 2026-14343 and 2026-18468, and are urging parents and guardians to speak directly with young riders about legal requirements and safe operation.

Official details from Prince George RCMP and City Bylaw Services

According to Prince George RCMP, most recent complaints involve underage riders using dirt bikes in areas where they are not permitted, and often without the required safety equipment or licensing. Officers emphasize that dirt bikes are designed for off-road use only and are not allowed in places that are open to the public, including:

• City streets and roadways
• Sidewalks and bike lanes
• Parks, trails and other public spaces where people walk, cycle or gather

Dirt bike riders operating within city limits may face penalties under the Motor Vehicle Act, including but not limited to:

• No insurance: fine of $598
• No driver’s licence: fine of $276 and 3 demerit points
• Riding a motorcycle without the required helmet: fine of $138 and 2 demerit points
• Driving without due care and attention: fine of $368 and 6 demerit points
• Driving without consideration for others: fine of $196 and 6 demerit points

In addition, riders found engaging in stunting or stunt-like behaviour on dirt bikes may have the vehicle impounded for 7 days.

RCMP also underline that certain behaviours can lead to Criminal Code investigations and charges, including:

• Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle
• Flight from a peace officer
• Impaired Operation of a motor vehicle

Authorities note that these off-road vehicles are typically not covered by standard insurance policies when operated illegally on public roads or in public spaces, which can create significant personal civil liability for riders and parents. Key risk factors include:

• Off-road vehicles used unlawfully may leave riders and their families personally responsible for injuries or damage they cause.
• There is a zero-tolerance approach for high-risk behaviour due to the danger to both riders and the public.
• Violation tickets issued to youth riders can influence future insurance premiums for family vehicles if those riders must be declared as high-risk drivers.
• Tickets and demerit points can negatively affect young operators even before they qualify for a full driver’s licence.

The City of Prince George reports that bylaw officers will increase foot patrols in parks, trails and public areas in the coming weeks, and are reviewing signage to make it clearer where off-road vehicles are not allowed. Residents are encouraged to review local bylaws and provincial rules around off-road vehicles and to ensure family members understand that city parks and residential streets are not appropriate or legal places to ride.

CrimeCanada.ca safety perspective

At CrimeCanada.ca, we track how unsafe vehicle use in public spaces affects community safety across the country. Although this alert focuses on Prince George, British Columbia, similar concerns appear in many communities, from smaller municipalities like Harley, Ontario crime and safety statistics to larger urban centres. Illegal dirt bike riding can escalate quickly from a nuisance to a serious collision, particularly when youth are involved or when riders are unlicensed, uninsured, or impaired.

We encourage families to treat dirt bikes with the same seriousness as any other motor vehicle: ensure proper training and supervision, confirm you are riding only on sanctioned trails or off-road areas where this activity is legal, and always use helmets and protective gear. Neighbours who witness ongoing unsafe riding in residential areas should document time, location and vehicle descriptions and report concerns to local bylaw services or police through non-emergency channels. Collective attention to these issues helps reduce injuries, prevent property damage and maintain safe, peaceful neighbourhoods for everyone.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.