Quebec ATV Licence Plate Requirements: Registration, Trail Permits and Mounting

Quebec requires ATV registration and a plate affixed to the vehicle, including when the ATV is used only on designated trails. A trail permit and vehicle registration serve different purposes; having one does not replace the other.

Requirements reviewed October 6, 2026. Use SAAQ, the applicable regulations and the trail operator's current instructions to confirm the requirements for your vehicle and trip.

Registration and rear plate display

SAAQ publishes separate instructions for ATVs purchased from dealers and those sold between individuals. Follow the procedure matching your transaction.

The Regulation respecting all-terrain vehicles, section 9, requires the registration plate to be securely attached at the rear and readable. The Act respecting off-highway vehicles also requires plates and specified equipment to be properly installed and free of material that obstructs them.

A registration plate is not a trail permit

SAAQ says a valid trail permit is required for riding on trails maintained by off-road vehicle clubs. Confirm the permit and access rules with the club or federation operating the route. Keep the relevant documents available when riding.

Insurance and road access

SAAQ specifies private civil liability coverage of at least CAD $1,000,000. Paying registration fees does not itself provide the same injury coverage as ordinary automobile registration.

Public-road operation is generally prohibited except in the cases allowed by law. Follow authorized crossing and access signs; a rear plate does not make the ATV a general-purpose road vehicle.

What to check before buying a plate bracket

Separate two fitment questions: does the bracket fit your ATV, and does your issued plate fit the bracket?

• Vehicle: record the exact model, year and trim. Compare the bracket's attachment location with the product photos.
• Plate: measure its width, height and mounting-hole spacing.
• Accessories: inspect rear bumper, exhaust and cargo clearances.
• Visibility: check the view from behind with your normal equipment fitted.

Elite Engineering's ATV bracket listings describe 4 × 7-inch plate support. Do not assume compatibility with every Quebec plate. Compare the actual dimensions and holes, and ask for guidance before drilling a plate or modifying a bracket.

Mount the plate for the way you ride

Consider the complete installation, including plate bolts and anything carried on the rear rack. An otherwise suitable mounting point may be hidden by a cargo box or bumper. Also check that the finished mount cannot contact moving parts and has appropriate clearance from hot exhaust components.

After installation, inspect the hardware during regular maintenance. Clean buildup from the plate and check for bending, cracked mounting holes or loose fasteners. A plate should remain identifiable after the ride, not only when the ATV is freshly washed.

Buying from outside Quebec or visiting from another province

If your purchase or trip involves another province or country, ask SAAQ and the relevant trail operator which registration documents and access arrangements apply. Do not assume that a home-province plate settles every Quebec requirement.

Choose a mount for your ATV

Explore Elite Engineering ATV licence plate brackets. For help comparing a plate or rear-bumper setup, send your measurements and vehicle photos. If you also ride in Ontario, review our Ontario ATV plate guide.

Official Quebec references

• SAAQ: All-Terrain Vehicles — What the Law Says.
• SAAQ: ATV purchased from a dealer.
• SAAQ: ATV sold between individuals.
• Regulation respecting all-terrain vehicles, section 9. Related official guidance: SAAQ summary of ATV registration, permits and insurance.
• Act respecting off-highway vehicles, section 59. Related official guidance: SAAQ summary of ATV registration, permits and insurance.