• Register your snowmobile or ATV, display your license plate, and carry proof of insurance.
• Follow age and roadway restrictions:
  • ATVs can only be used on municipal roads, not territorial highways.
  • You must be 16 years old to drive on snow-packed surfaces outside of municipalities or to cross a roadway.
• Familiarize yourself with local bylaws and respect community-specific guidelines for snowmobile use.
• Always ride sober—never operate a snowmobile or ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Conduct a pre-ride inspection: check brakes, lights, engine, tires, and other equipment.
• Pack essential items, including:
  • First aid kit
  • Tools, tow strap/rope, tire plugs, and duct tape
  • Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Extra fuel and spare keys
  • Flares and a signal mirror
  • Water, snacks, and water purification tablets
  • Seasonal items like sunscreen and insect repellant or fire starter and blanket

• Safety is the Key to Fun: Snowmobiling and ATV riding are enjoyable activities, but they come with risks. Prioritize safety to ensure an accident-free experience.
• Gear Up for Every Ride:
  • Wear a properly fitted helmet and protective eyewear.
  • Dress in weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable and visible.
• Ride Sober, Arrive Safe: Never operate a snowmobile or ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A clear mind ensures a safe ride.
• Respect Speed and Terrain: Slow down, especially on unfamiliar or icy terrain. Excessive speed is a leading cause of accidents.
• Plan and Share Your Ride: Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
• Stay Visible: Use lights and reflective gear to ensure other riders and vehicles can see you, both day and night.
• Eco-Friendly Choices: Stick to designated trails to protect the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife. If you can, use snowmobiles that minimize emissions and fuel consumption to reduce environmental impact.

Additional Safety Tips

• Ensure riders are old enough and strong enough to control the vehicle safely.
• Replace helmets if they are dented or cracked.
• Don’t overload with passengers or cargo.
• Adapt your riding to weather and terrain conditions:
  • Slow down to prevent rollovers and collisions.
  • Cross roadways carefully and only after stopping.
  • In summer, wear protective eyewear, gloves, and riding boots.
  • In winter, dress for the cold and bring backup clothing.

For more information, please visit the links below:

• Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council
• ATV Safety Institute - Respect the Outdoors
• Parachute
• Arctic Response
• City of Yellowknife
• Canada Safety Council
• Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations
• International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
• International Snowmobile Safety Week Campaign Action Manual

Remember: There’s a lot on the line and at the end of the day, everyone deserve to get home safely.

Many car/bike collisions take place when children are following each other. The first one may run a stop sign and get through, but the second one may get hit. Teach your child to assess the traffic situation for him or herself, and avoid following other children without thinking first.

For young children, set the following rules: 

• No playing on the road
• No riding on busy streets
• No riding at night
• Stop for all stop signs
• Ride on the right with traffic

It's also important to teach your child about driveway safety. The best way is to go outside to the driveway, and practice the following steps:

• Stop before entering the street
• Scan left, right, and left again for traffic
• If there's no traffic, proceed into the roadway

A bike that is too big or too small is dangerous to its rider. When choosing your bike, straddle it and make sure that both feet are on the ground. It's also important to make sure that the handle bars are within reach and easy to turn.

A properly fitted helmet should be snug and comfortable, and be unable to tip forward or backward. Helmets should be level from the front to the back, and extend down to about two fingers (3 cm) above the eyebrows. A proper fit can be obtained by using the adjustable foam pads and chinstrap. The front and rear straps should meet just below each ear. The chinstrap should be snug without pinching. Make sure to try on several helmets before you choose one.

Bike helmets don’t last forever. Here’s a quick checklist to see if you should replace yours:

• Have you crashed while wearing it?
• Are there dents, marks or soft spots in the foam when you press against it?
• Is it more than five years old?
• Does it lack a certified safety standard sticker?

Check for bike helmet damage that may not be immediately visible: Look into your helmet and place your hands on either side, pulling apart gently. If you notice any light shining through the solid sections or weakness in the foam, replace it immediately.

Most incidents occur along Highways 3 and 5. Bison can also be found on and along Highway 7. Drivers on Highway 3 must exercise extra caution at all times, particularly from dusk until dawn. The greatest risk of bison collisions is along the Highway 3 from kilometre 21 near Fort Providence to kilometre 70. After kilometre 70, the risk is approximately the same all the way to near Yellowknife.

Many bison collisions are preventable. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk.

• Check highway conditions before departing.
• Slow down, especially after dusk and at dawn. If you plan on driving on Highways 3, 5, and 7, try to plan your driving during daylight hours only.
• If you see wildlife, flash your hazard lights to warn drivers behind you.
• Do not swerve suddenly to avoid animals. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle or put you in the path of oncoming traffic. If necessary, stop and wait for the animal to clear your path.
• Remember that most animals travel in herds; where there is one there are often more. Adjust your speed and headlights accordingly.
• Use your high beams whenever possible to increase your visibility further down the highway.
• Should you hit an animal, do not approach it. Move to the shoulder of the road and flag down a vehicle to call your nearest Wildlife Officer. Use your hazard lights to warn other traffic. 

For more information on bison safety, read our brochure. 

Be aware of construction zones by checking the road reports before travelling. Consider alternative routes to avoid construction zones when possible.

Expect the unexpected. Road surfaces change frequently in work zones. Anticipate detours and stops.

Signs contain important information about the work ahead, traffic conditions, road/ramp closures and detours. Even if there seems to be no activity in a construction zone, there may be other less obvious hazards, such as loose gravel chips or uneven pavement that can be dangerous and cause damage to vehicles traveling at high speeds.

Obey all signs and slow down when going through construction zones, whether workers and equipment are present or not.

Pay attention at all times. The maze of barriers, traffic cones, flaggers, flashing lights, and orange signs often causes confusion and dangerous driving responses. Don't be distracted by the radio or cell phones; don't eat or drink while driving. Watch for workers, new signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, or uneven pavement.

Drive at the posted reduced speed limit. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, and don't tailgate – sudden stops are common in construction zones. Be Patient: Remember work zones are necessary to improve roads and make them safer.

If you are currently caught using a restricted electronic device while driving you could be given:

• A $322 fine ($644 in school and construction zones)
• 3 demerit points
• Administrative driver’s licence suspensions for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th distracted driving offences in a two year period

• Pull over to a safe location using your phone.
• Say no to a distracted driver.
• Don't be a distraction to your driver.
• Don't allow children to be a distraction.
• Don't get into arguments.
• Keep your voice level down.
• Avoid loud noises, such as loud music.
• Eat at home or at your destination.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous and illegal.

Driving sober is a choice that saves lives and keeps our communities safe. Impaired driving is a serious risk that has far-reaching consequences, both legally and personally. When you’re behind the wheel, being fully alert and free of impairment is essential.

Let’s make responsible choices and help ensure everyone arrives home alive.

Think before you get behind the wheel. Impaired driving increases the risk of accidents, putting lives in danger.

Drugs and alcohol can impair your ability to focus, react quickly, and make safe choices, putting everyone at risk. Even small amounts of alcohol, cannabis or other drugs affect reaction times and decision-making. Staying sober behind the wheel ensures your safety and the safety of others on the road.

1. Plan Ahead: If you’re going out, make plans for a safe ride home.
2. Designate a Driver: Travel with someone who can stay sober to get everyone home safely.
3. Use Safe Transportation Options: Cabs, and public transit are reliable alternatives.
4. Non-Alcoholic Options: Enjoy gatherings without alcohol or cannabis—mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages are a great alternative.

Impaired driving means operating a vehicle (including cars, trucks, vessels, snowmobiles, and off-road vehicles) while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both, compromising your ability to drive safely. Here’s what to know:

• Territorial zero tolerance: In the NWT, novice drivers, drivers under 22, and certain commercial drivers must have no drugs or alcohol in their system. Any presence results in a license suspension.
• Alcohol limits for all drivers:
  • Drivers with blood alcohol at or exceeding .05% face a 24-hour suspension, increasing to 30 days for repeated offenses.
  • Levels at .08% or more result in a 90-day suspension.
• Federal penalties: Under the Criminal Code, impaired driving may result in fines, driving prohibitions, or imprisonment.

Transporting cannabis: Consuming cannabis or having an open container in a vehicle is illegal. Cannabis must be stored in its original, sealed container or in a closed container not accessible to the driver or passengers.

Medical cannabis users: All drivers are subject to the same laws, regardless of medical cannabis exemptions.

How long should I wait after using cannabis before driving? Everyone’s reaction to cannabis varies. The safest choice is to avoid driving if you have recently consumed cannabis.

Please note, this information is a summary and does not replace the law. For full details, consult the Motor Vehicles Act, the Criminal Code, and Bill C-46 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code).

• Slow down! School zones are in effect 24/7 and 365 days a year.
• Speed fines are double in school zones.
• No passing school busses –  you must stop (in both directions) when lights are flashing – it’s the law.

• Know where the school zones are in your community.
• Kids can be unpredictable – they might run onto the road.
• Watch for people walking – especially near corners and crosswalks.
• Be prepared for sudden stops.
• Keep a safe distance between vehicles and avoid rear-end collisions.
• Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions – put your phone away.

• Loading zones – keep a safe distance from busses or parents loading or unloading kids.
• Be thoughtful to ensure the safety of children, yourself, and other drivers.

Remember: There’s a lot on the line and at the end of the day, everyone deserves to get home safely.

• Check Road Conditions: Always know what you’re up against before you hit the road. Visit DriveNWT.ca for up-to-date road conditions and weather forecasts.
• Share Your Travel Plans: Let someone know your route and your estimated time of arrival.
• Winterize Your Vehicle: Equip your vehicle with good winter tires, extra cold-temperature windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper/snowbrush, and make sure your fuel tank is full.
• Plan for Extra Time: Winter driving can be unpredictable. Leave early and allow extra time for possible delays.
• Pack a Winter Travel Kit: Always carry essentials, including:
  • Two-way radio or satellite phone: In remote areas where cell service may be unavailable, these devices can help you stay connected and call for help.
  • Flares, warning lights, or high-visibility reflective triangles: Ensure you’re visible to other drivers or rescuers, especially in low-light or blizzard conditions.
  • Comprehensive Tool Kit, including:
    • Shovel and sand or cat litter: To help provide traction if your vehicle gets stuck in ice or snow.
    • Windshield scraper and brush: Keep your windshield clear to maintain visibility.
    • Tow rope: For pulling or being pulled if stuck.
    • Booster cables / Battery booster: In case your battery dies due to the cold.
    • Flashlight (with extra batteries) or a hand-crank flashlight.
    • Duct tape: For temporary fixes to leaks or damages.
    • Candles and Fire-starting materials: Small candles can provide light and some warmth inside a vehicle. Matches, a lighter, and fire-starting blocks or wood for outdoor fires if you need to stay outside for an extended period.
  • Spare tire and extra fuel: Keep a jerrycan of fuel in your vehicle. Fuel is essential not only for driving but for running the engine to keep warm if you’re stranded.
  • Warm clothing: Include insulated gloves, hats, scarves, and extra layers. Ensure each passenger has extra clothing available.
  • Blankets or sleeping bags and heat packs: Preferably insulated or thermal to retain body heat.
  • Non-perishable food and water: High-energy, non-perishable snacks like protein bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Water should be stored in containers that can withstand freezing conditions.
  • First-aid kit: Including bandages, antiseptic, and any medical supplies you may need (extra prescription medication)

• Slow Down: Adjust your speed to match road conditions. Icy, snowy roads mean slower, safer driving.
• Monitor Your Fuel: Always keep at least half a tank of fuel to prevent freezing in your fuel lines.
• Check Tire Pressure Often: Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, which can affect handling on icy roads.
• Stay Visible: Always drive with your headlights on, even during daylight hours.
• Bridges and Overpasses: These areas freeze faster, so approach with caution.
• Watch for Black Ice: Look out for shiny patches on the road—these could be slick with ice.

The unique winter road system in the Northwest Territories is made up of temporary routes made of snow and ice, connecting nine remote communities to essential supplies and travel routes. Built across frozen lakes, rivers, and overland trails, these roads open each winter, providing critical access to places that can't be reached by all-season roads. Typically open from December through April, they are a lifeline for northern communities, delivering goods and services during the coldest months.

Our short winter-road season is critical, as this seasonal transportation becomes the primary way essential goods are delivered to these remote communities, including diesel and gasoline for electricity generation, heating, and transportation, but also dry goods and construction material. Without our winter roads, many of these supplies would have to be airlifted at a significant cost increase.

Opening and closing dates are heavily dependent on weather and ice conditions. You can see a full list of the average dates here.

Winter and Ice roads come with unique challenges and require caution to ensure safe travel. Here are important safety guidelines to keep in mind:

• Follow Speed Limits:
  • Winter roads and ice roads have posted speed limits to protect the structure.
  • Moving too fast can create waves under the ice, leading to cracks or even failures, especially near shorelines where ice is more vulnerable.
  • Speed limits help distribute weight evenly and keep the roads stable.
  • Heavy vehicles should keep extra space between each other to reduce stress on the ice.
• Respect Load Limits:
  • Heavy loads increase the pressure on the snow and ice.
  • Always check and follow the weight limits posted for different parts of the road.
  • These restrictions are in place to protect both drivers and the road itself, ensuring that vehicles don’t overstress the structure.
• Stay Updated on Conditions:
  • Winter roads open and close throughout the season based on ice and weather conditions.
  • It's crucial to check for the latest updates on road status and conditions, as closures may happen suddenly with changes in weather or ice strength.
  • The best source for current conditions is DriveNWT.ca.
• Watch for Visibility Hazards:
  • High winds and drifting snow can quickly reduce visibility, especially on roads that cross lakes and exposed areas.
  • In such conditions, it’s easy to lose track of the route, so use extra caution when visibility drops.
• Stay Aware of Cracks and Ice Quality:
  • Ice can naturally crack under the weight of vehicles, especially with temperature changes.
  • Crews repair cracks and monitor the ice’s condition, but springtime or sudden warm spells can cause rapid changes in ice quality.
  • Be prepared for unexpected surface conditions, especially later in the season.
• Never Drive on a Closed Road:
  • Roads are closed for the safety of the traveling public. Please obey all signs. Roads are opened as soon as they are safe to do so.
  • The best source for current conditions is DriveNWT.ca.

Each year, construction crews work tirelessly through some of the harshest conditions to build and maintain about 1,400 km of winter and ice roads (about the same distance as from Yellowknife to Edmonton).

• The process begins in November, at temperatures below -20°C to -40°C, with limited daylight.
• Crews clear snow from lakes and trails, allowing ice to form thicker layers without snow insulation.
• Using specialized vehicles and equipment, they track ice thickness with ground-penetrating radar, ensuring roads are safe for public use.
• Early stages use lightweight, tracked vehicles designed to safely navigate thinner ice, while plows and other equipment strengthen the route.
• To make ice thicker, crews use techniques like "flooding," which involves pumping lake water onto the road surface to freeze additional layers of ice. This process is essential for creating safe passage and allowing these temporary roads to handle increased traffic as the season progresses.
• Mild temperatures can affect construction by making the snow or ice soft.
• Extreme cold can also have an impact because machines or workers and can impact opening dates and weight restrictions.
• Once the road reaches the required thickness, landings are built, and they are inspected for safety, it can open to the public.

Throughout the winter road season, INF staff or contractors are responsible for monitoring and maintaining NWT winter/ice roads. Maintaining these roads is an ongoing challenge, especially with changing climate conditions.

Heavy snowfall can delay ice formation by insulating the surface, and warmer temperatures can cause roads to soften earlier than expected. Ice maintenance crews respond quickly by clearing snow drifts, repairing cracks, and continually monitoring ice thickness to keep the roads operational as long as possible.

Despite these challenges, winter roads remain a vital part of life in the NWT, connecting remote communities and supporting the local economy. The GNWT is dedicated to ongoing innovation to keep these roads safe and reliable.

• NWT Winter Road Safety - factsheet
• Commercial Driver - Winter Road Safety - fact sheet
• MAP - Mackenzie Valley Winter Road - with emergency numbers

• Peer Influence: Friends can sometimes encourage risky driving behaviors like speeding or driving under the influence, putting everyone in the car (and on the streets) at greater risk.
• Brain Development: The brain continues to develop until about age 25. An underdeveloped brain can impact judgment, decision-making, and impulse control, leading to risky driving behavior.
• Distracted Driving: Young drivers are more likely to be distracted behind the wheel, often due to inexperience and a tendency to overestimate their ability to multitask.
• Limited Driving Experience: With less time on the road, young people may not fully understand road rules or know how to handle dangerous situations. This lack of experience can make it harder to control a vehicle safely in challenging conditions.

Understanding these risks is the first step in promoting safer driving habits among youth. Together, we can work to reduce accidents and save lives on the road.

1. Put Your Phone Away: Silence notifications and set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving. This helps you resist the urge to check messages or social media.
2. Limit Passenger Distractions: Set ground rules, ask friends to keep conversations and music at a reasonable volume. Don’t do things that take your eyes off the road.
3. Plan Your Route: Know where you’re going or put the destination into your GPS before you start driving. If you need to check directions, pull over safely.
4. Adjust Your Car Before You Go: Check mirrors and seat position, make sure everything is set for your comfort before you hit the road. Choose your music station or playlist before you start driving, so you don’t need to fumble with controls while on the move. Make sure you remove all snow or frost on the windows before heading out – seeing the road is important!
5. Stay Alert: Make sure you’re well-rested before driving. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Avoid eating while driving as it can take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road.
6. Focus on the Road: Scan your surroundings and regularly check your mirrors. Keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Be aware of what’s happening ahead and around you to give you time to react to any potential dangers.
7. Keep Calm: Don’t rush, leave early to avoid feeling pressured to speed or take risks. Driving calmly helps you stay in control. If you start to feel stressed, take deep breaths to maintain your focus and composure.

By following these tips, you can stay focused on the road and make every drive a safe one.

Remember, there’s a lot on the line: your life and the lives of others depend on it!

1. Start the Conversation Early

   • Begin Before They Get Their License: Talk about driving safety well before your teen starts driving. Discuss what responsible driving looks like, including the importance of seatbelts, following traffic laws, and avoiding distractions.
   • Use Everyday Moments: Use situations on the road, news stories, or even scenes from movies as conversation starters.

2. Set Clear Expectations

   • Establish Rules: Clearly outline your expectations for safe driving, such as no texting, always wearing a seatbelt, and following the speed limit.
   • Create a Driving Agreement: Consider creating a written agreement that includes rules and consequences. This can help reinforce the seriousness of driving safely.

3. Lead by Example

   • Model Good Behavior: Teens learn by watching you. Always wear your seatbelt, follow traffic laws, and avoid distractions when you’re driving.
   • Acknowledge Your Mistakes: If you make a driving error, discuss it openly and explain what you should have done differently.

4. Discuss the Risks

   • Talk About Consequences: Be honest about the potential consequences of unsafe driving, including accidents, injuries, legal trouble, and even fatalities.
   • Share Real Stories: If appropriate, share stories from your own life or the experiences of others to illustrate the risks.

5. Practice Together

   • Supervised Driving: Spend ample time driving with your teen under various conditions (nighttime, bad weather, heavy traffic). This gives you the opportunity to provide guidance and build their confidence.
   • Discuss Afterward: After driving together, review what went well and what could be improved. Keep the conversation constructive and supportive.

6. Talk About Peer Pressure

   • Discuss the Influence of Friends: Talk about how peers can affect your teen’s driving decisions, like speeding or skipping seatbelts. Encourage them to prioritize safety over fitting in.
   • Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice how to say no to risky behaviors or to speak up if they feel uncomfortable with someone else’s driving.

7. Focus on the Positives

   • Acknowledge Safe Driving: Praise your teen when they make smart driving decisions. Positive reinforcement can be more effective than constant warnings.
   • Incentivize Safety: Consider offering incentives for good driving habits, like contributing to car insurance or allowing more driving privileges.

8. Stay Involved

   • Monitor Driving Habits: Consider using apps or tools that monitor driving behavior, such as speed, braking, and phone usage. Discuss the results regularly.
   • Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage your teen to come to you with any concerns or questions about driving, without fear of punishment.

9. Discuss Impaired Driving

   • Talk About Alcohol and Drugs: Make sure your teen understands the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even some medications.
   • Plan for Safe Rides: Encourage your teen to call you or use a ride-sharing service if they ever find themselves in a situation where they can’t drive safely.

10. Be Patient and Supportive

    • Understand the Learning Curve: Learning to drive is stressful for teens. Be patient, and provide constructive feedback rather than criticism.
    • Reassure Them: Let your teen know that you trust them and are confident in their ability to become a responsible driver.

You can help your teen develop safe driving habits that will last a lifetime. Open, honest, and ongoing conversations are key to keeping them safe on the road.

Remember, there’s a lot on the line: the life of your teen and the lives of others depend on it!