An Increase Announced in 2022
A trail-permit increase announced in 2022 raised questions for New Brunswick ATV and UTV riders: which permit costs changed, when the change applied, and what a permit covers. The key is to treat the quoted figures as a historical comparison, then check the current rate and permit type before buying.
What the 2022 announcement changed
The increase announced in 2022 was phased in rather than treated as one simple, permanent price quote. The historical comparison associated with it is a groomed trail permit rising from $130 to $145, and a non-groomed permit rising from $65 to $75. Those figures help explain the change, but they should not be treated as a guarantee of what a permit costs now.
The two permit types are not interchangeable labels for the same product. They relate to different trail access, so the right choice depends on where and when you plan to ride. A lower-priced permit is not automatically the better value if it does not cover the trails you intend to use. For the practical differences, see New Brunswick Groomed vs Non-Groomed Permits.
| Permit type | Historical price comparison | What to check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Groomed trail permit | $130 to $145 | Whether your planned route requires groomed-trail access and what the current rate is |
| Non-groomed trail permit | $65 to $75 | Whether the trails you plan to ride are covered and what the current rate is |
These comparisons describe the increase, not a current price list. Permit rates and product details can change, so check with the federation or a current permit seller before paying. The same caution applies to youth, day, and week permits, which have their own eligibility or use conditions. New Brunswick Trail Permit Cost in 2026 covers current-cost questions, while New Brunswick Day Permit Cost and New Brunswick Youth Permit Rules address other permit options.
The announcement also does not mean every rider’s total outing cost rose by the same amount. A rider choosing a different permit type, buying for a different duration, or riding under a separate arrangement may face a different total. Start by identifying the permit that matches your route and situation; compare prices only after that.
Why an increase matters to riders
A permit price is part of the cost of using an organized trail network. For a rider who goes out often, an increase can affect the season’s budget. For someone planning one trip, the main concern may be whether a short-term permit is available and whether it covers the intended ride. In both cases, checking the permit category first avoids comparing costs that do not buy the same access.
Permit revenue and membership are also connected in New Brunswick’s trail system. A permit may include membership benefits, so it is worth checking what comes with the option you are considering rather than treating the sticker as an access charge alone. New Brunswick Permit Equals Membership explains that connection, and New Brunswick Membership Benefits gives more context on what membership can include.
That does not mean every benefit will matter to every rider. Someone who rarely rides may care most about permitted access for a particular trip. A frequent rider may also consider club participation or available member benefits. The practical comparison is not simply “old price versus new price”; it is the cost of the appropriate permit against the riding plans and benefits that come with it.
For ATV and UTV owners, it is also important to separate the trail permit from vehicle registration. A trail permit is about access to the relevant trail network. Registration is a separate requirement for operating an off-road vehicle under New Brunswick rules. Buying one does not automatically complete the other. If registration is still on your checklist, start with New Brunswick ORV Registration Explained.
Insurance is another separate consideration. A trail permit does not replace vehicle insurance requirements, and a registration document is not proof of insurance. Before leaving, make sure the machine and rider meet the requirements that apply to the planned route. See New Brunswick Requires Insurance on Trails for the trail-related insurance issue, and New Brunswick Documents You Must Carry for the paperwork riders may need to have available.
How to check which permit you need
Use this process before purchasing, especially if your route crosses different trail types or you are riding with a group.
- Map the route. Identify the trail system and the sections you expect to ride. A general idea of the region is not enough if the permit type depends on trail access.
- Confirm the trail category. Check whether the planned route requires a groomed or non-groomed permit, or whether a different permit option applies. Do not assume that a permit covering one category covers every trail.
- Check the current price and conditions. Confirm the rate, dates of validity, and any restrictions with a current seller or the federation. A past announcement is useful history, not proof of today’s price.
- Ask about the machine and sticker. If you are riding a second machine, borrowing one, or switching vehicles, ask whether the permit can be transferred. Do not move a sticker or assume it follows the rider unless the rules allow it.
- Keep the relevant documents together. Carry the documents and proof required for the ride, and make sure the permit sticker is displayed as instructed.
Where you buy can affect how quickly you get an answer to a detail question. A club seller may be able to clarify local trail access; a dealer or service location may be convenient for a purchase; an online option may be useful if it provides clear terms. The available channels and procedures can change, so confirm that the seller is authorized and that the permit suits your trip. Related details are in How to Buy a New Brunswick Trail Permit and New Brunswick Permits Sold by Clubs.
If you are visiting from another province, do not assume that a permit from home is accepted. Reciprocity arrangements can differ by jurisdiction and can change. Check the current arrangement before travelling rather than relying on an old sticker or what another rider remembers. New Brunswick Reciprocity With Nova Scotia, New Brunswick Reciprocity With PEI, and New Brunswick Riders Visiting Quebec cover common cross-border questions.
Avoiding common price and permit mistakes
The most common mistake is using a historical price as if it were a live quote. The figures linked to the 2022 announcement explain the scale of the change: $130 to $145 for the groomed permit and $65 to $75 for the non-groomed permit. They do not confirm the present price, the timing of every stage, or whether a later update has changed the rate. For a purchase decision, check the current amount directly.
Another mistake is choosing a permit based only on the lower figure. A permit is useful only if it matches the trails you intend to ride. A bargain that does not provide the required access can mean changing plans at the trailhead or being unable to continue. If your route is uncertain, ask the seller or local club to confirm the coverage before buying.
Riders sometimes also confuse the permit sticker with registration. A registered machine may still need a trail permit, and a trail permit does not establish that registration or insurance requirements have been met. Keep each obligation separate when preparing for a ride. The checklist in Four Things to Carry on a New Brunswick Trail can help you review what to bring.
Finally, do not assume a permit automatically transfers to another machine or another rider. If a sticker is damaged, lost, or attached to a vehicle you are replacing, ask about the approved process rather than improvising. New Brunswick Permit Transfers Between Machines and New Brunswick Permit Replacement If Lost explain those situations.
The 2022 increase is best understood as a historical pricing change, not a complete guide to what any rider should pay today. First determine the correct permit for your route and eligibility, then verify the current price and conditions with an authorized source. That order makes it easier to budget accurately and avoid buying the wrong access.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
