Quebec Trail Pass for a Second Machine
If you own two quads or side-by-sides, it is easy to assume one Quebec trail pass will cover whichever machine you take out. Usually, the pass is tied to a specific machine, not shared between vehicles. Here’s how to plan for a second machine, avoid a pass problem on the trail, and check what you need if the extra vehicle is only used occasionally.
Does a second machine need its own trail pass?
If you plan to ride both machines on Quebec’s federated ATV trail network, expect to need a separate trail pass for each one. A pass for your first quad does not normally cover your second quad or side-by-side, even if the same person owns and drives both.
The important distinction is that the pass is associated with the machine using the trail, rather than functioning as a general permit for the owner. If you switch vehicles between rides, you cannot assume the sticker or proof for one machine will authorize the other. Check the current FQCQ pass terms before buying, especially if you have a less common arrangement, such as changing machines mid-season or sharing a pass between household members.
| Situation | What to plan for |
|---|---|
| You ride one machine at a time, but use two different machines on federated trails | Plan on a pass for each machine you ride |
| You own a second machine but keep it stored and never take it on federated trails | A trail pass may not be needed for that machine, but confirm the rules for where you use it |
| Two people ride two machines together | Each machine should have its own required pass |
| You ride a borrowed machine | Confirm that the machine has a valid pass for the current season before using the trail |
| You use a rented machine | Ask the rental operator whether the pass is included and valid for your planned route |
A trail pass is not the same as vehicle registration. Registration and the required plate or proof relate to the machine’s legal status, while the trail pass gives access to the participating club network under its conditions. An ATV can be registered and insured but still lack the pass needed for a federated trail. For the registration side, see Quebec ATV Registration With the SAAQ and Quebec Registration and Trail Pass Together.
The pass also does not replace permission to use every road, private trail or piece of land. It applies to the federated trail system subject to closures, local restrictions and pass conditions. A pass cannot make a closed trail open or give access where the club does not have permission. Review Quebec Trail Passes Cover Every Club and Quebec Passes and the Thaw Period before planning a trip.
How to buy and assign a pass for another machine
Quebec trail passes are sold through the FQCQ’s online process. Before ordering a pass for a second machine, gather the details requested for that vehicle and check that you select the right pass category and validity period. The available options and their terms can change, so confirm current information directly with the federation rather than relying on an old receipt, screenshot or price mentioned elsewhere.
A practical process is:
- Identify the machine you want to use. Check its make, model and identifying details, and make sure you are ordering for the correct vehicle.
- Confirm which trail period suits your riding. Consider when you expect to use the machine and whether the pass option covers those dates. Do not assume a pass for one season or period covers another.
- Check the current purchase instructions. Confirm what information is required, how proof is delivered and whether the physical sticker must be displayed.
- Keep the confirmation and pass information together. Save the receipt and any digital confirmation where you can access them, but do not assume a phone image replaces a required sticker.
- Install or display the pass as directed. Follow the current instructions for placement so patrols can check it. If the machine has a different body style or mounting surface, ask the federation or club how to display it correctly.
- Check before the first ride. Make sure the pass is valid for the date, belongs to the machine you are taking, and is visible or available in the required form.
Do not buy a pass for one machine and plan to peel it off and move it to another. A pass is intended to identify the machine covered, and moving it may leave the second vehicle without valid proof or create questions during a patrol check. If the machine is replaced, sold, damaged or otherwise changed during the season, ask the FQCQ how to handle the existing pass before transferring anything. The process may depend on the circumstances and current policy.
A second machine used by another member of the household still needs careful checking. Sharing an owner’s name or garage does not automatically make one machine’s pass valid for another. If one family member takes the first quad while another takes the side-by-side, each vehicle needs to meet the applicable requirements. See Quebec Trail Pass for a Second Machine—not the pass you already bought—when checking the specific vehicle you plan to ride.
For a first ride, keep the pass proof and other required documents organized. A trail patrol may check for a valid pass, and registration and insurance requirements remain separate. Quebec Pass Proof on the Trail explains what to have available, while [Quebec Insurance Proof on the Trail] covers the insurance document. If you are unsure which documents belong with the machine, use Quebec Registration Paperwork Checklist as a starting point.
When the second machine may not need a pass
Owning another ATV does not by itself mean you need to buy a trail pass for it. The practical question is whether that machine will be used on trails that require an FQCQ pass. A vehicle kept in storage, used only on private property with the landowner’s permission, or operated in another setting may not need a federated-trail pass for that use.
That does not mean there are no other rules. Registration, insurance, safety requirements, landowner permission and local restrictions may still apply. The conditions can depend on where the machine is operated and how it is used. A machine that stays on private land is a different case from one that leaves the property to join a club trail, even if both are owned by the same person. For that distinction, read Quebec Machines Used Only on Private Land and Quebec Private Land Permission.
If you occasionally take the second machine onto federated trails, treat it as a machine that needs its own pass for the period you plan to ride. Do not rely on the fact that your main ATV already has a valid pass. Before buying, compare the available pass options and their validity dates with your actual riding plans. A shorter-duration option may suit a one-off outing, while a broader seasonal option may be more practical if you expect repeated trips. Check the current terms rather than assuming the same options, dates or costs will apply from one season to the next.
If the second machine is borrowed, rented or newly purchased, ask about its pass status before leaving for the trail. A seller’s old sticker or a previous owner’s purchase confirmation does not necessarily prove the pass is valid for your trip. When buying privately, registration and ownership paperwork are another separate issue; see Buying From a Private Seller in Quebec and Quebec Registration Transfer After a Sale.
Common mistakes when getting a pass for a second ATV or UTV
The most common mistake is treating a trail pass like a household membership that follows the rider. Another is confusing a registration plate with proof of trail access. The two requirements serve different purposes, and having one does not automatically satisfy the other.
Before setting out, check these points:
- The pass matches the machine you are taking. Do not assume your main machine’s pass can cover a second quad or side-by-side.
- The pass is valid for the ride date. Confirm the season or period and any applicable conditions.
- The required sticker is displayed correctly. A receipt or phone photo may not replace a physical sticker where one is required.
- The trail is open. Spring thaw, weather, maintenance and other closures can affect access. A valid pass is not permission to ride a closed trail.
- The machine has its other required documents. Registration and insurance are separate from the trail pass.
- The route uses trails covered by the pass. A pass for the federated network is not a general permit for public roads, private property or every recreational trail.
- You have checked the current policy for special cases. Ask the FQCQ if you are transferring a pass, replacing a machine or dealing with a lost or damaged sticker.
Budget for the pass as a per-machine trail-access cost when both machines will be used on the network. The exact amount and purchase conditions can change; check the FQCQ’s current information before paying. For broader context on the options and their costs, see Quebec Trail Pass Cost in 2026 and Quebec Annual Pass vs Summer Pass. For a machine that will not use federated trails, do not buy a pass just because you own it; first confirm the rules for the places where you intend to ride.
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.
