Insurance Act, RSNS 1989, c 231, s 104

104 In this Part,
...
(b) "automobile" includes a trolley bus and a self-propelled vehicle,
and the trailers, accessories, and equipment of any of them but does not
include railway rolling stock that runs on rails, or watercraft, or aircraft of
any kind;

Motor Vehicle Act, RSNS 1989, c 293, s 2
2 In this Act,
…
(ad) "motor vehicle" means a vehicle, as herein defined, which is
propelled or driven otherwise than by muscular power;
…
(ca) "vehicle" means every device in, upon or by which any person
or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway,
excepting a motorized wheelchair and devices moved by human power or
used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
Also note:

Off-highway Vehicles Act, RSNS 1989, c 323, s 2

2 In this Act,
…
(d) "off-highway vehicle" means a
(i) snow vehicle,
(ii) all-terrain vehicle,
(iii) motorcycle,
(iv) mini bike,
(v) four-wheel-drive or low-tire-pressure vehicle,
(vi) dune buggy, or
(vii) vehicle or class of vehicle designated as an off-highway
vehicle by regulation,
but does not include
(viii) a vehicle registered pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Act,
or
(ix) a vehicle or class of vehicle exempted from the provisions
of this Act by the regulations;

Prohibited operation on highway

12 (1) Except as provided by this Section or as authorized by the
Minister pursuant to Section 13 or 12D, no person shall operate an off-highway vehicle upon a highway, upon the shoulder adjoining the travelled portion of a highway or upon the median of a highway.

Liability insurance
15B No person shall operate an off-highway vehicle on any land of which
the person is not an owner or occupier unless that person carries third-party liability insurance in at least the amount required by the regulations.

Slaunwhite v Wellington Insurance
(1993) 122 N.S.R. (2d) 292 (S.C.)
(1993) 125 N.S.R. (2d) 220 (C.A.)

Insurance Act definition of automobile is broad enough to include smaller, off-road vehicles even if they need not be registered with the Province.

Definitions of "motor vehicle" and "vehicle" in Motor Vehicle Act do not limit broad scope of Insurance Act definition.

For more information, please contact:

Joe Burke
Cox & Palmer
Halifax