Apart from being stopped by a law enforcement officer because you did not register your vehicle when required, there are many other reasons you could get on the wrong side of the law as you use your ATV.
How can you avoid being on the wrong side of the law while enjoying your recreational off-highway vehicle on public or private land?
Here is an article to acquaint you with some laws in each state. Read on to know the ATV law in your state.
Contents
ATV Laws and Regulations by State
This article is not a substitute for professional legal advice from a legal attorney. If you are in trouble, it would be best to call a legal attorney to help you with professional legal advice for your specific case.
Below are some of the applicable laws on ATV use in each state.
Alabama
The laws regarding the use of ATVs in Alabama are quite permissive. The state of Alabama does not require you to register your ATV. You are also not required to have liability insurance coverage if you own an ATV.
However, the state of Alabama makes it unlawful to operate an ATV or any other motor vehicle on beaches and the dunes of the Gulf of Mexico. The only exception to this law is where the property used is private land. But for this exception, you must obtain permission to use the property.
Learn more about Alabama ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Alaska
It is not illegal to operate an ATV in Alaska. If you want to operate an ATV in Alaska, the law stipulates that you must register it with the Department of Motor vehicles, but there is no requirement to title your all-terrain vehicle. ATV riders must also have liability insurance, which must be provided to the Department of Motor vehicles.
Alaska also places some restrictions on ATV use in Alaska. ATV riders may only operate an ATV on the road or shoulders of the highway in the following instances:
- If they have to cross the highway,
- If the condition of the highway makes motor vehicle travel impossible,
- If the highway is open for use by motor vehicles other than conventional motor vehicles, and,
- If the ATV operators are driving their ATVs on an uncontrolled access highway, they drive in the same traffic directly to the far right of the highway.
Finally, if you want to operate your ATV in Alaska and carry your friends, the vehicle must be designed to carry and equipped for that purpose. Otherwise, the off-road vehicle can only carry the rider.
Learn more about Alaska ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Arizona
In Arizona, the requirement to register your motor vehicle is limited to vehicles specifically designated for use on the highway. These vehicles include motorcycles, dirt bikes, mopeds, and cars. They have to be titled and registered with the Department of Motor vehicles, and the owners must have a liability insurance cover which will be needed for the vehicle registration.
But the statute does not expressly mention ATVs in the list of registerable vehicles. Hence, ATV owners are not under any obligation to register their ATVs or take out a liability insurance policy. But this position may be different if you wish to operate the All terrain vehicle on roadways.
However, you may operate an ATV and any other off-road vehicles on specifically designated roads and routes as the laws and regulations of the state, federal and municipal authorities may permit.
The off-road vehicle laws of Arizona places age restrictions on ATV riders under 18. No person under 18 can ride ATVs or any other off-road vehicle without safety gear, such as a safety helmet, long pants, and over-the-heels boots.
Learn more about Arizona ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, operating an ATV on highways and public streets is generally illegal. But there are instances where it is legal to operate an ATV on public streets and highways. These instances include the following:
- When the ATV is a farm vehicle, and it has to be moved for farming operations from one field to another,
- If you have to cross public streets or the highway to move from one specifically designated area for ATV use to another.
Although speed limits do not apply to off-road vehicles since they are generally not allowed on the highway, the law still stipulates that ATV riding must be done at a reasonable speed by the surrounding circumstances. Also, your vehicle must have functioning front and rear lights if you are operating an ATV at dark hours.
Learn more about Arkansas ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
California
There is no legal requirement to possess liability insurance on your ATV. Also, you are not legally required to register your vehicle in California.
However, the All-terrain vehicle laws in California emphasize ATV safety. Parents and guardians are not allowed to grant their kids 14 years of age and below permission to operate an ATV if they cannot reach the ATV controls. But such kids may operate an ATV with the supervision of an adult.
Alternatively, you can buy the kid models for your child as this would be the best way to keep your child safe and avoid breaking the law. Also, using your ATV in a way that endangers nature, wildlife habitats, or public lands is illegal.
California ATV law requires every All Terrain Vehicle to have at least one headlight during dusk and dawn. But it would be best to equip your all-terrain vehicle with head and tail lights for your safety and that of others. The law also mandates every ATV owner to ensure their ATVs have working spark arrestors.
Learn more about California ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Colorado
ATV registration is required in Colorado; however, the all-terrain vehicle owner is not required to provide any proof of liability insurance during registration. But he will have to provide proof of ownership, such as the title, for registration purposes.
Operating an all-terrain vehicle on public streets such as the city streets is not allowed. The same goes for public roads and highways in the state. The exception to this rule is when the all-terrain vehicle is a farm vehicle that needs to be moved from one field to another for agricultural purposes and when there is an emergency.
You may only operate your ATV between dusk and dawn on public lands if your ATV is equipped with at least a head and a tail light. It is also a legal requirement to equip your all-terrain vehicle with a muffler, spark arrestor, and brakes.
Learn more about Colorado ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Connecticut
Registration is legally required in Connecticut. However, you are not required to have liability insurance in the event of ATV accidents.
Although there are no speed limits for ATV use in Connecticut, All terrain vehicle owners are not allowed to ride under the influence or in a negligent manner at such speed that they endanger life and property.
In Connecticut, ATV riding on the highway is generally prohibited. This is usually in reference to public highways such as interstate highways and other limited access highways.
Only a rider with a valid driver’s license can cross the public highways, but they are only allowed to do this if their vehicles are equipped with reliable brakes, mufflers, and lights.
Learn more about Connecticut ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Delaware
You are legally required to have your ATV registered in Delaware, but there is no requirement to obtain liability insurance coverage.
You cannot operate an ATV on public streets or any highway in Delaware. If you must cross a public road with it, you can only push it after disengaging the power train or leaving it in neutral. Alternatively, you can tow it or carry it in one of the conventional motor vehicles, but you are not allowed to drive it across the public highway, public streets, or sidewalks.
You may operate an ATV as long as you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. ATV operators are legally required not to ride at speed rates that their motorized vehicles collide with other vehicles or endanger the environment and wildlife.
You are not allowed to operate a 2 or 3-wheel off-road vehicle unless you and your passengers have safety gear. The law specifically mentions protective helmets and chin straps.
Learn more about Delaware ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
District of Columbia
You do not need to have your ATV registered in the District of Columbia for proof of ownership.
Also, ATV use in public lands or other public property is strictly prohibited in the district.
Learn more about District of Columbia ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Florida
There is no clear position about off-road vehicle registration and liability insurance in Florida, but it is clear that conventional motor vehicles for use on public streets and highways must be registered with the Department of Motor vehicles.
However, it is pretty clear that ATV use is not allowed on public streets and highways. The only exceptions are where there is permission by a Federal agency or a state.
Although ATV use is not permitted on public streets and highways, you may operate your ATV on an unpaved road where a posted speed limit of fewer than 35 miles per hour. But only drivers with a valid driver’s license or minors under the guidance of a driver with a valid driver’s license can do this.
Learn more about Florida ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Georgia
The legal requirements regarding ATV use in Georgia are unclear. However, the law in Georgia is that every all-terrain vehicle operating on the roadway is a motor vehicle covered by the Unifrom Rules of the Road.
It is unclear what this means exactly, so it would be wise to check in with the Department of Motor Vehicles for clarifications on specific matters. But from the literal meaning, you would have to drive in the same direction as the traffic if you operate an ATV on public streets and highways.
If you plan to use your all-terrain vehicle strictly as an off-road vehicle, you are not required to register your vehicle or obtain liability insurance. This is because the Uniform Rules of the Road will apply to ATV operation on the roadway.
Learn more about Georgia ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Hawaii
ATV use is allowed in Hawaii but with many conditions. In Hawaii, you can operate ATVs on public streets if it is used for agriculture.
Apart from the condition that it must be a vehicle for farming, only a person with an operator’s license can operate the ATV.
The operator’s license may be a category 3 driver’s license or a commercial driver’s license. Also, you can drive the All terrain vehicle on public streets that have 2 lanes at most. The maximum speed limits of the public streets where the operator drives the ATV must not exceed 35 miles per hour.
In Hawaii, you can also operate an ATV for traveling between lands marked for agriculture. ATV use is also allowed for traveling between public property used by a city or the state as long as the operator is acting under the jurisdiction of the city or state.
Hawaii has rules for safety. The driver and the passengers are legally required to have safety helmets and chin straps while on the vehicle.
Learn more about Hawaii ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Idaho
If you live in Idaho and you wish to ride your all-terrain vehicle freely, you are legally required to register your ATV. You will need to title the vehicle for registration purposes.
However, you do not need to have liability insurance. You do not need to register your ATV if you only use it on your private land, but it is advisable that you still do.
In Idaho, anyone under 18 years of age is not allowed to operate an ATV without wearing a safety helmet unless he is operating the vehicle on private property.
Finally, it is unlawful to drive an all-terrain vehicle under the influence. This is not limited to alcohol and drugs. It covers any substance that intoxicates.
Also, it does not matter whether you drove under the influence on an interstate highway, on public streets, or off-road. Driving under the influence is unlawful, and you can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Learn more about Idaho ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Illinois
Registration of your all-terrain vehicle is compulsory in Illinois. But there is no requirement to provide proof of liability insurance for registration purposes.
In Illinois, it is required that you obtain verbal or written permission before operating your all-terrain vehicle on private property owned by private persons.
Also, you are not allowed to operate an ATV on train tracks or any path of a railroad.
The bulk of Illinois laws regulating ATV use revolves around safety for persons and private property. You are required to only drive within such safe speed limits that you can easily stop to prevent any harm to a person or property.
In Illinois, you are required to have an Off-Highway Vehicle Usage Stamp.
Learn more about Illinois ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Indiana
You are required to register your ATV if you live in Indiana, but you are not required to prove that you have liability insurance for registration. Kids 13 years of age and below are not allowed to operate an ATV unless they do so under the guidance of someone who is at least 18 years of age.
Generally, ATVs are not allowed on public highways and public streets. But there are some instances where you can operate an all-terrain vehicle. These include when you want to cross public streets or when you are at an event of a limited time which you have got approval for.
You are also required to have a valid driver’s license if you intend to operate your all-terrain vehicle on a public highway. Also, your all-terrain vehicle must have at least one headlight and a tail light if you want to operate it at night.
Other laws regulating ATV use emphasize the need to use your vehicle in a manner that does not harm the environment. Your vehicle must have a muffler, and your vehicle must be in good working condition to avoid causing noise pollution or producing excessive smoke.
Remember that ATV use on private property without permission is unlawful in Indiana.
Learn more about Indiana ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Iowa
All-terrain vehicles in Iowa must be registered. If the all-terrain vehicle is from another state, the owner must get a user permit in Iowa to operate it within Iowa.
You can only operate an all-terrain vehicle on the highway for two reasons: if it is for agricultural purposes during the day or if you are using the vehicle as a licensed engineer or land surveyor for a land survey in the marked-out area.
Before you can drive your all-terrain vehicle on the highway, you must have a valid driver’s license and keep within speed limits of no more than 30 miles per hour. In Iowa, your ATV must have a working muffler and reliable brakes. If you are operating your ATV at night, you must have headlights and tail lights.
Kids 12 years of age and below can only use an all-terrain vehicle if they are undergoing an educational training course under the guidance of an adult who must be at least 18 years of age. He must also have a valid driver’s license to qualify for this role.
You are not allowed to operate an ATV in protected areas like wildlife areas, parks, or game management areas, except in areas marked out for ATV use.
You cannot operate your all-terrain vehicle on an ATV trail, public lands, public ice, etc., if there is a sign prohibiting such operation. Also, driving under the influence is prohibited in Iowa.
Learn more about Iowa ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Kansas
You do not need to register your ATV in Kansas. Since you are not legally required to register your ATV, you do not have to prove to the Department of Motor Vehicles that you have liability insurance.
You are allowed to operate your ATV on iced department Water if you are ice-fishing, but your all-terrain vehicle must be delivered from a boat ramp. But you can only operate your ATV on ice water from half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset.
Crossing is the only reason your ATV is allowed to be operated on any highway.
Learn more about Kansas ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, there is no need to register your all-terrain vehicle, but you must title your ATV. In Kentucky, you are not allowed to operate an ATV on private property without the owner’s permission.
You cannot operate your ATV on any public streets or highways. You cannot also operate your vehicle on public land unless the agency in charge of the land approves.
Many of its laws also deal with safety. Any ATV operator under 12 years of age is not allowed to operate an ATV without a helmet and parental supervision.
Kentucky laws also put age restrictions for engine sizes. It spells out which engines are appropriate to an age range. For instance, a teenager 16 years of age is not allowed to drive an ATV with an engine size that exceeds 90cc displacement without parental guidance and proper headgear.
Learn more about Kentucky ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Louisiana
Unless you want to use your ATV on public streets and roads, there is no reason to register your vehicle or get liability insurance on the vehicle. If you use ATV for farming activities, you have to register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles to use it on public streets and highways.
ATVs used for farming are permitted to be driven on the shoulders of public roads and highways, except for interstate highways. The operator must have a Class E driver’s license.
You are allowed to drive on the shoulders of public highways during the day, but this does not extend to interstate highways. Off-road vehicles may also be driven on public streets by law enforcement, college students in a university, and technical paramedics as long as they operate within the boundaries of the state-owned universities.
You can also cross public roads and highways with your ATV.
You can learn more about Louisiana ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Maine
Residents of Maine are required to register their ATVs. But if you wish to operate your ATV on your private land only, then there is no need to register your vehicle if it is required for a government job or farming activities.
Although registration in Maine does not permit ATV use on public streets and roads, the rules of the road will apply to your vehicle whenever you drive your ATV on public roads.
Learn more about ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Maryland
You are required to register your ATV and display the registration sticker, but you are not required to obtain liability insurance.
Kids 12 years of age and older can only operate an ATV with the guidance of an older person who must have a valid driver’s license with him. ATV safety is important; no driver is allowed to drive without wearing headgear and protective wear.
You are also required to equip your ATV with headlights, taillights, and a muffler to prevent sound pollution.
Learn more about Maryland ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Massachusetts
Registration is compulsory in Massachusetts. You are required to renew your registration every 2 years.
Kids under 18 years of age are not allowed to operate an ATV unless they pass an ATV safety training course approved by the director of environmental law enforcement. Moreso, if your kid is under 16, you must attend at least one session of the safety training course.
But kids under 14 years of age are only allowed to operate an ATV if they are preparing for a race, and they must do so under the guidance of an adult.
Driving under the influence is not allowed in Massachusetts. Also, Massachusetts requires you to have safety equipment for your ATV use. These include headlights and rear lights. You are also required to equip your vehicle with a muffler to reduce noise pollution.
Learn more about Massachusetts ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Michigan
You are required to title your vehicle in Michigan, but registration is unnecessary. Hence, there is no requirement to insure.
There is an age restriction on ATV use in Michigan; children under 10 years of age cannot operate an ATV. Kids under 12-15 years of age can cross the highway with an off-road vehicle, but they must have a safety certificate when attempting to do that.
Kids under 16 years of age are generally allowed to operate an ATV under the guidance of an adult. And such kids must always have their safety certificate on them when they operate the ATV.
Michigan’s kids under 16 years of age are also required to complete an approved ATV safety course.
Learn more about Michigan ATV State Laws in Our Full guide.
Minnesota
Registering your off-road vehicle is mandatory if you live in Minnesota. In Minnesota, you are not allowed to operate an ATV on public lands, trails, and other roads specifically marked as off-limits for ATVs.
Also, ATV use for deer hunting in Minnesota is allowed if you have a valid deer hunting license, but this is limited to deer hunting locations.
Learn more about Minnesota ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Mississippi
It is not mandatory to register your vehicle in Mississippi. Hence, you do not need to worry about liability insurance or titling.
But if you want to operate your ATV on public property in Mississippi, you must have a valid driver’s license. A safety certificate will do great in place of a driver’s license.
Also, operators 15 years of age and younger must have their safety helmets on while operating their vehicles.
Finally, remember that operating an ATV on any public highway in Mississippi is not allowed.
Learn more about Mississippi ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Missouri
It is mandatory to title your ATV and register it in Missouri. However, it is unnecessary to show proof of liability insurance.
It is unlawful to operate your vehicle without possessing a certificate of ownership. Ideally, you must apply for this certificate within 30 days of buying your ATV.
You cannot operate an ATV on private property without the property owner’s permission. Also, kids under 16 years of age are not allowed to operate an ATV except under the supervision of a guardian, permitted by the kid’s parents or guardians.
Learn more about Missouri ATV State Laws in Our Full guide.
Montana
Registration is compulsory; you must obtain a decal to display on your vehicle. Apart from registering your vehicle, you are required to have a valid driver’s license to operate your vehicle. Kids 12-16 years of age must obtain a safety certificate to drive their ATVs instead of a driver’s license.
In Montana, you may drive your four-wheeler across forest development roads marked for ATV use, but you are generally not allowed to operate your vehicle on any interstate highway.
If you want to operate your vehicle on public roads where permission for ATV use is granted, your vehicle must have lights on the rear and front and must have reliable brakes.
Learn more about Montana ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Nebraska
Unless you use your ATV for agriculture, you are not required to register or obtain liability insurance for your four-wheeler in the state of Nebraska.
But farm ATVs can only be driven by persons with a Class O operator’s license, and the person must possess liability insurance.
If you are using an ATV on public roads in Nebraska, always remember that you are not allowed to cross any controlled-access highway that has three or more marked traffic lanes.
Nebraska requires that you equip your vehicle with headlight and tail lights if you want to ride it in the dark. You are also required to equip your vehicle with a working muffler, reliable brakes, and the accepted spark arrestor.
Learn more about Nebraska ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Nevada
Nevada requires you to register your vehicle. But liability insurance is not a requirement for the registration.
In Nevada, your vehicle must have standard safety equipment, and these include lights at the front and rear of the vehicle. You are also required to equip your vehicle with a muffler.
You are allowed to drive on public lands and country roads except where there is a specific order or sign prohibiting the use of ATVs there.
You are not allowed to operate your vehicle on an interstate highway for more than 2 miles unless the highway is explicitly designated for ATV use.
You can learn more about Nevada ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
New Hampshire
Registering your vehicle in New Hampshire is mandatory, but you have to do this with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
Kids 12-16 years of age must first complete a safety training course and obtain a driver’s license for operating their ATVs.
You are required d to use a safety helmet when operating your vehicle. If you carry passengers, they must also have their helmets on.
New Hampshire laws stipulate that you operate your vehicle with regard to the environment. You are also required to equip your vehicle with safety equipment like reflectors, lights at the front and rear, etc.
But it is important to always remember that you can only use your vehicle on the highway if it is designated for ATV use or in time of an emergency where it is impossible to use a conventional vehicle.
Learn more about New Hampshire ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
New Jersey
Registration and proof of liability insurance for your vehicle are compulsory in New Jersey. The State of New Jersey places an age restriction on ATV use; 14 years of age is the least permissible age your kid must be to operate an ATV.
In New Jersey, you cannot drive ATVs on public highways, but you can cross the highway.
Using an ATV on private property is unlawful without the owner’s explicit permission. The state mandates that ATVs must have safety equipment such as reflectors, headlights, taillights, and mufflers. The lights are especially important if you want to operate your vehicle during dark hours.
Finally, all ATV users are expected to wear safety helmets and other protective gear when using their vehicles.
Learn more about New Jersey ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
New Mexico
You are required to register your ATV in New Mexico. However, you can only drive your ATV on a motor highway if you possess a registration certificate or a nonresident permit.
You are also required to drive on the motor highway in a manner that will not endanger people. You cannot drink or use any other intoxicating substance before driving.
However, there are some age restriction laws in New Mexico. For instance, drivers younger than 18 must wear safety helmets and other protective gear when operating their vehicles. Parental supervision is required for drivers between the ages of 10-18. But drivers 18 years of age and above with a driver’s license or a driver’s permit can drive their vehicle without supervision.
Learn more about New Mexico ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
New York
Titling, registration, and proof of liability insurance are necessary to operate your ATV in New York. You are not allowed to operate your ATV on the highways. While you may cross a highway, you are not allowed to cross an interstate highway or limited access highways at any time there is reduced visibility unless your vehicle has headlights and taillights.
Kids 15 years of age and below are allowed to operate an ATV within the private property owned by their guardians. But they may only do so outside the private property under the supervision of an adult.
You must drive only at safe speed limits to avoid endangering people or property. Although you may operate your vehicle on public land where it is allowed, you can only operate it on highways designed for ATV use.
Most of their laws deal with safety, and one very important law is that your vehicle must be in perfect working conditions and have good brakes and a muffler system to suppress the noise.
Learn more about New York ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
North Carolina
You do not need to obtain proof of liability insurance to operate your vehicle, and it is not mandatory to register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
This state puts age restrictions on ATV use. Kids 7 years of age and below are not allowed to use an ATV. Drivers under 16 years of age cannot operate an ATV of 90cc displacement or more. If they must, they have to do it under adult supervision.
You are not allowed to carry passengers unless the vehicle is designed and equipped to carry passengers. You are also required to avoid drinking under the influence. You are also prohibited from using the highway, but you can cross the highway with your vehicle.
If you plan to drive your vehicle at night, it must have lights for illumination.
Learn more about North Carolina ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, you are required to register ATV, and you will have to obtain liability insurance for the registration. But unlike many other states, North Dakota has no age restrictions for ATV use.
All-terrain vehicles in North Dakota are allowed on the shoulders and ditch at the bottom of the highways. But they can always come up the highway when they want to avoid an obstacle in the bottom ditch. However, they must return to the ditch bottom after passing the obstacle.
North Dakota laws require every ATV to be equipped with at least one headlamp, one tail lamp, and working brakes.
Learn more about North Dakota ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Ohio
Although it is compulsory to register your four-wheeler in Ohio, you are not required to prove that you have liability insurance.
You need a license to operate your ATV in Ohio. You can drive your vehicle on public streets to cross from one ATV-designated area to another. You are not allowed to use your vehicle on private property unless you have the landlord’s or agent’s express permission.
In Ohio, you must equip your ATV with headlights and taillights. You are also required to have a muffler so that you can reduce noise pollution.
Learn more about Ohio ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Oklahoma
You must title your vehicle for ownership proof. You must also register your vehicle but may not provide liability insurance proof.
Oklahoma places emphasis on safety. If you are operating your four-wheeler in Oklahoma, you can only carry the number of passengers the vehicle was designed to carry. Also, kids 17 years of age and below must wear safety helmets whenever they handle a vehicle.
You can drive on county roads that the county commissioners have approved for ATV use. You can also drive your vehicle on the designated public lands and trails, but to cross a highway with your vehicle, you must have a valid driver’s license.
Learn more about Ohio ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Oregon
Oregon is quite relaxed when it comes to the regulation of ATV use. You have to title your ATV for proof of ownership, but there is no requirement to register or provide insurance proof.
Unlike many other states, ATV use is allowed on highways that are available to the public but not maintained for passenger car traffic.
There are restrictions on kids’ ages in Oregon for ATV use. Children under 7 years of age are not allowed to use their vehicles on public land. Exceptions to this rule include when it is being used for farming purposes or when the owner of the land has given permission for such use.
Learn more about Oregon ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Pennsylvania
Titling and registration of your vehicle in Pennsylvania is a legal requirement. You must renew your registration every 24 months. Upon registration, you will have a registration plate that you must display on your vehicle.
You can choose the limited type of registration that does not expire, but your ATV use will be limited to your land.
You also need to obtain liability insurance for registration as you have to show proof of insurance coverage. If you are a visitor in the state, you are not required to register your vehicle nor obtain a driving permit for your ATV as long as it is registered in your state.
There are laws in Pennsylvania that restrict kids of certain ages from using ATVs. There are also laws requiring that you avoid driving under the influence. You are not allowed to drive at speed limits that endanger life and property.
Learn more about Pennsylvania ATV State Laws in Our Full guide.
Rhode Island
Registration is required in Rhode Island. Drivers under 16 years of age and first-timers are required to take a safety course.
You are not allowed to operate your vehicle on private land without the consent of the owner of the private premises. You are not also allowed to operate another’s vehicle without his written consent.
ATV use is prohibited on public streets and the shoulders of highways, except for when the use of automobiles is impossible. You cannot use your ATV in a negligent manner such that lives and property are endangered. Your vehicles must be equipped with working brakes, a muffler, and lights at the front and rear.
Learn more about Rhode Island ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
South Carolina
Proof of insurance and registration is not required in South Carolina, but it is important to title your vehicle. Kids under 16 years of age are prohibited from operating an ATV without a safety course certification.
They must also have safety helmets and eye protection wherever they use an ATV. Kids under 16 are also prohibited from carrying people on their ATVs even when the ATV has enough space for extra passengers.
ATVs in South Carolina are required to be in good working conditions with mufflers and reliable brakes. It is mandated that you equip your vehicle with head and rear lights.
Learn more about South Carolina ATV State Laws in Our Full guide.
South Dakota
Unlike many other states, South Dakota laws for ATV use are a bit relaxed. In South Dakota, every off-highway vehicle must be registered. You are also required to pay taxes on the vehicles.
But you do not have to provide any evidence of insurance to the Department of Motor Vehicle.
Kids 12 years and older are allowed to operate their ATVs in the ditch of the highway as long as they keep a distance from the highway.
Learn more about South Dakota ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Tennessee
Titling your vehicle is mandatory for proof of ownership. But registration is unnecessary. Insurance is not mandatory, but it would be best to obtain insurance, especially if you wish to use the vehicle on highways and other publicly designated places for ATV use.
You are allowed to use your ATV on two-lane highways only. You may operate an ATV for the purpose of crossing the highway. But you are not allowed to operate your ATV on any interstate highway.
You are also required to equip your ATV with head and tail lights that reach as far as 200 feet ahead, especially if you want to operate your vehicle during dark hours.
Learn more about Tennessee ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Texas
Registration is not mandatory in Texas. But titling is mandatory as proof of your ownership. You need a safety certificate from a safety course approved by the state if you wish to drive your ATV on public land.
Children under 14 are only allowed to operate off-road vehicles under the supervision of their parents or someone authorized by their parents.
In Texas, you can drive your ATVs on public roads, but you cannot drive them on an interstate highway. If you use your ATV for farming, you are required to keep within speed limits lower than 25 miles per hour.
You would have to have your driver’s license. Also, driving on public streets and roads for amusement is prohibited in Texas. You are required to keep your vehicle in good working condition, with a muffler and a reliable brake system.
Learn more about Texas ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Utah
Titling and registration are legally required for ATV use in Utah. But there is no need to prove the existence of insurance. You are not allowed to drive your ATV on any highway that is not designated for ATV use except when you are crossing, loading or unloading, and in an emergency situation.
Your ATV must be equipped with safety equipment like headlights and lights at the rear. You also need to equip your bike with a muffler to reduce noise pollution and spark arrestors.
You are allowed to operate your ATV on roads, public streets, and highways that are designated for ATV use.
Learn more about Utah ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Vermont
It is mandatory to register your ATV in Vermont. The laws in Vermont require you to equip your vehicle with reliable brakes, lights in the front and rear of the vehicle, and mufflers to reduce noise pollution.
Kids younger than 12 years are not allowed to cross highways with the ATV. Also, you are not allowed to use your ATV on public streets and public water except in the area that has been designated for ATV use.
Drivers under 18 years of age must have a safety certificate on them whenever they use their ATVs.
You can learn more about Vermont ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Virginia
While titling may be necessary to prove ownership, the law in Virginia makes it unacceptable for anyone to pay any sum to obtain a registration certificate, license plates, and even decals for your off-highway vehicle.
There are restrictions on the age of drivers and the appropriate engine displacement sizes for them. The maximum engine size for children between 12 years and 16 years of age is 90cc. But kids under the age of 12 are ATVs powered with an engine of 70cc displacement or lower.
Learn more about Virginia ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Washington
If you live in Washington, you must title and register your vehicle within 15 days after acquisition. If you wish to use your vehicle on public streets and roads, proof of liability insurance is necessary for registration purposes.
Each county has different regulations regarding ATV use. But the general maximum speed limit for all off-highway vehicles is 35 miles per hour.
You may operate an ATV on public streets if you have a driver’s license. The state does not make the bulk of the regulations for ATV use, so if you wish to use your ATV a lot in town, it would be best to check out the regulations in your county to avoid running into trouble with a law enforcement officer.
Learn more about Washington ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
West Virginia
You are legally required to title your vehicle and register it with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Kids under 18 years of age are required to have a safety certificate before they use an ATV. They must also have their safety helmets on when they use an ATV. aIn West Virginia, all ATVs are required by law to have spark arrestors, mufflers, and lights at the front and rear for illumination when driving at night. No off-highway vehicle is allowed for use on an interstate highway except where it is used by emergency personnel in an emergency situation.
Learn more about West Virginia ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Wisconsin
Registration is compulsory, and there are two types of registration in Wisconsin. The first type allows ATV use on public land, but you have to renew it every 2 years.
The validity of the second type of registration, however, is timeless. But the second type of registration limits your ATV use to your private land.
Wisconsin laws on ATV use emphasize safety and the use of safety equipment. Kids under 12 are allowed to use an ATV but never on the highway. Also, kids under the age of 12 cannot use an ATV without a safety helmet.
Learn more about Wisconsin ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Wyoming
Registration of your ATV use is only required if you wish to operate it on the off-highway trails designated for ATV use.
But ATV owners of such vehicles must renew their registration every year. Upon registration, the vehicle owner will receive a numbered decal.
You are prohibited from using your vehicle on public streets and highways. But you are allowed to cross the highway with your vehicle. You can also use your vehicle on the highway for agriculture as long as it is outside city limits.
Learn more about Wyoming ATV State Laws in Our Full Guide.
Can I Operate an ATV on Private Land?
Generally, you can operate your ATV on any public land designated for ATV use. Some streets may also be designated in some areas as ATV streets for an event. But the case is different for private lands.
You are only allowed to operate your vehicle on any land other than public land if you have the consent of the land owner. In some states, verbal permission is sufficient, but in many other states, you may need to obtain written permission to use the private premises.
Check our full guide dealing with your state to know what applies in your state.
Remember that this is a guide to help you understand some of the laws in these states. If you have violated a traffic law regarding ATV use in your state or are in trouble with the law, it would be best to contact a lawyer for professional advice on what to do.
Also, if the laws of your state appear ambiguous or need some clarification, it would be best to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a practical meaning of the section. This will enable you to stay within the limits of the law as you continue to enjoy your vehicle.
