ATV Riding Laws – Overview

All-Terrain Vehicles are off road vehicles that many people use for riding enjoyment. Anyone that rides an ATV must be aware of the specific ATV riding laws and how they will affect their activity and use. Each state will have set guidelines in place regarding how and when an ATV may be used, but there are rules that will apply no matter what state you reside in.

It is not a requirement to have a driver’s license to operate an all-terrain vehicle since they are not intended to be driven on traditional roads or highways. Anyone that rides an ATV should be dressed appropriately which means they should be wearing gloves, goggles, a helmet, long sleeved shirts, long pants, and boots that come over the ankle.  You need to have adequate protection in case of an accident or if you fall off the ATV.

An ATV should never be driven on traditional roads unless it is permitted by the laws of the state you reside in. They are not designed for roadways nor do they have the proper equipment such as lights and signals like automobiles and trucks. Under no circumstances should you operate an all-terrain vehicle while you have been drinking alcoholic beverages or using drugs (prescription or illegal). Using alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to react in the event of an accident. You can also be subjected to penalties and fines or even jail time if the authorities find you to be under the influence at the time of an accident.

Any ATV rider under the age of 16 should be supervised at all times, because young children may not be able to maneuver properly on trails. You should never have more riders than your ATV allows (i.e. if you have a one-seat ATV, there should only be one rider, etc.) to prevent serious injury. It is also important to ride an ATV that is suitable for your age.

Before heading out for a spin, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with all the parts of your all-terrain vehicle to ensure you know how to operate it properly. This includes learning and understanding that it will handle much differently than a motorcycle or car and you will definitely need to practice prior to riding on a trail. There are courses in your locality geared towards teaching you how to ride an ATV. You may want to consider these courses to make sure you understand the rules, regulations, and appropriate laws for your area.

Once you decide to ride an ATV, you should take the time to learn the specific laws of your state. You should make sure that you are wearing the correct clothing and protective gear. Alcohol and drug use are prohibited while operating an ATV (no matter what state you reside in) and you should never operate one on a highway or roadway. The only time it is okay to travel on a roadway is to cross the street, and it should be done with extreme caution.  The key to lasting enjoyment while riding an all-terrain vehicle is to make sure you follow the laws of your area.


ATV Rider Laws

ATV, UTV, and ROV laws across the country vary widely, including who can ride, where you can ride, and what state agencies regulate ATV use. If you want to know the specific laws for where you live, click your state below.