ATV Riding Laws – Minnesota

The Minnesota state laws, rules, and regulations for the safe operation of ATVs are administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). They divide ATVs into two classes:

  • Class 1: an ATV with a maximum width of 50 inches from tire rim to tire rim
  • Class 2: an ATV with a width of between 50 and 65 inches

Registration

All ATVs are required to be registered for use in Minnesota. There are several exemptions to this regulation, which include:

  • ATVs belonging to non-residents
  • Those owned by federal, state, and tribal governments
  • ATVs used solely for track racing
  • An ATV that is older than 25 years

Registration certificates, plates, and decals are issued by the DNR. The plate and decal must be displayed prominently on the vehicle. By law, a new owner of a second-hand ATV must file a transfer of ownership with the DNR within 15 days of purchase.

Although non-residents do not require registration of their ATVs, they must apply for trail passes. These must be available for inspection at all times.

Regulations for Operation

In general, it is illegal to ride an ATV on the slope, shoulder or roadway of any state or county road. However, local authorities may give permission for Class 2 ATVs to drive on roads and streets within their jurisdiction. Class 1 ATVs must be fitted with roll-over protection to operate on roadways where permitted.

The law has other prescriptions for the operation of ATVs:

  • Brakes must be in good working order.
  • A throttle must be fitted to enable idling of the vehicle.
  • Noise control mufflers must be fitted with an approved spark arrestor.

In addition, the law prohibits people from riding an ATV on the median or right-of-way of a highway, at airports, in waterways and wetlands and on closed state forest lands.

Restrictions on Youth Riders

Minnesota law imposes the following restrictions on young ATV riders for Class 1 ATVs:

  • Children under 10 may only ride on private lands
  • Between the age of 10 and 11, children may only ride an ATV on public lands with an engine capacity of less than 90cc if a parent or guardian is present.
  • Teenagers between 12 and 15 must have a safety certificate and be accompanied by an adult with a valid driver’s license.
  • Between the ages of 16 and 17, riders must have a driver’s license and safety certificate to cross a roadway without the supervision of a parent or guardian.

For Class 2 ATVs:

  • No-one below the age of 15 may ride a Class 2 ATV.
  • Children aged 15 with a valid ATV safety certificate may ride on public lands and make roadway crossings if accompanied by an adult with a valid driver’s license. They may also travel on the shoulder of a road in the presence of a parent or guardian.
  • 16 and 17-year-olds must be in possession of a valid driver’s license to ride on or cross a roadway.