ATV Riding Laws – Colorado

In the state of Colorado, it is mandatory that all-terrain vehicles have to be numbered and registered unless they will be used on the property of the owner. Each year the registration has to be renewed. No one under the age of 10 can drive an ATV on an off-highway vehicle route unless they have a license or are accompanied by a person with a driver’s license.

The only time an ATV can be driven or the highway or roadway is when it is necessary to cross the road to access the other side or to meet farming needs. In order to ride on public property in Colorado, they must be equipped with headlights and taillights and it has to be between sunrise and sunset. The Colorado State Police is responsible for regulating ATV use.

It is suggested that anyone that wants to own and operate an all-terrain vehicle, should take a safety training course to ensure they operate the vehicle in the proper manner. Riders should also wear the appropriate equipment and clothing when operating an all-terrain vehicle. A helmet and goggles should be worn while on an all-terrain vehicle. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, boots, and gloves should be worn at all times.

Under no circumstances should an ATV be operated after consuming alcoholic beverages or drugs (prescription or illegal). Riders under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a licensed adult and the ATV should be the correct size for the weight and age of the rider. It is also important to never ride passengers on all-terrain vehicles that are designed for single riders to prevent serious injury.

An all-terrain vehicle can be used on private property without being registered if it will be used for farming or hunting purposes. They should never be driven on roadways unless it is to access another area like for hunting or moving agricultural products. The state of Colorado is one of the states that allows young riders to operate ATVs. As long as there is an adult with them, children as young as 10 years old can operate an ATV.

Before operating or riding an ATV, it is strongly advised that owners and riders take a safety training course to ensure they understand how to properly operate the vehicle. Riders should also make themselves aware of the laws in their area to know where they are allowed to ride their ATVs and during what times.