ATV Riding Laws – Indiana

The state of Indiana requires all ATVs to have a title, if they were purchased after December 31, 2005, and be registered to be operated legally on public land. All vehicles must be re-registered every three years. They’re exempt from registration if they are already registered in another state, and the operator resides in that state.

All-terrain vehicles can be registered at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle branch, or online. In addition to two decals, a vehicle must have a Certificate of Registration, including a pocket-sized version available in case law enforcement officers conduct an inspection. Decals must be visible on both sides of the vehicle, on the forward half, be legible, and not be expired.

If a vehicle is destroyed, abandoned, or sold, the owner must provide notification within 15 days. Changes in address and transfer of registration require one to do so as well. There are rules for buying and selling all-terrain and off-road vehicles too, including the same deadline to apply for registration. Drivers are restricted from operating vehicles until the application is made.

Restrictions on Use in Indiana

In general, anyone under 14 is restricted from driving an ATV. The only exceptions are if they’re supervised by someone 18 or older or are operating the vehicle on a parent’s land. Operators can cross paved roads, but driving on them is prohibited.

To drive on public property, a driver must have the permission of the state or a state agency. Permission by the United States Forest Service is required to ride in any forested area.

Other State Regulations

Other state regulations require headlights and taillights to be working at night. Operators must have at least one headlight and a taillight in working condition. Indiana also prohibits riding after consuming alcohol or narcotics, driving at excessive speeds, or within 100 feet of a residence between the times specified by the law. It’s also prohibited to ride within 100 feet of an area designated for skiing, skating, or sliding.

State provisions also restrict ATV operators from riding on railroad tracks, in rivers or streams (except to cross), or on cemetery grounds. It is illegal to operate the vehicle while carrying a loaded or secured firearm or while carrying a bow and arrow.

Indiana law also requires operators to notify authorities quickly after an accident if a death or injury, or property damage of at least $750, are involved.

ATV Accident Dangers in Indiana

There were several deadly accidents involving all-terrain vehicles in 2017, including young children. A 6-year-old boy was killed in Switzerland County while riding alone, according to Fox19 Now, and a 7-year-old girl died after a crash in Posey County in April. The vehicle was carrying multiple passengers and none of the occupants were reportedly wearing helmets or protective gear. Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show 263 people were killed in all-terrain vehicle accidents in Indiana during the 1982 to 2015 reporting period, including 28 from 2013 to 2015.