ATV Riding Laws – Michigan

The enforcement of Michigan’s ATV laws is the responsibility of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Off-road vehicles used in farming, construction, or logging activities or those used for military, emergency, fire and law enforcement are not covered under Michigan law.

Vehicle Titling, Licensing, and Registration

By law, an owner of an all-terrain vehicle who is a resident of Michigan is required to get a certificate of title from the Secretary of State. The vehicle must also be licensed by the DNR unless it is to be solely used on private property.

It is illegal to buy or sell an ATV without transferring the title. A dealer must apply for a title when selling a vehicle. If an ATV is bought directly from another owner, the buyer is responsible for applying for the transfer of title.

All all-terrain vehicles that are ridden in public areas must be licensed. All licenses and permits are valid for a year. The license decal must be visibly displayed on the vehicle.

Safety Regulations

All riders must wear a crash helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Other legal requirements for an ATV include:

  • a braking system in good working order
  • an effective throttle system for vehicle idling
  • a muffler that meets noise emission regulations
  • a spark arrestor
  • a fully operating headlight, tail light, and brake light during the hours of darkness

All persons under the age of 16 riding must have a valid safety training certificate. They must carry this certificate with them for presentation to a law enforcement officer when asked to do so.

Age Restrictions for Riders

No child under the age of 16 may ride a 3-wheel ATV. The following restrictions apply to riders of 4-wheel ATVs in Michigan:

  • No child under 10 may ride on public land.
  • Children aged 10 or 11 may ride on private land if they have a valid safety certificate and are under adult supervision.
  • Children aged between 12 and 15 may ride on public land if they possess a safety certificate and have adult supervision.
  • Riders under the age of 12 may not cross any street, highway, or country road.

Children older than that may do so only under the supervision of an adult.

ATV Operating Regulations

The law makes the following provisions when riding an ATV:

  • No ATV may travel on a road, street or highway, including the shoulder, unless permitted by a local authority
  • Riding on private land is permitted only with the landowner’s permission
  • It is illegal to ride in streams, rivers, marshes or wetlands
  • It may not cause a disturbance to the land that may be cause for erosion

By law, riders involved in an accident are required to stop and render assistance. They must file a written report of the accident with the State Police or Sheriff in the event of an injury or fatality, or if more than $100 worth of damage is caused.

Intoxicated ATV riders will be prosecuted under the law. In addition, the state will impose penalties for misdemeanors that may include fines and imprisonment.