ATV Riding Laws – New Jersey
New Jersey law requires all riders of off-highway vehicles to have liability insurance of at least $30,000. The regulations governing the operation of ATVs in New Jersey are legislated under Title 39 of the New Jersey statutes. These laws regulate the use of ATVs on both public and public land.
An Overview of ATV Laws
New Jersey’s state laws prescribe that:
- ATVs are prohibited from traveling on public roads and highways and are only permitted to cross them.
- ATVs used on public property must be registered and the registration must be renewed annually.
- All ATV riders, including any passengers, must wear helmets.
- No child younger than 14 may ride an ATV on public land or cross roads.
- No one younger than 16 may use an ATV with an engine capacity greater than 90cc on public property or to cross a highway.
- No person under the age of 18 may ride an ATV on public property without a valid safety training certificate.
- ATVs may not be driven in the dark without the operation of a headlight and taillight.
Regulations for ATV Operation
Under New Jersey law, no person may ride an ATV on private property without the permission of the landowner. ATVs may not travel on highways or their right-of-way limits. They may also not be used on the plowed snow banks of a public street or highway.
The statutes impose other restrictions and statutory provisions for the operation of ATVs:
- Wearing a helmet is mandatory for all riders and their passengers.
- All ATVs must have brakes, headlights, taillights, and mufflers that are in good working condition.
- ATV riders may not ride the vehicle with the intention of harassing, driving or pursuing wildlife.
- No ATV may operate on or alongside a railroad unless it is driven by railroad personnel in the performance of their duties.
The statutes provide every law enforcement officer in New Jersey with the authority to enforce all legal provisions. This includes officers of the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Motor Vehicles, park police, forest rangers and any other designated officers.
Safety Regulations
The law requires all ATVs to have the following:
- Headlights. At least one headlight with enough illumination for riders to see at a distance of 100 feet in front of them in the dark.
- Taillights. A minimum of one red taillight with enough illumination to be visible by a following vehicle from a distance of 500 feet.
- Brakes. Brakes must be in good operating condition.
- Reflector material. A minimum of 16 square inches of reflector material must be applied on each side of the cowling.
- Mufflers. Every ATV must have a muffler in good working order for noise reduction.
The Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles in the Department of Law and Public Safety may impose other rules and regulations to ensure the safety of ATVs. This includes provision for the inspection of vehicles and testing of their mufflers.
It is illegal for anyone to sell an ATV with an engine capacity greater than 90cc to a person younger than 16. Owners are also prohibited from selling a vehicle that does not fully comply with the provisions of this statute.