ATV Riding Laws – North Dakota

The provisions for operating ATVs in North Dakota on both private and public land are legislated under Chapter 39-29 of the North Dakota code. The state’s Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for regulating the operation of these vehicles and enforcing the legal code.

An Overview of ATV Laws

The statutes impose the following provisions and regulations on ATV riders:

  • Helmets must be worn by all riders and passengers under the age of 18.
  • Registration is required for all ATVs and must be renewed every two years.
  • ATVs driven exclusively on private property need not be registered.
  • Unless an ATV is designed for passengers, they are not permitted to be carried.
  • Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from operating an ATV.
  • An ATV rider aged 12 to 16 must be in possession of a driver’s license or a safety certificate.
  • ATVs may only be driven on roads that carry a speed limit of 45mph and under.

Vehicle Registration

All ATVs must be registered to operate on public land. Vehicle owners must apply to the North Dakota Department of Transportation for registration. Apart from a registration fee, a vehicle trail tax is also payable.

Certain categories of ATV are exempt from registration:

  • ATVs owned by the federal or state government.
  • Vehicles registered in a foreign country for temporary use in North Dakota.
  • ATVs registered in another state which have not been in North Dakota for 30 days.
  • Off-road vehicles for exclusive use on private properties.
  • Vehicles that are used solely for track racing.

The registration decal is required to be displayed prominently on the ATV. Registration must be renewed every two years. A vehicle must be registered within 15 days of the transfer of ownership.

Operational Requirements

An ATV may be driven on a roadway if it has a minimum engine capacity of 350cc. In addition, it must be equipped with a headlight, horn, taillight, speedometer, brake light, odometer and a mirror.

ATV riders must abide by the following prohibitions and regulations:

  • ATVs may only operate on private properties with the owner’s consent.
  • Riders must adhere to designated trails and riding areas.
  • A registered ATV may travel on a designated highway with a speed limit of 55mph.
  • A licensed rider older than 16 may ride a registered Class III ATV on state park roads and on a highway with a speed limit of 65mph.
  • ATVs may ride on a highway right-of-way, ditch bottom or along the outslope. Riding on the shoulder or inside slope is prohibited.
  • Riding on interstate highways is forbidden.
  • Railroad tracks may not be driven on, but may be crossed.
  • Riders may not endanger the lives of others or cause damage to property.
  • No rider may chase, kill or harass any protected wildlife.
  • ATVs may not be operated on public properties that are not designated as riding areas or trails.