ATV Riding Laws – Ohio

All owners of ATVs in Ohio are required to register title of ownership. The use of ATVs is regulated by the provisions of Title 45 of the Ohio statutes. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is authorized to enforce the provisions, rules, and regulations of the state’s ATV riding laws.

Registration of ATVs must be renewed every three years. All ATV riders and legal passengers are required to wear helmets and protective eye wear when riding through state forest areas. In order to ride on public property, an operator must be in possession of a driver’s permit or motorcycle endorsement.

Children of 12 or older may be permitted to ride an ATV on lands within the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources, provided they are supervised by a parent. Children younger than 16 are forbidden to ride an ATV unless it is on a parent’s  property or unless they are accompanied by an adult over 18.

ATV Registration

Under state law, Ohio residents must register their ATVs and display their decals and license plates on the vehicles. Non-residents may have to apply for an Ohio temporary registration unless their vehicles are registered in states with which Ohio has registration reciprocity.

Certain categories of ATV use exempts them from registration:

  • ATVs operated exclusively on private properties.
  • Off-road vehicles owned by the federal or state government or local authorities.

When an ATV is destroyed, the owner is required to hand over the registration certificate to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within 15 days of disposal or destruction.

Safety Regulations

Ohio law prescribes several safety regulations for ATVs. These vehicles must be fitted with the following equipment:

  • Headlights. At least one headlight must be fitted with a reach of 100 feet minimum in dark conditions.
  • Taillights. A minimum of one red taillight with sufficient illumination to enable a following vehicle to observe the ATV from 500 feet.
  • Brakes. Brakes must be in well maintained and able to stop within 40 feet when traveling at a speed of 20mph and carrying a rider weighing 175 pounds or more.
  • Muffler. A muffler must be effective in limiting the engine noise emanating from the vehicle.

No one may sell or offer to sell an ATV that does not conform to these safety regulations.

ATV Operating Restrictions

Ohio law imposes several restrictions on the use of ATVs. These vehicles may not be operated on:

  • Private property without the owner’s permission.
  • Any public land that is not designated for ATV use.
  • The tracks or alongside a railroad.

In addition, ATV riders are prohibited from chasing, capturing or killing any wildlife. When driving during the hours of darkness, ATVs are required to show lighted head and tail lights.