ATV Riding Laws- Oregon

Riding an ATV in Oregon requires special safety education. The state has specific rules for its riders and generalizes all-terrain vehicles as any type of off-road vehicle. The state’s ATV class extends to quads, three-wheelers, jeeps, sand rails, SUVs, motorcycles, and side-by-side vehicles.

Educational Safety Program

For operation of these vehicles, a rider must undergo a driver an educational safety program where they will obtain an ATV Safety Education Card. This is valid for Class I to Class III ATVs and went into effect on Jan. 1, 2014.

Individuals under the age of 16 looking to operate a Class IV ATV (side-by-side) must also procure a Safety Education Card. This was previously known as an operator’s permit in the state. This is in addition to completing a hands-on training course for the operation of the vehicle.

The operation of an all-terrain machine cannot be performed by an individual that has a license that has been suspended or revoked. Riders under 16 must be supervised by an adult. Those under the age of 18 must wear a helmet that is DOT-approved and has a chin strap that is fastened at all time.

Size Restrictions

Riders under the age of 16 must also meet size requirements to drive an ATV. They must be able to reach the brake without issue and sit with proper leg placement. They cannot be leaning forward to reach the grip, and they need to able to coordinate the handle bar locks in addition to the throttle and brake control.

Required Equipment

ATVs must have an operating permit sticker in addition to a USFS approved spark arrester and muffler that is rated at 99 dB. A flag must be used for sand operation, and all headlights and taillights should be working for night operation. When operating these machines on an Oregon Coast sand dune, it needs to be equipped with a muffler that is rated at 93 to 97 dB. Operating without the required equipment is a Class C traffic violation.

Violations

Street use of these all-terrain vehicles is not permitted as they are not emission certified to the standards of the state. Additional violations can occur if a driver operates the ATV in a dangerous way or allows an underage or intoxicated driver to operate the machine.

It is also illegal under Oregon law to operate an ATV on a closed section of the ocean shoreline, or another restricted area. Creating damage with an all-terrain vehicle can also result in violations as well as using a loaded firearm while driving.

Riders that damage private property could face a Class D traffic violation and up to three times the amount of damages as a fine.