Crossing Roads and Highways

ATVs and some other OHVs are designed exclusively for off-road use. They can be difficult to handle on paved surfaces. Riding on or crossing a road illegally or improperly is a leading cause of fatalities. If you must cross a road, follow this safe procedure.

• Pick a crossing point where you have good visibility in both directions.
• Bring your vehicle to a complete stop on the shoulder of the road.
• Look both ways, and yield to oncoming traffic.
• Drive forward slowly because your vehicle may be difficult to maneuver on pavement.
• Drive straight across the road.
• When crossing in a group, have one rider dismount and act as a crossing guard until everyone else has passed safely.
• Stand up to give yourself maximum visibility.
• Remember that approaching automobile drivers are not expecting, or looking for, OHV riders.

Legal Operation

OHVs are designed for off-road use. Cars are designed to be driven primarily on paved surfaces. OHVs can be operated on roads and highways if they are street legal. This means the OHV has:

• Lights (head, tail, brake, and license plate lights)
• Brakes
• Windshield or other eye protection
• Horn
• Muffler
• Rearview mirror
• Seat and footrest for operator and passenger