It's the Law—Quick Reference
Operation Guide for All-Terrain Vehicles and Off-Road Motorcycles

• Resident-owned ATVs and off-road motorcycles must display a valid DNR registration. Nonresident-owned ATVs and off-road motorcycles must display a valid nonresident user permit.
• A person under 12 years of age shall not operate an allterrain vehicle, including an off-road motorcycle, on a designated riding area or designated riding trail or on ice unless one of the following applies:
  • The person is taking a prescribed safety training course and operation is under the direct supervision of a certified all-terrain vehicle safety instructor.
  • ATV and off-road motorcycle riders under the age of 12 must be under the direct supervision of an adult possessing a valid drivers license. Direct supervision means maintaining visual and verbal contact at all times.
• ATV riders 12 through 17 years of age must have a valid safety certificate before riding on any public land or ice or land purchased with all-terrain vehicle registration funds
• Riding double is prohibited on ATVs and off-highway motorcycles (even on private property), unless the ATV and off-highway motorcycle is designed and manufactured for two persons (most are not).
• Riding is prohibited in or on any park or fish and game areas except on designated all-terrain vehicle trails.
• Riding is prohibited in any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or destroys growing stock.
• Riding in wildlife areas is prohibited.
• Careless, reckless, or negligent operation is prohibited.
• Speed greater than reasonable or proper under all existing circumstances is prohibited.
• Riding while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics is prohibited.
• ATVs and motorcycles may not exceed an engine noise limit above 96 decibels as tested under SAE J1287.

All-Terrain Vehicles - Highway Use Exemptions to Operation upon Roadways

Agricultural Exemption: Use must be for a valid agricultural purpose.

• Operation must be between sunrise and sunset.
• Operator must have a valid drivers license.
• Machine must be operated at speeds under 35 mph.
• An owner of land or the owner’s family may operate an ATV or off-road motorcycle in the ditch area that is adjacent to their property (they must stop riding at the end of their property boundary).

Licensed Engineer or Surveyor Exemption: The operation is incidental to the vehicle’s use for the purpose of surveying by a licensed engineer or land surveyor.

Political Subdivision or Utility Exemption: The ATV is operated by an employee or agent of a political subdivision or public utility for the purpose of construction or maintenance on or adjacent to the highway.

Providing Emergency Services Exemption: The ATV is operated by an employee or agent of a public agency for the purpose of providing emergency services or rescue.

Trail Maintenance Exemption: The ATV is operated for the purpose of mowing, installing approved trail signs, or providing maintenance on a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle trail designated by the Department of Natural Resources.