Observing ORV Laws in Indiana
Meeting ORV Safety Equipment Regulations
IC-14-16-1-21
- An ORV may not be operated between sunset and sunrise without at least one headlight and one taillight.
- An ORV may not be operated at any time unless it has brakes capable of slowing the ORV at a rate of 14 feet per second when operating on level ground at an initial speed of 20 miles per hour.
Operating Your ORV Legally
IC-14-16-1-23
Indiana law prohibits operation of an ORV in a manner that disregards the rights, safety, or property of others. Specifically, you must obey the following laws.
 Operate Soberly means you may not operate an ORV while under the influence of alcohol, a narcotic, or any other drug.
Maintain Proper Speed and Distance means you may not operate an ORV:
- At a rate of speed greater than is reasonable or in a manner that endangers a person or property
- At a speed exceeding five miles per hour on ice covering public waters when within 100 feet of a person on foot or within 100 feet of a fishing shanty
- Within 100 feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6:00 a.m. except on your own property or as a guest on another person’s property
- Within 100 feet of a slide, ski, or skating area
Equip Properly means you may not operate an ORV:
- Without a lighted headlight and taillight when operating between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise
- Without a muffler in good working condition
Operate Only in Allowed Areas means you may operate only in areas open to ORV use. You may not operate an ORV:
- In a forest nursery, planting area, or public land where growing plants or animals may be damaged
- On any property without the consent of the landowner or tenant
- On a railroad track or its right-of-way
- In or on a flowing river, stream, or creek except for the purpose of crossing by the shortest possible route
- On or across a cemetery or burial ground
Carry Hunting Equipment Safely means you may not operate an ORV:
- When carrying a bow with an arrow nocked
- While transporting a firearm on or in the ORV unless the firearm is:
- Unloaded and ...
- Securely encased or equipped with and made inoperative by a manufactured keylocked trigger-housing mechanism.
Responding Appropriately After an Accident
IC-14-16-1-24
An operator of an ORV involved in an accident must notify the nearest law enforcement authorities as quickly as possible if the accident resulted in:
- Serious injury of a person or ...
- Death of a person or ...
- Estimated property damage of $750 or more.
 Obeying Law Enforcement Officers
IC-14-16-1-25
All Indiana law enforcement officers will enforce the ORV regulations.
Off-Road Vehicle and Snowmobile Fund
IC-14-16-1-30
Registration and related fees for ORVs and snowmobiles are deposited in the Off-Road Vehicle and Snowmobile Fund, which is used for the enforcement, construction, and maintenance of off-road and snowmobile trails. The fund is administered by the Department of Natural Resources.
Trails
For detailed information on trails, contact the DNR Customer Service Center.
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