It's the Law!: Indiana Laws for ORVs

Operation on Highways and Roads
IC-14-16-1-20

• An ORV may be ridden on the public right-of-way adjacent to a public highway, except a limited access highway, when there is sufficient width to do so without endangering life or property.
• You may cross a public highway, other than a limited access highway, at a 90-degree angle to get from one area to another. To do so, you must:
  • Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before crossing.
  • Yield to all traffic.
• Cities, towns, and counties have individual laws pertaining to snowmobiles and ATVs. Check these before riding.
• An ORV may be operated on a street or highway for a special event of limited duration after obtaining a permit.

Operation on Public Property
IC-14-16-1-27

• An ORV may not be ridden on public property without the consent of the state or an agency of the state.
• An ORV may not be ridden in a U.S. forest without the consent of the U.S. Forest Service.

Who May Operate an Off-Road Vehicle
IC-14-16-1-20

• An individual under 14 years of age may not operate an ORV without supervision from an adult person of at least 18 years of age unless operating on property owned or controlled by the person’s parent or guardian.
• An individual may not operate an ORV on a public highway without a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.

Lights and Brakes
IC-14-16-1-21

• An ORV may not be operated between sunset and sunrise without at least one headlight and one taillight.
• An ATV may not be operated at any time unless it has brakes capable of stopping it at 14 feet a second on level ground at a speed of 20 miles per hour.

Restrictions on Operation
IC-14-16-1-23

A individual may not operate an ORV under any of these conditions:

• At a rate of speed greater than is reasonable or in a manner that endangers a person or property
• While under the influence of alcohol, a narcotic, or other drug
• Without a headlight and taillight displayed during the hours from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise
• In a forest nursery, planting area, or public land where growing plants or animals may be damaged
• At a speed exceeding 5 miles per hour on ice covering public waters when within 100 feet of an individual on foot or within 100 feet of a fishing shanty
• Without a muffler in good working condition
• Within 100 feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6 a.m., except on the individual’s own property or as a guest on another person’s property
• On any property without the consent of the landowner or tenant
• Within 100 feet of a slide, ski, or skating area
• On a railroad track or right-of-way
• In or on a flowing river, stream, or creek, except for the purpose of crossing by the shortest possible route
• When carrying a bow with an arrow nocked
• While transporting on or in the vehicle a firearm unless the firearm is:
  • Unloaded and ...
  • Securely encased or equipped with and made inoperative by a manufactured keylocked trigger-housing mechanism
• On or across a cemetery or burial ground