It's the Law!: Indiana Laws for ORVs

Operating 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 and...
  • Yield to all traffic.
• Cities, towns, and counties have individual laws pertaining to ORVs. Check these before riding.
• An ORV may be operated on a road or highway for a special event after obtaining a permit.

Operating 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.

Understanding Operator Requirements
IC-14-16-1-20

• Persons under 14 years of age may operate an ORV only if:
  • They are supervised by a person who is at least 18 years of age or...
  • They are operating on property owned or controlled by the person’s parent or guardian.
• A person may not operate an ORV on a public highway without a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.

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

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

• While under the influence of alcohol, a narcotic, or other drug
• 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 an individual on foot or within 100 feet of a fishing shanty
• Within 100 feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6 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
• 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
• 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
• 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