ORV Operation on State-Owned Lands

ORV operation is prohibited on state-owned lands, except on roads, trails, or areas designated for this purpose.

• State Forest Lands: ORV restrictions vary by location.
  • Upper Peninsula: ORV operation is permitted on designated trails and forest roads in the Upper Peninsula unless posted as closed.
  • Lower Peninsula: ORV operation is permitted on all designated trails, designated areas, and designated routes in the Lower Peninsula.
  • Statewide: ORV use on designated trails is limited to vehicles 50 inches or less in width. Off-trail or off-route operation outside of a designated area is prohibited except for licensed hunters operating an ORV at speeds of 5 mph or less for the purpose of removing deer, bear, or elk.
• State Game Areas: No motorized vehicle operation except on established roads open to the public. ORVs are prohibited.
• State Parks and State Recreation Areas: ORV operation is prohibited except in designated areas of Silver Lake State Park.

Cross-Country ORV Operation

Cross-country ORV operation on state-owned lands is permitted only at:

• Designated areas at Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County
• St. Helen Motorsport Area in Roscommon County
• Black Mountain Scramble Area in Cheboygan County (the Scramble Area is restricted to ORVs that are 50 inches or less in width)

route
A forest road or other road that is designated for ORV use by the department

highway
The entire width between the boundary lines of every way open to the use of the public as a matter of right for the purpose of vehicle traffic. This includes all public ways plus thoroughfares and bridges. Generally, federal and state highways are designated by a number. County roads are designated by a letter or letters. Town highways are generally designated by a name.

ORV Operation on National Forest Lands

• In all national forests, motor vehicles can be used only on roads, trails, or areas that are designated as open. This includes all motorized wheeled vehicles from ATVs to street-legal vehicles.
• Motor Vehicle Use Maps are published for each forest to show the designated system of roads, trails, or areas available for motor vehicle use by vehicle class and, if appropriate, by time of year. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are updated annually to show changes. The public is encouraged to provide suggestions on yearly changes. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are free to the public and available at Forest Service offices or from Forest Service websites. Motor Vehicle Use Map publication timelines are as follows: Ottawa – spring 2007, Hiawatha – fall 2007, Huron – spring 2008, Manistee – spring 2009.

Prohibited ORV Operation on Other Lands

• Roads, streets, and highways maintained for year-round automobile travel are closed to ORV operation, including the shoulder and the right-of-way. However, ORVs registered as motor vehicles by the Secretary of State may be operated on the roadway.
• ORVs may be operated on a roadway in accordance with a locally enacted ordinance. The ORV rider is responsible for contacting the local authorities to find out which roadways are open to ORV use.
• Private land is closed to ORV operation, except for use by the landowner and the landowner’s invited guests. The failure of a landowner to post or fence private property against ORV use does not imply consent to ORV operation.
• ORV operation is permitted on the ice of public waters; however, the ORV may not be operated within 100 feet of a person, an ice fishing shanty, or an area that is cleared for ice skating, unless the ORV is being operated at the minimum speed necessary for controlled forward movement.
• An ORV may not be operated in a manner that creates an erosive condition. Michigan’s soils and shorelines are fragile, and ORV operation in these areas and along stream banks and other waterways is restricted.
• ORVs may not be operated in a manner that would injure, damage, or destroy trees or growing crops.