The Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws

What Is an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV)?

Michigan law defines an ORV as any motor vehicle that can be operated cross-country (without benefit of a road or trail) over land, snow, and other natural terrain. This includes: multi-track or multi-wheeled vehicles; all-terrain vehicles (ATVs); motorcycles or related multi-wheeled vehicles; amphibious machines (water-to-land and back); hovercraft; and other vehicles that use mechanical power including 2- or 4-wheel-drive vehicles that are highway registered but operated off highways or off roads.

The following are not considered ORVs by Michigan law: registered snowmobiles; farm, construction, or logging vehicles when being used in usual work practices; and military, fire, emergency, and law enforcement vehicles.

Do Michigan's ORV laws apply to all ORVs?

Yes! Michigan laws about off-road vehicles apply to all off-road vehicles regardless of their size, type, or engine size. However, some Michigan laws may apply only to ORV operators of certain ages.

Get started!