It's the Law—Land Use Rules

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. (That is, the entire width between boundary lines of public ways maintained for vehicular travel is closed to ORVs.) 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, unless an ORV is being operated at the minimum speed necessary for controlled forward movement, the ORV may not be operated within 100 feet of:

• Another person
• An ice fishing shanty
• An area cleared for ice skating

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.

It is unlawful to operate any ORV in or on the waters of any stream, river, marsh, bog, wetland, swamp, or quagmire, unless you are driving on a bridge, culvert, or similar structure.

Summary of ORV Operation on Various Land Types

A summary of the restrictions concerning ORV Operation on Various Land Types is available on pg. 38 of the Michigan PDF version of the Handbook.