It's the Law—Land Use Rules

Indiscriminate ORV use has damaged fragile ecosystems on both public and private lands. Complaints of erosion on hills and trails, destruction of stream banks and beds, and conflicts with other users have led to more restrictive rules to control ORV abuses.

Report Abuse

For the future of your sport, as well as the future of the resources, you must know and closely follow the operating regulations and encourage others to do likewise. Violations of these and other rules should be reported immediately to the nearest DNR office or to the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s “Complaint” hotline: 1-800-292-7800.

ORV Land Use Definitions

The DNR administers over 4 million acres of land used for a variety of purposes. Wise use of those lands includes preserving natural features and wildlife habitat and encouraging a variety of recreational uses. Just as other users are limited in their activities in order to protect and conserve these vital resources while minimizing conflicts with other activities, ORV enthusiasts are restricted in where and how they may operate.

Signs that you may see on state roads, trails, and routes are shown on the Trail Signs page.

The following terms may be used when describing where or how ORVs may be operated on state-owned lands:

• Designated: Any place that is posted as open for ORV use with appropriate signs.
• Designated Area: An area that is signed for cross-country ORV use by the DNR. An ORV license is required.
• Designated Route: A forest or county road that has been signed for ORV use by the DNR. Use of these roads is allowed for ORVs of all sizes. Either an ORV license or a Secretary of State (SOS) conventional license is required.
• Forest Roads: Hard-surfaced roads, gravel and dirt roads, and other routes that can be traveled by a conventional 2-wheel-drive vehicle designed for highway use (passenger car). Forest roads include fire lanes and logging roads. Forest roads do not include any state, federal, or county highways or roads. In general, forest road means a road other than a county or state road on which a family car can operate without assistance.
• Designated ORV Trail: Designated paths or ways that can only be traveled by vehicles that are less than 50 inches in width. An ORV license is required.

ORV Trail Maps

Visit the Recreation and Camping, ORV/ATV section of the Michigan DNR website to obtain ORV trail maps for state-owned lands.