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 DNRE office or to the DNRE Law Enforcement Division’s “Complaint” hotline: 1-800-292-7800.

ORV Land Use Definitions

The DNRE administers over four 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 has signs for cross-country ORV use posted by the DNRE. An ORV license is required.
• Designated Route: A forest road or other road that is designated by the DNRE for ORV use.
• Forest Roads: Hard-surfaced roads, gravel or dirt roads, or other routes capable of travel by a 2‑wheel-drive, 4-wheel conventional vehicle designed for highway use, except an interstate, state, or county highway.
• Forest Trails: Designated paths or ways capable of travel only by a vehicle less than 50 inches in width.
• Highway: The entire width between the boundary lines of a way publicly maintained when any part of the way is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
• 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 DNRE website to obtain ORV trail maps for state-owned lands.