It's the Law—Riding Your ORV

ORV Operation Regulations

If your license to operate an automobile has been suspended (regardless of in which state the suspension originated), you may not operate an off-road vehicle in Michigan until suspension has been terminated by the court.

An ORV operator must stop upon the signal of a law enforcement officer.

On private property, an ORV operator must stop upon the signal of a landowner.

In addition to restrictions on state-owned lands and other violations previously noted, the following acts are unlawful anywhere in the state except as noted. ORV operation is prohibited:

• In any forest nursery or planting area
• On a DNR dedicated natural area
• In any area in a manner that would injure, damage, or destroy crops or trees
• In any area in a manner so as to create an erosive condition
• Within 100 feet of a dwelling at a speed greater than the minimum speed necessary for controlled forward movement except when operating on private property or on designated routes, trails, areas, or access routes
• On lands of another without permission
• Within 100 feet of a slide, ski, or skating area
• On a DNR–designated snowmobile trail located in the Lower Peninsula unless it’s also designated for ORV use
• On any operational or non-abandoned railroad right-of-way (except to cross at a designated railroad crossing)
• In or upon the waters of any stream, river, bog, wetland, marsh, or quagmire
• In public hunting areas during the November firearm deer season, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for these cases:
  • Going to or from a residence or hunting camp that is inaccessible by a conventional vehicle (subject to state land regulations)
  • On private property, with landowner’s permission
  • Passenger vehicles while being operated on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic
  • A person holding a “Permit to Hunt From a Standing Vehicle” or other persons meeting disabled requirements while engaged in hunting or fishing activity
• On any public highway, street, or right-of-way, except:
  • To cross at right angles after a complete stop (not on limited access freeways)
  • For ORVs also registered as motor vehicles under the Michigan Vehicle Code
  • In a special event held under a government permit
• At a rate of speed greater than that which is reasonable and proper
• In a careless manner without due regard for existing conditions
• In a manner that leaves litter or debris
• In hunting, pursuing, or worrying any animal
• While transporting a strung, uncased bow or an uncased or loaded firearm
• While transporting or possessing an alcoholic beverage that is open or uncapped (seal has been broken)
• While under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance
• While visibly impaired due to alcohol or a controlled substance
• While transporting a passenger without a seat as designed by the manufacturer
• While under a court suspension of ORV or automobile operating rights
• On any unlicensed ORV