The Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws
Table of Contents

Off-Road Basics

Before You Ride

• Know Your Off-Road Vehicle (ORV)
• Common ATV Parts
• Safeguarding Yourself With Protective Clothing and Gear
• Dressing for the Weather
• Inspecting Your ORV Before You Ride
• Additional Gear

Riding Your ORV

• Operating Your ORV
• Using Correct Riding Techniques
• Reading and Traversing Terrain
• Riding on Different Types of Terrain

Youth on Wheels

• Note to Parents
• Choosing an Appropriate ORV
• Your Role as a Parent
• Children Are at Risk

Riding Safely

• Be Prepared
• What to Bring Along
• Operate Safely and Responsibly
• Using Courteous Trail Etiquette

It's the Law

Before You Ride

• Why Michigan Has ORV Laws
• Licensing and Titling Your Vehicle
• Where to License ORVs
• Displaying the ORV License

Required Equipment

• For Operators and Passengers
• For Off-Road Vehicles

Young ORV Operators

• Operator Age Restrictions
• ORV Safety Education Requirement

Land Use Rules

• ORV Land Use Definitions
• ORV Operation on State-Owned Lands
• ORV Operation on National Forest Lands
• Prohibited ORV Operation on Other Lands
• Summary of ORV Operation on Various Land Types (PDF Format)

Riding Your ORV

• Accidents
• Penalties
• Alcohol
• Sound Emission Regulations
• ORV Operation Regulations
• Persons with Disabilities

Additional Information

• Tread Lightly
• Michigan’s ORV Trails
• Forest Certification Program
• ORV Trail Signs
• Michigan DNR Information and Law Enforcement Division District Offices