Observing ATV Laws in Vermont

The Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association (VASA) was formed in 1998 as a central point of contact in ATV recreation in the State of Vermont. VASA has been instrumental in leading a safety improvement effort in Vermont. VASA is modeled after the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, which has been highly successful in leading a volunteer effort to expand the trail system and encourage safety education among enthusiasts of snowmobiling. VASA is building an infrastructure of enthusiasts of ATV riding just like yourself, and you are encouraged to volunteer with your local ATV club.

What Is an ATV?

According to Vermont law, an ATV is any non-highway recreational vehicle, except snowmobiles, that:

• Has at least three low-pressure tires (10 pounds per square inch or less) and...
• Is 60" in width or less and...
• Has a dry weight of less than 1,700 pounds and...
• Is used for cross-country travel on trails or on land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or natural terrain.

Riding Safely: Education Requirements

• Anyone younger than 18 years must be certified by a state-approved safety education course.
• A person under 18 years of age who is currently enrolled in such a course may operate an ATV under the direct supervision of a certified ATV instructor.
  

Understanding Age Requirements

If you are less than 12 years of age, you may operate an ATV only if you:

• Are on land owned by your parents, family, or guardian or …
• Have written permission of the landowner or lessee or …
• Are directly supervised by a person at least 18 years of age.

If you are 12 years of age or older but less than 18 years of age, you may operate an ATV only if you:

• Are on land owned by you, your parents, or your guardian or …
• Are under the direct supervision of an instructor while taking a state-approved safety education course or …
• Have been certified in a state-approved safety education course.

Registering Your ATV

When Is Registration Required?

ATV registration in Vermont is valid for one year.

• Operation: Registration is a requirement of vehicle ownership by the state and does not mean that an owner may operate on public or private land.
• Plates: When you register your vehicle, you receive an identifying number plate that must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
• Registration in Other States: Vermont accepts ATVs registered in another state if that state also accepts ATVs registered in Vermont.
• Transfer: If you sell your ATV, registration ends upon transfer of the title to the new owner.
  • Upon selling your ATV, you must immediately return to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles the registration certificate and number plate with the date of sale and the name and residence address of the new owner endorsed on the back of the certificate.
  • If you purchase another ATV within the previous registration period, you can transfer the remainder of that registration period to your new ATV for a $10 fee.
• Fees:
  • Fees exist for registration, duplication of lost registration certificates, replacement plates, personalized plates (additional special fee), certificates of title, and other requirements of law.
  • Please contact the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles for more information about fees.

When Is Registration Not Required?

Those instances when an ATV may be operated without being registered are:

• On the property of the ATV owner
• In a ski area (off the highway) for the purpose of grooming or maintaining trails
• Official use by a government agency employee if the ATV is identified by its agency as required by the state