Each year a majority of the fatal ATV accidents in Wisconsin involve someone not wearing a helmet. Some of these victims could have survived had they been wearing a helmet. A helmet is the most important piece of equipment you can own. Helmets are generally required for all ATV riders under age 18; some exceptions exist.
| Helmet Requirements |
| Registration Type |
Under 12 Years of Age |
At Least 12 Years of Age
But Under 18 |
Public Use
(for riding on areas open to the public) |
A helmet is required to be worn at all times.* |
You are required to wear a helmet except when traveling for the purposes of hunting or fishing. |
| Agricultural Use |
A helmet is not required on lands owned and controlled by your immediate family, but it is STRONGLY encouraged.* |
A helmet is not required, but it is STRONGLY encouraged. |
| Private Use |
A helmet is not required on lands owned and controlled by your immediate family, but it is STRONGLY encouraged.* |
A helmet is not required if you are operating on lands under the management and control of your immediate family. However, you are STRONGLY encouraged to wear one.
If you are riding on someone else's property, you must wear a helmet unless you are traveling for the purposes of hunting or fishing. |
| Passenger Use |
If circumstances (age and property use) would require you to wear a helmet as the operator, you as the passenger must wear a helmet under similar circumstances. For example, a helmet would be required for a 12-year-old passenger while the ATV was being operated on public property. |
| * See Knowing Who May Operate an ATV |
