Crossing Roads and Highways
ATVs and some other OHVs are designed exclusively for off-road use. They can be difficult to handle on paved surfaces. Riding on or crossing a road illegally or improperly is a leading cause of fatalities. If you must cross a road, follow this safe procedure.
- Pick a crossing point where you have good visibility in both directions.
- Bring your vehicle to a complete stop on the shoulder of the road.
- Look both ways, and yield to oncoming traffic.
- Drive forward slowly because your vehicle may be difficult to maneuver on pavement.
- Drive straight across the road.
- When crossing in a group, have one rider dismount and act as a crossing guard until everyone else has passed safely.
- Stand up to give yourself maximum visibility.
- Remember that approaching automobile drivers are not expecting, or looking for, OHV riders.
Legal Operation
OHVs are designed for off-road use. Cars are designed to be driven primarily on paved surfaces. OHVs can be operated on roads and highways if they are street legal. This means the OHV has:
- Brakes
- Horn
- Lights (head, tail, brake, and license plate lights)
- Muffler
- Rearview mirror
- Seat and footrest for operator and passenger
- Windshield or other eye protection
![Man riding an ATV](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/4431/attachments/original/atv-comparison-no-sign.jpg?1589550904)
![Car on road](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/4428/attachments/original/car-comparison.jpg?1589549785)