So many people purchase an ATV without even thinking about the legal requirements that go along with ATV ownership. There are a lot of important things you need to know to ensure you don’t 
get in trouble while out riding your ATV and risk costly fines, or worse. I wish I could tell you the simple rules, but, unfortunately, every state has different requirements, and they are not uniform in the least. The laws in any given state may require you to title or register your ATV, possess liability insurance, limit where you can ride, limit how many riders can be on a single ATV, require lights and other accessories, or limit the same and so forth. While I cannot give you a simple answer, I have provided the legal requirements for every state. So, find your state (or District of Columbia) and learn your requirements.
Remember also that we are not your attorneys and you should speak with a local attorney if you have questions. You should also check out our guide to riding on Federal Lands to ensure you are completely protected wherever you are riding.
Finally, be sure to check out our Recommended Gear page if you need certain equipment in your state.
In the menu above, you can get more details on many states as well so you can get more information than the overview provided below.
Alabama:
You may title your ATV but there is no requirement to possess liability insurance or register your ATV in the state of Alabama. The most notable ATV statute is that no person is able to operate their ATV on the beaches or sand dunes of the Gulf of Mexico.
See more Alabama ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Alaska:
Since the state is mostly wilderness, it is no surprise that Alaska does require you to not only register your ATV but also possess basic liability insurance and provide proof of insurance to the DMV. You do not, however, need to title your ATV.
ATV’s may only be driven on the shoulder of a highway if you are crossing the highway, the road conditions make motor vehicle travel impossible, the highway is designated for ATV use or if you are travelling past in the same direction to the far right of the shoulder. To ride with a driver and passenger, the ATV must be specifically designed to carry more than one passenger and have permanent seats for both.
See more Alaska ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Arizona:
Arizona requires that every motor vehicle operated on roads in the state be titled, registered and covered by liability insurance. This proof of insurance is necessary to register your vehicle with the DMV. This includes golf carts, motorcycles and mopeds but it does not specifically cite ATV’s.
Since ATV’s are typically not operated on the roads, there is not necessarily a legal requirement to posses liability insurance unless you have plans to use it on roadways. If you are under the age of 18, it is required to wear protective headgear whenever you are on public land.
In Arizona, it is a legal requirement that you operate your ATV with respect to nature and others around you. This includes not operating an ATV under the influence or alcohol or drugs.
See more Arizona ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Arkansas:
It is necessary to register your ATV with the DMV, but it is not necessary to provide the DMV with proof of liability insurance.
It is unlawful to operate your ATV on any public or federal roadways unless you are using it for farming purposes.
See more Arkansas ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
California:
California does not require you to register or insure your ATV, but you should plan to title your ATV. Anyone under the age of 14 must be able to reach the operational controls of the ATV to be legally allowed to operate an ATV.
This may mean that you will need to buy an ATV that is smaller than what you were thinking, but overall this is the best way to make sure your child is safe.
Each ATV must be equipped with a head and tail light if you want to drive within a half hour of darkness. It is also required that each ATV has spark arrestors that are approved by the state of California.
It is also a legal requirement to drive responsibly to other drivers and the environment. Driving responsibly also includes driving at a reasonable speeds for your surroundings.
See more California ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Colorado:
Registration is required in the state of Colorado, but the owner is not required to present proof of liability insurance at the time of registering.
ATV’s are only allowed to be used during the night-time hours if the ATV has both a head and a tail light. All ATV’s are required to have a muffler, brakes and spark arrestor.
It is unlawful to operate an ATV on any public land unless that land is specifically designated for ATV use. It is only legal to drive an ATV on a highway if you are crossing the highway or for emergency purposes.
See more Colorado ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Connecticut:
Registration is required in the state of Connecticut, but the owner is not required to possess liability insurance.
Each ATV is required to have a muffler, proper brakes and headlights and taillights, but any ATV that has an engine size less than 90 cubic centimeters (cc) is not required to have headlights or taillights to operate during the hours of darkness.
It is also a legal requirement to drive your ATV with respect to the environment and people around you, at a reasonable speed. This includes not being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
See more Connecticut ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
District of Columbia:
ATV’s are not permitted to be operated on public lands. Registration is not required for ownership in the District of Columbia.
Delaware:
In the state of Delaware, owners are required to title and register their ATV with the proper authorities, but there is not a requirement for liability insurance. Anyone under the age of 12 must be under the direct supervision of someone 18 years or older.
Anyone over the age of 12 does not require supervision to operate an ATV. All those who are operating or acting as a passenger on an ATV must be wearing a protective helmet with the chin strap properly fastened.
All ATV’s registered in the state of Delaware must have a muffler, brakes and spark arrestor. If you plan to operate your ATV during dark hours, it must have headlights and tail lights in good working condition.
There are also statutes which stipulate that drivers must operate their ATV at a safe speed for their surrounding, may not operate their ATV in a fashion that is “annoying” to those around them, and that they are not to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating their vehicle.
If you are hoping to cross a highway or other public roadway, it is important to note that you are not to drive the vehicle across it, but that you must rather push the ATV while the vehicle is in neutral or the power train is otherwise suspended.
See more Delaware ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Florida:
Florida is a little unclear on their registering, titling and insurance laws. Any vehicle that is expected to be used on the public roads must be registered and have the minimum requirement of liability insurance.
That being said, ATV’s are not permitted to be used on any paved roadway and are only permitted on graveled roads with a speed limit of less than 35 mph, and in those cases the ATV operater needs to have a valid driver’s license or be under the direct supervision of someone with a valid driver’s license.
This would be something to check with your local DMV about before purchasing. Florida does have statutes that anyone under the age of 16 may only ride and operate an ATV if they are wearing protective head gear and eyewear.
See more Florida ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Georgia:
If you are planning to use your ATV strictly as an off-road vehicle, then you will not have to register or provide insurance for you vehicle.
In Georgia, however, any vehicle that is operated on major roadways is considered a motor vehicle and is subject to the same rules and guidelines as any other vehicle using those roads. Georgia is not very clear about what this means so make sure to contact your local DMV to make sure you are protected in case something happens to you if you are using a major roadway.
See more Georgia ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Hawaii:
ATV’s in Hawaii are only permitted for limited use. At the present time, they are not permitted in any state parks, public lands, or public roads. There are very limited locations where they are allowed to be driven, so it is worth investigating if owning an ATV for enjoyment is worth the investment. ATV’s are allowed on private lands and do not require titling, registration or insurance.
Anyone using their ATV for agricultural purposes may operate their ATV on public roads for roads with no more than two lanes, less than 25 miles per hour, in cities with a population under 500,000. If you plan on using the roadways, it should be noted that you will also need a category 3 drivers’ license to operate your ATV on roadways that meet the above standards.
See more Hawaii ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Idaho:
It is necessary to title and register your ATV in the state of Idaho, but it is not necessary to provide the DMV with proof of liability insurance. If you are only operating your ATV on your private land, you do not need to register your ATV, but it is still recommended you do so.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be wearing a safety helmet when they are on an ATV as a driver or a passenger. Anyone found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating an ATV has the possibility of being charged with a misdemeanor.
See more Idaho ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Illinois:
It is necessary to register your ATV with the DMV. Although registration is mandatory, it is not mandatory to provide the DMV with any proof of liability insurance.
Most laws regarding ATVs in the state of Illinois are common sense about being respectful to the people and property around you and operating your vehicle in a controlled and safe manner.
One unusual statute is that you are not allowed to operate your vehicle along the path of train tracks. It is also necessary to have verbal or written permission before operating your ATV on private property.
See more Illinois ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Indiana:
It is required to register your ATV in the state of Indiana, but it is not required to provide the DMV with proof of insurance. It is also considered unlawful for teenagers under the age of 14 to operate an ATV unless under the direct supervision of someone 18 years or older
Unless there is are special circumstances, it is safe to assume that ATVs are not allowed to be driven on roadways, although with a permit or permission, there are several circumstances for the use of ATVs during special events, so if you believe you may fall into one of those categories, please contact the governing body over the event for further information.
Indiana has statutes that outline a driver cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and must operate their ATV with respect and consideration to the people and environment around them. If planning to drive your ATV during the darkness hours, it must be equipped with headlights and taillights that are in good working condition.
See more Indiana ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Iowa:
All ATV’s operated within the state of Iowa need to be registered. ATV’s which are registered in another state still need to have an operational permit to be operated within Iowa. A person 12 years or younger can only operate an ATV if in an educational training course with the direct supervision of a teacher or a parent or legal guardian who is 18 years or older.
All ATV’s must be equipped with the proper muffling devices, headlights and taillights. Operating an ATV on a highway is prohibited unless you are using it for agricultural purposes or if your land runs directly along that highway and is driven at less than 35 mph along the shoulder of the road.
Iowa has also outlined that all ATV’s must be operated with a sober driver on prescribed pathways with only as many passengers as the ATV is specifically designed to carry.
See more Iowa ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Kansas:
Registration within Kansas is not required, which means that there is also no need to provide the DMV with any proof of liability insurance.
It should be noted that ATV’s that are operated on ice covered water ways may only do so 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
These water ways are only open to ATV’s that are entering water ways by boat ramp for the purpose of ice fishing. The only reason an ATV can enter on to a state highway is to directly cross the highway.
See more Kansas ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Kentucky:
In Kentucky, all ATV’s must be titled but they do not need to be registered, so there is no need to provide the department of motor vehicles with any sort of insurance documentation.
Beyond that, Kentucky does have strict laws about what types of ATV’s are approved for what ages. For instance, any operator under the age of 12 must have a helmet, parent supervision and cannot operate an ATV that has an engine size of 70 cubic centimeters (cc). Between the ages of 12-16, the engine size allowance increases to 90 cubic centimeters (cc). Once you are over 16, there is no provision made to engine size, but all operators are required to wear protective head gear whenever operating the ATV on public land.
There are exceptions to these standards for minors who are using their ATV on private land or for agricultural purposes.
See more Kentucky ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Louisiana:
There is no requirement in the state of Louisiana to register or insure your ATV unless you plan to operate it on public roads. You may operate your vehicle on public roads for agricultural purposes if you register your ATV with the DMV.
You must also possess a Class E driver’s license. If you do both of these things, you will be permitted to drive an ATV along the shoulder of public roadways as long as it is within 5 miles of the property you are using the ATV to maintain.
ATV’s are also permitted to be driven on public roadways within the scope of certain emergency employee’s job.
See more Louisiana ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Maine:
Registration of ATV’s is required in the state of Maine. The registration requirement can be waived if you plan to only use your ATV on your own property.
Registering your ATV does not permit it to be driven on public roads, but in the occasion that it is being operated on a public roadway, an ATV is subject to the rules of the road.
See more Maine ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Maryland:
All ATV’s must be registered and display a registration sticker, but they are not required to have insurance. All ATV operators must possess a driver’s license and minors must be under the direct supervision of someone with a valid driver’s license. Protective eyewear and head wear is also mandatory for any riders.
ATV’s are required to have working headlights and tail lights, as well as a muffler system to prevent excessive noise.
See more Maryland ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Massachusetts:
Registration within the state of Massachusetts is mandatory and must be renewed every two years, although all my research did not specify if this registration requires you to also have liability insurance.
Massachusetts does require that everyone under the age of 18 participate in and pass a recreational vehicle safety class and carry proof that you have passed that class with you during operation of an ATV.
If a minor is under the age of 16, then a parent or guardian must attend one session of a recreational vehicle safety and responsibility course. Minors under the age of 14 years old are not permitted to ride ATV’s unless they are in preparation for a sanctioned race or event that will be supervised by someone 18 years or older.
Regardless of age, no one is permitted to operate an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Most states specify safety equipment necessary for ATV’s and Massachusetts is no exception. ATV’s must possess at least one head light, on red rear light, a red rear reflector and an adequate muffler.
ATV’s that meet all those regulations are permitted to operate on publicly-owned land that is specifically marked and designated for use by such vehicles.
See more Massachusetts ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Michigan:
It is required to title your ATV in the state of Michigan, but that is the only requirement.
You are not required to register or insure your ATV. Age requirements in Michigan specify that children less than 16 years old need to possess a safety certificate during operation of the vehicle as well as having adult supervision unless they are engaged in agricultural activities.
Any child that is less than 12 years old must stay on privately owned land, but children under 10 years of age are not permitted to ride ATVs.
See more Michigan ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Minnesota:
Registration is required for all off-road vehicles in the state of Minnesota. Minnesota does specify that off-road vehicles are to be operated on trails, pathways and locations that are specifically designed and specified for motorized vehicles.
Off-road vehicles are permitted in deer hunting locations during deer hunting season only if you are in possession of a valid deer hunting license.
Mississippi:
It is not necessary to title, register or insure your off-road vehicle in the state of Mississippi. To operate a vehicle on public land, the operator must possess either a valid driver’s license or a safety certificate if the operator is under the age of 16 or does not possess a license. Anyone who is under the age of 16 must also wear a safety helmet.
See more Mississippi ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Missouri:
All off-road vehicles in the state of Missouri must be titled and registered, but there is no need to provide a proof of insurance. To operate an ATV, you must have a certificate of ownership that was made within 30 days of when the owner takes possession of the ATV.
Once you have registered your off road vehicle, you will be sent a decal which must be displayed on the right front fork or frame of the ATV where it is visible. The decal is valid for 3 years.
To operate an ATV under the age of 16, you must be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian or an adult who has the express permission from the minor’s parent or guardian.
See more Missouri ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Montana:
All off-road vehicles are required to be registered, but there is no reason to provide the registering authority with proof of off-road insurance. Once the vehicle is registered, you will be provided with a registration decal, which must be displayed as according to the regulation.
The driver of an ATV must possess a valid driver’s license. The only exception to this rule are those who are between the ages of 12 and 16 years old, who will need to obtain a valid safety certificate to operate on any city or municipality roads.
Off-road vehicles are not permitted to drive on or across any interstate highway, but may be driven across forest development roads that are specified for the use of ATV’s.
All other roads require permission from the city or municipality in which the road lies.
If you are hoping to operate your ATV on one of these roads, your off-road vehicle will need to possess one headlamp, one tail lamp and suitable breaking devices.
See more Montana ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Nebraska:
There is no need to title, register or provide proof of insurance on any off-road vehicle in the state of Nebraska. This is not true for vehicles that are being operated as a farm vehicle on roadways. Those vehicles must only be operated by a person in possession of a Class O operator’s license or a farm permit and you must provide proof of liability insurance coverage.
The statues regarding ATV’s center around their use on public roadways as well as the mandatory equipment they must have. ATV’s are also not permitted to cross public roadways unless it is at a specified place in the roadway such as a traffic light or designated area.
All off-road vehicles must also have headlights and taillights for any night time riding or when the light isn’t sufficient. All ATV’s must be equipped with a working braking system, muffler and spark arresters.
See more Nebraska ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Nevada:
It is necessary to register your ATV in the state of Nevada, but Nevada does not require you to provide proof of insurance to the DMV.
Off-road vehicles are required to have most of the standard equipment such as headlights, taillight, and a working muffler. Riders are permitted to operate their ATV on any public land, trail way or county road unless it is specifically prohibited.
ATV’s are allowed to be driven on paved highways only when they are being crossed, during an emergency where other vehicles are not operable, if the highway is designated as a trail connector or if it is a practical place to load or unload your off road vehicle.
See more Nevada ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
New Hampshire:
It is necessary to register your ATV through the fish and wildlife department in the state of New Hampshire, but it is not necessary to title or provide proof of insurance.
Anyone between the ages of 12-16 needs to complete an ATV safety course and then needs to have a licensed driver with them while operating their ATV. If a driver is between the ages 16-18 and does not possess a driver’s license, they will need to complete an off-road safety course.
Anyone who is riding on or operating an ATV that is under the age of 18 is also required to wear a helmet.
Generally, it is mandated that ATV drivers operate their vehicles with respect to their surroundings and others. This includes using safety equipment such as reflectors, headlights and taillights during dusk and dawn as well as limit speeds to safe levels.
The only time ATV usage on highways is permitted is when the highway is designated as part of an ATV pathway or there is some emergency that has made the usage of motor vehicles not possible.
See more New Hampshire ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
New Jersey:
It is mandatory to register your all-terrain vehicle and also provide proof of insurance at the time of registration. For operators under the age of 18, an ATV safety course is mandatory and the minimum age of an individual permitted to be an operator of an ATV is 14 years old.
ATV’s are not permitted to drive along highways but may cross them as long as they can do so safely. All riders are also required to wear protective helmets while riding or operating an ATV.
It is also prohibited to operate an ATV on private property without the express permission of the property owner. The use of safety equipment such as reflectors, head lights, mufflers, and taillights during dusk and dawn is required.
See more New Jersey ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
New Mexico:
It is necessary to register your ATV as well as provide the DMV with proof of insurance. All drivers must operate their ATV’s in a respectful and safe manner, which means abstaining from any alcohol and drugs during the operation of your ATV.
There are quite a few statutes in New Mexico regarding age of riders and drivers of ATV’s. Those under the age of 18 must wear protective eyewear as well as protective helmets at all times. Anyone from the age of 10-18 needs to be under the supervision of an adult with a driver’s license. This is not true for those under the age of 18 that possess a motorcycle license, driver’s license or driver’s permit, as they are able to ride on their own.
ATV’s are not permitted to be operated on limited access highways or freeways except to cross the roadway. They are also restricted from game and wildlife land that has ATV’s prohibited, so it is important to check the location you are hoping to ride before going out.
If it is necessary, you are able to operate your ATV on the side of a freeway under certain weather conditions, primarily snow. If this applies to your situation, you must ride your vehicle on the right hand side of the highway ten feet from the actual roadway.
See more New Mexico ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
New York:
It is necessary to register and provide the DMV with proof of liability insurance as well as titling your ATV. Those who are under the age of 16 years old may not operate their ATV anywhere but private property owned by their guardians unless they have the supervision of someone 18 years and older or they possess a safety certificate.
Drivers must also operate their ATV’s at a reasonable speed and under safe conditions, in a safe and respectful manner, and stay away from the tracks of operating railroads.
Operating an ATV is only permitted on lands that are designated for ATV’s. There are highways that are designated for the use of ATV’s, but to operate an ATV on a highway, it must be one designated for ATV use.
To operate an ATV on private property the driver must have express permission of the properties owner. All ATV’s must have working brakes in good condition, a muffler system, a spark arrester system, white headlights, a red taillight, and tires with a 2/32 (not sure why they don’t say 1/16) of an inch tread.
See more New York ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
North Carolina:
It is not necessary to register or provide the DMV with proof of insurance to operate your ATV. Those under the age of 16 years old must ride ATV’s that are appropriately sized for their bodies.
This means those between the ages of 12-16 must have a limited engine capacity of less than 90 cubic centimeter (cc) displacement and those under the age of 12 must have an engine capacity of 70 cubic centimeter (cc) displacement or less. Anyone who is under the age of 18 must wear protective eye and head gear while operating an ATV.
It is also unlawful to have two riders on an ATV unless the machine is specifically designed to hold two passengers. North Carolina also stipulates that you abstain from alcohol or any drugs that will impact your ability to operate your ATV.
If you plan to drive after sunset, you must have properly lit headlights and taillights. The only time it is permitted to operate your ATV on any public roadway is to directly cross that roadway.
See more North Carolina ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
North Dakota:
It is mandatory to register your ATV and provide the DMV with proof of liability insurance. There are not statutes which stipulate age requirement for operating an ATV.
All ATV’s must be equipped with brakes, taillights and headlights. ATV’s are only permitted to be operated along the ditch bottoms or back slopes on the side of highways. The only time they are able to come onto the side of a highway or roadway is to avoid an obstruction in the ditch bottom or back slope of the state highway.
See more North Dakota ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Ohio:
It is required to register your ATV in the state of Ohio, but it is not required to provide any proof of insurance to the licensing authority. To operate an ATV, a person must possess a valid driver’s license.
If the driver is under the age of 18 without a license or under the age of 16 and unable to obtain a driver’s license, the operator must be under the supervision of a licensed adult.
All ATV’s must have a headlight and taillight as well as a working muffler system that limits emissions and reduces engine noise. ATV use is limited to areas specifically designated for ATV use.
ATV’s may be driven on public roadways to make a crossing from one authorized area to another or if you are unloading your ATV and need to drive it a reasonable distance to enter an authorized area. To use an ATV on private property, you must have the express permission of the owner.
See more Ohio ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Oklahoma:
It is necessary to title and register your ATV, but it is not necessary to provide proof of insurance to the DMV. Anyone under the age of 18 who operates an ATV must wear a helmet at all times.
The only time it is permitted to carry more than one individual on an ATV is if the ATV is specifically designed for more than one passenger.
ATV’s are meant to stay in designated areas, but may be used to cross a roadway to continue on an approved off-road trail. To cross a roadway, however, you must possess a valid driver’s license. ATV’s are only permitted on roadways in counties in which the county commissioners of that county approve it.
See more Oklahoma ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Oregon:
It is necessary to title your ATV in the state of Oregon, but it is not necessary to register or provide proof of insurance. Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be in possession of an all-terrain vehicle operator permit, but minors under the age of 16 also need to be with an adult who is also in possession of an all-terrain vehicle operator permit that is able to assist the minor immediately.
Children under the age of 7 are not permitted to operate an ATV on public lands unless it is for agricultural purposes. ATV’s may be operated on any highway that is open to the public and is not being maintained for passenger car traffic.
See more Oregon ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Pennsylvania:
It is necessary to title and register your ATV and display a numbered registration plate. The registration needs to be renewed every two years. There is an option of a limited registration which does not expire and is offered at no cost, but limits the owner to drive their ATV only on their private property.
If you are visiting Pennsylvania, you do not need to obtain a registration or permit for riding in Pennsylvania as long as your ATV is registered in your state. Each owner is required to title their ATV in the state of Pennsylvania. Limited liability insurance is required for all ATVs that require a general registration.
It is not lawful for anyone under the age of 8 to operate an ATV on state owned land. Any child between the ages of 8-15 may only operate an ATV on their parents land unless they have participated in an ATV safety training course.
When operating your ATV, you must do so at a reasonable speed or at the posted speed limit for all other motor vehicles. You must also be respectful of the environment and people around you. This includes not operating your vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you plan to use your ATV for hunting, you will want to make sure to unstring your bow or carry your gun totally unloaded with the bullets stored separately. During the hours of darkness, each ATV must have proper headlights and taillights as well as proper brakes and a muffler for noise control.
See more Pennsylvania ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Rhode Island:
It is necessary to register all ATV’s in the State of Rhode Island and all vehicles within the state must have valid liability insurance. All first time ATV owners must participate in a safety course.
Those under the age of 16 must also participate in a recreational vehicle safety course. It is unlawful to operate an ATV on private property without the express permission of the property owner. No person under the age of 16 may cross a public roadway and anyone over the age of 16 must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
All ATVs must possess head and tail lights, a muffler to prevent excessive noise, brakes and a large reflector material in the rear of the ATV and on the handle bars.
ATV’s are not permitted to be operated on roadways, even on the shoulder of highways or freeways, unless the road conditions make automobile operation impossible.
Like most states, you must operate your ATV with respectful standards, which means you cannot drive at excessive speeds, be reckless or be intoxicated while driving your ATV. While in the state of Rhode Island you must also wear a helmet equipped with a face guard during operation.
See more Rhode Island ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
South Carolina:
It is mandatory to title your ATV in the state of South Carolina, but there is no need to register or provide any proof of liability of insurance. South Carolina does not permit anyone under the age of 16 to operate an ATV without a safety course certification.
Anyone under the age of 16 is also required to wear a safety helmet and eye protection at all times. They are also not allowed to carry a passenger regardless of how many people an ATV is designed to carry.
ATV’s are required to have proper head and tail lights if you want to operate the ATV within a half hour of sunrise or sunset. They are also required to have a working muffler, spark arrestor and braking system in place that are all in good working condition at all times.
Crossing a watercourse within the state of South Carolina is restricted to places that are designated crossing or at a waterway that intersects an ATV trail. These laws do not apply to those who are using their ATV on private property or engaged in legal hunting practices.
See more South Carolina ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
South Dakota:
All off road vehicles must be titled and have taxes paid, but there is no need to register them or to provide proof of liability insurance to the DMV. ATV’s may be operated in the ditch of a highway as long as the operator is 12 years old or older and the ATV is driven as far from the actual roadway as possible.
See more South Dakota ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Tennessee:
It is mandatory to title your ATV, but there is no need to register or provide proof of liability insurance. All operators and passengers of ATVs are required to wear a safety helmet. If a person wishes to operate their ATV before sunrise or after sunset, the ATV must have head and tail lights that illuminate up to 200 feet. ATV’s are permitted to cross a highway that is two lanes and not a part of the interstate systems.
See more Tennessee ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Texas:
It is mandatory to title your ATV within the state of Texas, but it is not required to register or provide proof of liability insurance. All those who wish to operate an ATV on public or beach property must possess a safety certificate from a certified state approved course. Those who are under 14 must be under the direct supervision of their parent, guardian or an adult who has been given authority by their guardian.
All those who ride on or operate an ATV must wear an approved safety helmet. If you want to carry passengers while operating an ATV, you must be driving an ATV that has been specifically designed to carry more than one passenger.
Operating an ATV on a public road way is permitted as long as it is not on an interstate or divided roadway. If you are operating on a public roadway for agricultural or farming purposes, you must attach a large pole to the back of your ATV and operate at a speed lower than 25 mph.
The operator must also be in possession of a driver’s license and driving on roadways is only permitted in the daytime with your head and tail lights illuminated. To be clear, it is not lawful to drive your ATV on public roads for amusement purposes. All ATV’s must have working brakes, head and tail lights, as well as spark arrestors.
See more Texas ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Utah:
Every ATV owner who wishes to operate the ATV on public lands must have the ATV titled and registered, but there is no need to provide the DMV with a proof of liability insurance.
No one under the age of 8 may operate an ATV unless they are a part of an organized team, competition or practice where emergency personnel are located. Anyone under the age of 18 must wear protective head gear while operating or riding on an ATV.
ATV’s are allowed to operate on all trails, paths, public lands or highways that have been designated through maps, signage or description as permitted by the state.
If a highway or street is not designated as one permitted for ATV use, they are still allowed to be used to cross the highway, unload or load the ATV or if there is an emergency in which motor vehicles cannot be operated.
ATV’s are also required to have head and tail lights, mufflers and state approved spark arrestors. If you are operating your ATV on sand dunes, you must also use a safety flag.
See more Utah ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Vermont:
ATV’s are required to be registered according to the state regulations, but a phone call to the DMV will clarify what that means exactly. You must be 12 years or older to operate an ATV on public land and have someone 18 years or older there to directly supervise. This supervision requirement applies for minors from the age of 12-16 years old.
A minor is exempt from this rule if they are operating an ATV on private property with the property owner’s written permission. Anyone under the age of 18 is required to hold a valid safety education certificate to operate an ATV on public land.
It is required that each ATV has head and tail lights, a muffler, and a spark arrestor, all in good working condition. It is unlawful to operate an ATV in a negligent manner, which includes speeding or operating it under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
See more Vermont ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Virginia:
Every ATV must be titled, but there is no need to register or provide proof of liability insurance. Drivers under the age of 16 must operate a size appropriate ATV. This specifically means that minors under the age of 12 cannot operate an ATV over 70 cubic centimeter (cc) displacement and those minors between the age of 12-16 are able to operate an ATV with up to 90 cubic centimeter (cc) displacement.
See more Virginia ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Washington:
All ATV’s must be titled and registered within 15 days of purchase, and any ATV that is to be operated on a public roadway must have proof of liability insurance presented to the DMV when it is registered.
Operating an ATV on roadways is really dependent on the county in which you are looking to drive in. As a general rule, the speed limit for all ATV’s is 35 mph and it is best to stay to trails and road ways in smaller communities that are designated for ATV use.
To operate an ATV on a public roadway, you must possess a valid driver’s license, which obviously puts an age restriction on the drivers’ ability to use their ATV for transportation. If you are looking to use your ATV for a lot of around town use, it would be wise to contact your county and find out their individual guidelines as it seems the state does not regulate it as heavily as others.
See more Washington ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
West Virginia:
Title and registration is required by law, but that does require proof of liability insurance. Minors under the age of 18 years of age must possess a safety course completion certificate.
A helmet is required for anyone riding under the age of 18. Minors must possess a valid driver’s license or be a passenger on an ATV that is specifically designed to have more than one rider.
All ATV’s must have mufflers, spark arrestors and head and tail lights if they are hoping to operate within a half hour of sunrise or sunset. You can use the public highway system for a maximum of ten miles to get from one approved ATV trail or area to another as long as the maximum speed of the ATV is 25 mph.
If you are crossing any roads, you must have your head and tail lights illuminated.
See more West Virginia ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Wisconsin:
All ATV’s are required to be registered. There are two types of registration that you can apply for. The first is a public land use registration, which is valid for two years and allows you to operate your ATV on public land. The second registration is for private land use, which last the lifetime of the vehicle, but only applies to owner-approved use on private property.
Children under the age of 12 must wear a helmet at all times while on an ATV. For a child under the age of 12 to operate an ATV on public land, they must be riding an ATV with less than 90 cubic centimeter (cc) displacement and be accompanied by an adult.
A child under the age of 12 may operate an ATV on private land or if they are using it for agricultural purposes, but may not ever operate an ATV on a roadway. Anyone operating an ATV between the ages of 12 and 18 must have completed a safety training course if operating an ATV on public land.
It is illegal to operate an ATV on roadways except to cross or for agricultural purposes. If you wish to drive during darkness, you must have working head and tail lights that are being used.
See more Wisconsin ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.
Wyoming:
It is necessary to register your ATV, but not necessary to provide the DMV with proof of liability insurance. Getting your ATV registered will allow you to ride your ATV on approved public land. It is only lawful to use roadways to directly cross a highway.
See more Wyoming ATV Laws in our Complete Guide.