Guide to the ATV and UTV Laws in Maryland

Written by Brent Huntley in ATVs

Continuing in our series of articles analyzing the ATV laws in every state, which stemmed from this article, we are addressing the ATV laws in Maryland in this article.  It should also be noted that, while I am an attorney, I am not your attorney and am not giving legal advice.  If you have questions, you should consult a local attorney.

How does Maryland Define an ATV or UTV?

Maryland defines both an ATV and UTV as an off-road vehicle or ORV.  Maryland defines an ORV as a motorized vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other natural terrain. ORVS specifically include a four-wheel drive or low pressure tire vehicle; an automobile; a truck; a motorcycle and related two-wheel vehicles; an amphibious machine; a ground effect or air cushion vehicle; a snowmobile; and a golf cart.

Are you Required to Title your ATV or UTV in Maryland?

In Maryland, you are required to title any ATV or UTV purchased on or after October 1, 2010.  When you title your ATV or UTV, you will also receive a nontransferable ORV decal.  It is important to know this decal issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) does not satisfy the requirements of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for use on authorized DNR trails.

If you purchase your ATV or UTV from a dealership, the dealer will secure the title and provide you the decal.  If you buy through a private sale, you will have to take your documents, described below, to a licensed Maryland title service to be electronically processed.  If you have special or unusual circumstances, you will want to go to a full service MVA office. 

To title your ATV or UTV in Maryland, you will need the following documents, payment for taxes and other required fees:

  • Proof of Ownership.  You will need to submit the original Certificate of Origin for your ATV or UTV or, if the vehicle had a prior owner, the  current title.  The proof of ownership document must be properly assigned to you.  If you purchased an ATV or UTV that has never been titled, you need to have the seller’s original Certificate of Origin and a bill of sale. An Affidavit of Ownership Moped, Motor Scooter & Off-Road Vehicle (form VR-450) may be used in the event that no other type of ownership document can be obtained.
  • Applications.  The Application for Certificate of Title (form VR-005) and the Application for Title Decal for Motor Scooters, Mopeds, ATV’s, Off-Road Motorcycles and Snowmobiles (form VR-337) are required to title any ATV or UTV.  The fee to obtain a Maryland title is currently $100.00 and the fee for your ORV Decal is an additional $5.00.  Note that these applications are not required when you use the affidavit of ownership form.
  • Proof of Purchase Price.  If you purchase your ATV or UTV from a Maryland dealer, they will certify the purchase price on the application for Maryland title.  If you purchased from an out of state dealer, the original bill of sale, the carbon copy of the bill of sale or a notarized copy of the original bill of sale is required.  If you purchased from a private sale, you will need a bill of sale signed by all seller(s) and buyer(s) if the title document does not have a place for the seller to certify the sale price.  The bill of sale must state the names of the seller and buyer, the year, make and vehicle identification number and the purchase price.  For vehicle’s more than 7 years old, the taxes will be 6% of the purchase price or $320.00 ($19.20), if the purchase price is less than $320.00.A notarized bill of sale signed by all sellers and buyers is required if the following conditions apply:
    • The ATV or UTV is less than 7 years old;
    • The purchase price is $500.00 or more below the book value: and
    • You want to base the excise tax calculation (6% of the vehicle’s value) on the purchase price rather than the book value.
  • Maryland Excise Titling Tax. If you purchase from a dealer in Maryland, they will charge you the required tax.  If you purchase your ATV or UTV from a private owner you will be assessed a tax of 6% of the purchase price verified by a notarized MVA Bill of Sale (form VR-181), signed by both the buyer(s) and the seller(s).  
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement.  You must record the mileage on the ownership document at the time of purchase if the ATV or UTV is equipped with an odometer.
  • Lien Information.  If you secured the ATV or UTV with a lien at the time of purchase, the lien information may need to be recorded on the Maryland title application (form VR-005).  The MVA form titled Security Interest Filing (VR-217) must be used if a second lien is to be placed against the title.
  • Lien Release. If the any prior lien has been released, the existing title must show the lien was released. 
  • Power of Attorney. If someone other than the new owner is signing the titling forms, a power of attorney is required.

If you have additional questions or need assistance, you can contact the MVA by e-mail at .  You should receive a response back from them within 3 business days.

Are you Required to Register an ATV or UTV in Maryland?

As an off-road vehicle, an ATV or UTV must be registered annually with the Department of Natural Resources and must display the registration sticker received upon registration.  The sticker is to be displayed on the left front portion of the vehicle to ensure visibility at 100 feet during daylight hours. 

You may register your ATV or UTV by purchasing an ORV permit online at compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal. The ORV permit is effective immediately and may be printed to carry on your ATV or UTV until you received the the official permit decal in the mail.  The official permit must be affixed to the ATV or UTV.

You may also register your ATV or UTV and obtain the registration sticker  from any Department Regional Service Center. ORV Permits are available at Deep Creek Lake and New Germany State parks, and at Savage River State Forest, Herrington Manor State Park, Potomac Garrett State Forest.

Note that vehicles registered with the MVA are exempt from purchasing the off-road vehicle permit when using Department of Natural Resources public lands.

Where can you Ride an ATV or UTV in Maryland?

ATV or UTV use is generally prohibited on any forest or park trail, unless they meet one of the following exceptions:

  • Earth-moving, construction, or logging equipment;
  • ATVs or UTVs used for the development, maintenance, management, or protection of Department lands; or
  • ATVs or UTVS used by individuals and their guests with easements for rights-of-way through public land to provide access to private properties.

Notwithstanding the general prohibition on ATV or UTV operation on public land, several trails have been designated for the use of ATVs and UTVs on public land in Maryland. Those trails are listed at the end of this article.

ATV and UTV Equipment Requirements in Maryland

ATVs and UTVs being operated in public lands in Maryland, must be equipped with the following:

  • At least one headlight and one red tail light that are operational between sundown and sunrise.
  • A braking system adequate to control the movement and to stop and hold the vehicle under all operating conditions.
  • A muffler or other effective noise suppression system in good working order that is:
    • In constant operation and
    • Maintained and operated in a manner to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
  • The operator of an ATV or UTV is required to wear a helmet. If you need a new helmet, this is our favorite.
  • The operator of an ATV or UTV is required to wear eye protection or a windscreen. If you need some new goggles, this is what we recommend.

Youth Regulations for ATVs and UTVs in Maryland

The following regulations apply to the operation of ATVs or UTVs by youth on public land in Maryland.

  • Youth aged 12 years old or older, that do not possess a driver’s license, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is the holder of and has in their possession a valid driver’s license.

What to do if you are Involved in an ATV or UTV Accident in Maryland

If you are involved in an accident while operating an ATV or UTV in Maryland, you must file a written report with the Department on a form, available from an authorized agent of the Department, if the accident which involves any of the following:

  • Death of an individual or animal;
  • Injuries to an individual or animal; or
  • Property damage in excess of $100.

If death occurs, you must submit the written report to the Department within 48 hours after the accident. For other accidents requiring a report, you must submit the written report to the Department within 5 days after the accident.

Each written report of an accident shall contain the following:

  • Registration number of the ORV or vehicles involved;
  • Location of the accident;
  • Date and time of the accident;
  • Weather conditions at the time of the accident;
  • Name, address, and age of the:
    • Individual preparing the report,
    • Owners of the ATV or UTV and other property involved,
    • Operators of any ATV or UTV involved, and
    • Any fatalities or injuries;
  • Description of damage to property or animal, and estimated cost of repairs;
  • Nature and extent of injury to an individual;
  • Description of the accident; and
  • Names and addresses of known witnesses.

Hunting with ATVs or UTVs in Maryland

Unless you possess a special permit, it is unlawful to hunt from an ATV or UTV in Maryland. More specifically, it is unlawful to take any of the following actions while on an ATV or UTV in Maryland.

  • Possess a loaded weapon;
  • Discharge a weapon on or across a road or trail; or
  • Pursue wildlife.

Other Regulations:

  • To operate an ATV or UTV on public lands in Maryland, you must possess a driver’s license or a learner’s permit if you are accompanied by a licensed driver. See youth regulations above for details about unlicensed operators.
  • To operate an ATV or UTV on public lands in Maryland, you must have in your possession the following:
    • A certificate of registration; or
    • If the ATV or UTV is leased or rented, a copy of the lease or rental agreement which shall contain all of the following:
      • Signature of the owner or the authorized agent,
      • Signature of the person leasing or renting the ATV or UTV,
      • Motor Vehicle Administration identification number of the ORV, and
      • Time period of the lease or rental.
  • Three-wheel vehicles are prohibited from use on a State ORV trail unless the three wheeler is registered as an on-road vehicle with the Motor Vehicle Administration .
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on public lands in Maryland in a reckless, careless, or negligent manner.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on public lands in Maryland in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of an individual or property.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on public lands in Maryland while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on public lands in Maryland in a manner which causes damage to property, wildlife, vegetative resources, or individuals.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on public lands in Maryland in an area customarily used for vehicular traffic or parking.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on public lands in Maryland in a manner to cause or permit the obstruction of traffic by unnecessary parking or stopping.

ATV and UTV Trails in Maryland

  • Garrett State Forest in Garrett County.
    • Piney Mountain Trail (Map Number 1).
      • The Piney Mountain Trail beginning at the Sang Run-Cranesville Road and ending at the intersection of the Piney Mountain Road and the unnamed dirt road may only be used by: (i) Snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, except during deer firearms season; and (ii) Two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles the remainder of the year and during the deer firearms season. The western half of the loop may be used by snowmobiles only, and may not be used by any motorized wheeled vehicle.
    • Garrett Trail (Map Number 2).
      • That portion of Garrett Trail beginning at Cranesville Road and running south along Snaggy Mountain Road/Hutton-Switch Road to the bridge at the head of Herrington Lake may be used only by: (i) Snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, except during deer firearm season; and (ii) Two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles the remainder of the year and during the deer firearms season. That portion of Garrett Trail forming the eastern side of the northern loop beginning and ending at the points where the loop leaves the part of the trail running along Snaggy Mountain Road/Hutton-Switch Road, the southern portion of the trail beginning at the bridge at the head of Herrington Lake to the trail’s end, and the trail connecting at midway the northern loop to the southern portion of the trail may only be used by snowmobiles and may not be used by any motorized wheeled vehicle.
  • Potomac State Forest in Garrett County.
    • Potomac River Trail (Map Number 3).
      • The northern portion of Potomac River Trail beginning at the western boundary of the forest at Rileys Spring Branch and running eastward toward the Potomac River along Laurel Run to the intersection of an unnamed dirt road may be used only by: (i) Snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, except during the deer firearms season; and (ii) Two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles during the remainder of the year and during the deer firearms season. The eastern portion of the Potomac River Trail beginning at the western boundary of the forest at Rileys Spring Branch and running southward along Audley Riley Road to the boundary of the forest near Wallman may be used only by: (i) Snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, except during the firearms season; and (ii) Two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles during the remainder of the year and during the deer firearms season. The western portion of the Potomac River Trail beginning where it leaves the eastern portion of the trail near the intersection of Audley Riley Road and an unnamed dirt access road and running south on and along the access road to the point where the trail ends and the center trail connecting the western and eastern portions which follow the access road may: (i) Be used only by snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15; and (ii) Not be used by any ORVs for the remainder of the year. (d) The southern portion of the Potomac River Trail beginning where it intersects with the western portion of the trail and running southward to its intersection with the eastern portion may be used only by snowmobiles, and may not be used by any motorized wheeled vehicle.
    • Backbone Mountain Trail (Maps 4 and 5).
      • That portion of Backbone Mountain Trail beginning near the intersection of Maryland Route 135 and Maryland Route 38 (Map Number 4) and running northeast to the Juvenile Justice Boy’s Camp (Map Number 5) may only be used by snowmobiles, and may not be used by any wheeled vehicle. (b) That portion of Backbone Mountain Trail beginning near the intersection of Swanton Hill Road and Maryland Route 135 (Map Number 5) and running northeast in two branches to the Juvenile Justice Boy’s Camp and to the boundary line of the forest may be used only by: (i) Snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, except during deer firearms season; and (ii) Two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles during the remainder of the year and during the deer firearms season.
  • Savage River State Forest in Garrett County.
    • Meadow Mountain Trail (Maps Number 8, 9, 10, and 11).
      • The northern portion of Meadow Mountain Trail beginning at and running along East Shale Road (approximately 1/4 mile south of US Route 68) southward to the point where it intersects New Germany Road may only be used by: (i) Snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, except during the deer firearms season; and (ii) Two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles during the remainder of the year and during the deer firearms season. (b) The portion of Meadow Mountain Trail beginning on the southwest side of New Germany Road and running south to Frank Brenneman Road may only be used by snowmobiles, and may not be used by a motorized wheeled vehicle. (c) The southern portion of Meadow Mountain Trail beginning at the intersection of the Thayerville fire tower road and the State park road and running in a northeasterly direction and ending on Compartment 77 may be used by snowmobiles, and may not be used by a motorized wheeled vehicle.
    • Poplar Lick Trail (Map Number 12).
      • The Poplar Lick Trail is as shown on Map Number 12 and may only be used by motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles and contains a stream that an ORV must ford.
    • Margraff Plantation Trail (Map Number 6).
      • This trail may be used only by: (a) A snowmobile from December 15 through March 15; and (b) Two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles during the remainder of the year, except that from the end of spring turkey gobbler season to August 15, all public access is prohibited on certain trail sections.
    • Negro Mountain Trail (Map Number 7).
      • This trail coincides with portions of the forest access roads through compartments and may be used only by snowmobiles from December 15 through March 15, and may not be used by any ORV for the remainder of the year, except as provided under Regulation .06A(3)(b) of this chapter.
  • Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County.
    • East Valley Trail (Maps Number 13 and 14);
    • Town Hill Trail (Maps Number 13 and 14).
  • Pocomoke State Forest in Worcester County (Map Number 15).
    • Chandler Trail
      • This trail may only be used by motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles. Chandler Trail is open year round with access off Route 113.
  • Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area.
    • The frozen lake surface may be used only by snowmobiles. Access to the lake surface may occur only at: (a) A designated parking area at Deep Creek Lake State Park; or (b) If permission has been obtained from the permittee, a buffer strip use permit site. (3) Snowmobile operators use the lake surface at their own risk. The Department makes no assurances regarding the safety of: (a) Operating a snowmobile on Deep Creek Lake; or (b) The ice conditions.

Brent Huntley

Brent Huntley is the owner of ATV Man and is responsible for almost all the material on the website. He also runs photographyandtravel.com and loves to travel and ride ATVs with his family. When he isn't playing, his day job consists of owning Huntley Law.

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