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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma define ATV and UTV?
Oklahoma defines an ATV or all-terrain vehicle as “a motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use which is forty-eight (48) inches or less in width, with an unladen dry weight of eight hundred (800) pounds or less, traveling or two or more low-pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, and which is steered by the use of handlebars.”
To see what ATVs fit this definition, check out this guide on ATV weight and this guide on ATV dimensions.
Oklahoma refers to UTVs as Utility Vehicles and defines them as “a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use, equipped with seating for two or more people and a steering wheel and which travels on four or more wheels.”
Are you required to register your ATV or UTV in Oklahoma?
You are required to register your ATV or UTV with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, who will assign you a registration number and give you a certificate of registration and a decal. The decal needs to be attached to the front of your ATV or UTV in clear view. You have 30 days after purchase to register your ATV or UTV.
If you use your ATV or UTV solely for agricultural purposes, you are exempted from the registration requirements; however, you may choose to register it if you want.
Youth regulations for ATVs and UTVs in Oklahoma
The following regulations apply to youth ATV or UTV operators in Oklahoma:
- Any person under the age of 18 may not operate or be a passenger upon an ATV or UTV unless they are wearing a helmet. Check out this recommended helmet for what we think is the best combination of value and quality available.
Can you ride an ATV or UTV on the street in Oklahoma?
Generally, you may not operate an ATV on the public highways or streets of Oklahoma. However, you may operate a UTV on a public street in the following circumstances:
- the street is located within a state park;
- the street is within a municipality that has passed an ordinance permitting UTV operation;
- the street is within a county where the county commissioners have approved the use of UTV operation; or
- the street is in an unincorporated area, has a maximum speed limit of 25 m.p.h. or less and has signage posted warning drivers of golf cart or UTV usage.
You may also operate an ATV or UTV to cross the public streets and highways of Oklahoma only under the following circumstances:
- You are upon a regularly traveled trail while riding from one area of the trail to another;
- before crossing, you must come to a complete stop;
- you must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard;
- You must cross the street or highway at an angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees to the direction of the street or highway;
- The highway or street may not be a divided highway or street with a posted speed limit of more than thirty-five (35) miles per hour in the area of the crossing;
- You must have have a valid driver’s license; and
- It is during daylight hours.
Where else can you ride ATVs and UTVs in Oklahoma?
The restrictions and regulations for ATV and UTV use in Oklahoma only apply to public lands. That means you are free to ride how you want on private land in Oklahoma, assuming you have the owner’s permission.
You can ride ATVs and UTV on unpaved roads located within the boundaries of any property of the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Some popular riding areas in Oklahoma include the following locations:
- Appalachia Bay ORV Area;
- Beaver Dunes State Park;
- Big Fox Run Offroad Park;
- Big Red Offroad Park (members only);
- Boardstand Road and Old Military Road Trail;
- Camp Gruber ORV Area;
- Choctaw Nation Trail;
- Cross Bar Ranch;
- Crosstimbers ORV Park;
- GRDA/Disney OHV Park;
- Henryetta ATV Park;
- Kaw Lake ORV Area;
- Kerr Dam ORV Area;
- Lake El Reno ATV Area;
- Lake Eufaula Dam ORV Area;
- Lake Murray State Park;
- Little Sahara Dunes;
- Paden Mud Bog;
- Pine Mountain Trails;
- Quartz Mountain State Resort Park;
- Red River ATV Park;
- Redneck Off-Road Heaven;
- Robbers Cave State Park;
- Rutt-N-Strutt River Ranch;
- Scipio Recreational Trails;
- Soggy Bottom Trails;
- Stillwater 500;
- Sundog Trails;
- Texoma Mud Park;
- White Water ORV Area; and
- Woodland Hills Off-Road Park.
Other ATV and UTV regulations in Oklahoma
- It unlawful in Oklahoma to carry a passenger on an ATV unless the ATV has been specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers in addition to the operator.