Guide to the ATV and UTV Laws in Vermont

Written by Mallory 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 Vermont 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 Vermont Define an ATV?

Vermont defines an ATV, or all-terrain vehicle, as a non-highway recreational vehicle with 2 or more low-pressure tires, that is not wider than 64 inches and not heavier than 1,700 pounds in dry weight.

Are you required to register your ATV or UTV in Vermont?

In Vermont, you are required to register your ATV or UTV.  In addition, you must obtain a VASA Trail Access Decal to affix to both the front and rear of your ATV or UTV if you want to ride on the state’s trail systems.

If your ATV or UTV is registered in another state, you do not need to register it in Vermont, but you do still need to obtain a valid VASA Trail Access Decal.

There are restrictions on what ATVs and UTVs you can register in Vermont.  They must be under 1700 pounds of dry weight, and they cannot exceed 64 inches in width.  If you have questions about which models meet these requirements, you should check out the following articles:

There are exceptions to the registration requirement.  You are not required to register your ATV when you operate it as follows:

  • on private property with the written consent of the owner;
  • in a ski area, off the highway, for the purposes of grooming snow, maintenance or rescue operations;
  • by a government agency for official use when the ATV bears the name or seal of the agency; or
  • by a person with a completed TAD form.

When you sell an ATV, Vermont requires you to turn in the registration certificate and plate, along with the date of sale and the name and residence of the new owner.  The new owner of the ATV must file a new application for registration.

Are you required to have insurance on your ATV/UTV in Vermont?

Vermont does not require you to have insurance on your ATV or UTV to operate in the state.  However, many towns in Vermont do require liability insurance if you are riding on their roads or trails.  If you are riding on VASA trails  Because of this, you will want to check with the local authority before you ride in any towns without insurance.

Are you able to ride an ATV or UTV on the street in Vermont?

In general, you are not permitted to operate an ATV or UTV along a public highway in Vermont, unless one of the following circumstances applies:

  • the highway is not being maintained during the snow season;
  • the highway is posted open for all-terrain vehicle travel;
  • the ATV or UTV is being used for agricultural purposes within the confines of the farm and stays at least 3 feet away from the lane of traffic; or
  • the ATV or UTV is being operated for utility purposes by an employee or agent of an electric transmission or distribution company.

You may cross a public highway by ATV or UTV in Vermont under the following circumstances:

  • you cross the highway at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway;
  • you cross at a place where you can make a quick and safe crossing;
  • you come to a complete stop before entering the traveled portion of the highway;
  • you yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians;
  • you are over the age 15 or aged 12-15 and under the direct supervision of an adult.

Vermont’s ATV/UTV Equipment Restrictions:

The following restrictions apply to operating an ATV or UTV in Vermont:

  • If you are riding on the state’s trail systems, you are required to wear a helmet at all times.  Picking the right helmet is a big choice because it impacts both your comfort and safety.  We are big fans of O’Neal helmets as they are comfortable, have great features and come at a good price.
  • Your ATV or UTV must be equipped with one or more headlights.
  • Your ATV or UTV must be equipped with a red rear light.
  • Your ATV or UTV must be must be equipped with brakes in good mechanical condition.
  • Your ATV or UTV must be equipped with an operable muffler system that reduces operating noise to a level of not more than 82 decibels on the A scale at 50 feet, in a normal operating environment.
  • If your ATV or UTV has a windshield, the windshield must be free from sharp or jagged edges.
  • Your ATV must be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester.

Youth restrictions for ATV/UTV operation in Vermont

The following regulations apply to youth operators of ATVs and UTVs in Vermont:

  • A youth under the age of 18 may not operate an ATV or UTV in Vermont unless one of the following circumstances is met:
    • they are operating on land owned by their parents, family or guardian;
    • they are taking a prescribed safety education training course under the instruction of a certified instructor; or
    • they possess a safety education certificate issued by a state or Canadian province.
  • A youth under the age of 12 may not operate an ATV or UTV unless any of the following circumstances are met:
    • they are operating on land owned by their parents, family or guardian;
    • they are operating on private land with the permission of the landowner; or
    • they are under the direct supervision of an adult.

What to do if you are in an ATV/UTV accident in Vermont?

If you are in an ATV or UTV accident in Vermont that results in injury to any person or property, other than the ATV or UTV you are riding, the law requires that you immediately stop and render whatever assistance may be reasonably necessary. You must also give your name, residence, registration number, and, if you do not own the ATV or UTV, the name of the owner. You must also, unless the accident only includes damage to property under $100, notify an enforcement officer immediately and file a report with the Commissioner within 72 hours.

Other Vermont ATV and UTV regulations

  • You must have your lights illuminated from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
  • You may not operate an ATV or UTV on privately owned land without written permission of the owner unless the owner has designated the land for use by all-terrain vehicles.
  • You may not operate an ATV or UTV on public land unless it has been designated for use by all-terrain vehicles.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV in any manner intended or reasonably expected to harass, drive or pursue wildlife.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV in a careless or negligent manner or in a manner so as to endanger a person or property.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV in a cemetery.
  • It is unlawful to operate an ATV or UTV on a sidewalk unless it is posted open for all-terrain vehicles.
  • It is unlawful to alter or tamper with the motor number or serial number of an ATV or UTV.

Recent Posts