If you own an ATV, there are several legal requirements for operating the vehicle in a particular state that should know of. Laws for all-terrain vehicles operation aren’t always the same for the different states in the US and a violation can have serious legal repercussions. There may be some limitations on where you can use your ATV in some states, while in other states you may be required to have a liability insurance cover. There are also limitations on the number of passengers among other things. While I can’t provide a simple answer, I have provided the requirements for all the states. So, read on to learn the legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
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Arizona
In the state of Arizona, it is a requirement for all motor vehicles operated on the roads to be titled, registered and covered by liability insurance. To be able to register your vehicle with the DMV, you’ll need proof of insurance. While the law doesn’t specifically mention ATV’s, it includes motorcycles, mopeds and golf carts. Thus, if you are planning to use your ATV on roadways, you’ll need to possess liability insurance.
In Arizona, you are only allowed to drive an ATV on designated roads, trails, routes or areas.
Another notable legal requirement is the operation of the ATV with respect to the nature and others around you. You aren’t allowed to operate your ATV if drunk or under the influence of drugs.
To operate an ATV in this state, it must be equipped with proper brakes, taillights and headlights if operated between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, a muffler system or other device that prevents sound above 96 decibels, an approved spark arrestor, and a safety flag if operated in sand dunes.
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California
In the state of California, you’ll need to title your ATV. However, you aren’t required to register or insure your ATV. If you want to drive within a half hour of darkness, your ATV has to be equipped with a head and tail light. You’ll also need to equip your ATV with spark arrestors approved by the state of California.
For children under the age of 14 to be legally allowed to operate and ATV, the state requires they should be able to reach the ATV’s operational controls. Irresponsible driving with respect to the environment and to other drivers is also a legal violation in this state.
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Connecticut
Notable legal requirements in the state of Connecticut include the need to register your ATV, having proper brakes, a muffler and headlights and taillights. As an ATV owner, you aren’t required to possess liability insurance.
ATVs with an engine size of 90 cc or less are not required to be equipped with front and rear lighting, and are not allowed to be operated after dark.
You will be breaking the law if driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. You are legally required to drive your ATV at reasonable speeds, with respect to the environment and other people around you. Also, ATVs are not allowed to be operated on any railroad right of way.
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Michigan
In Michigan, the only legal requirement is to title your ATV in the state. You are not required to register or possess liability insurance for your ATV.
As for age requirements, the state of Michigan requires children below 16 years to possess a safety certificate when operating the ATV. Also, they need adult supervision unless they’re engaged in agricultural activities. Children below 12 years are required to stay on privately owned land, but those under 10 years are not allowed to ride ATVs. Children less than 16 years of age are not allowed to operate a 3-wheeled ATV. Operators less than 12 years of age are not allowed to cross highway, street, or another roadway.
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District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, registration is not required for ownership. Operating an ATV on public property including any pubic space in the District is not permitted.
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Delaware
The state of Delaware requires ATV owners to title and register vehicles with relevant authorities. However, there isn’t a legal requirement for liability insurance. To operate your ATV on dark hours, it must be equipped with headlights and taillights on good working condition. All ATV’s registered in the state must have brakes, a muffler, and spark arrestor.
For children below the age of 12 years, there must be directly supervised by someone 18 years or older. Wearing a protective helmet with the chin strap fastened properly is a must for anyone operating an ATV or acting as a passenger.
Another notable requirement in the state of Delaware is that drivers looking to cross a highway or other public roadway aren’t allowed to drive the ATV across, but rather push the vehicle while it is in a neutral position or with the power train suspended.
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Florida
While registration, titling and insurance laws concerning ATV’s are a bit unclear in the state of Florida, any vehicle expected to be used on public roads must be registered and possess a minimum requirement for liability insurance. You are not allowed to use an ATV on any paved roadway. Only graveled roads are permitted, but you should be within the speed limit of 35 mph or less and possess a valid driver’s license or be under the direct supervision of someone who does.
For anyone under the age of 16 years, there are statutes that require you to wear protective headgear and eyewear when operating an ATV.
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Colorado
In the state of Colorado, ATV’s must be registered with proof of ownership. Off-highway vehicles aren’t allowed to be operated on public lands unless the land is designated for such use. The ATV should be equipped with at least one headlight and taillight while being operated between sunset and sunrise hours. It should also be equipped with brakes, muffler and spark arrester.
An ATV can be operated on the public streets, roads, or highways of the state except where designated, to cross, during emergency conditions or for agricultural purposes.
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Hawaii
ATVs can be operated on a street if used as farm equipment and operated by a person holding a current category (3) driver’s license. You can drive your ATV on streets that are no more than two lanes, with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less.
It is also a legal requirement in Hawaii for any ATV driver and passenger to wear a safety helmet with a securely fastened chin strap.
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Idaho
In the state of Idaho, it is necessary to title and register your ATV, but it’s not necessary to provide proof of liability insurance. You shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if you drive or operate an ATV under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substance on a public roadway or highway or off-highway.
Persons under the age of 18 years are not permitted to ride or operate and ATV without protective helmet, except when on private property or when used as an implement of husbandry.
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Illinois
It is necessary to register your ATV with the DMV in Illinois, but it’s not mandatory to provide the DMV with any proof of liability insurance.
Also, no person may operate an ATV:
- In a careless or heedless manner so as to be grossly indifferent to the person or property of other persons.
- On private property without verbal or written permission.
- On the tracks or right of way of an operating railroad.
You must purchase and display an off-highway vehicle usage stamp. The fee for the stamp is $15 annually and expires on March 31st the following year.
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Indiana
In the state of Indiana, you are required to register your ATV. Proof of insurance isn’t required. You must have a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle on a public highway.
As for limitations on the areas you can operate the ATV, the state doesn’t permit operation of ATVs on public highways, streets, or parking lots except on the public right-of-way adjacent to the traveled part of the public highway. There is also an exception on limited access highway or to cross.
You can operate your ATV on a highway or road if law enforcement authorizes when conventional motor vehicles can’t be used for transportation because of snow or other extreme highway conditions.
Individuals under 14 years are not permitted to operate a vehicle without the immediate supervision of a person 18 years of age or older.
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Kansas
You are not required to register your ATV in Kansas. This means there’s also no need to provide proof of liability insurance.
You are not permitted to operate the ATV on highways unless to cross. Also, it must have lights to operate between hours of sunset and sunrise.
ATVs may be operated on the Department of Land and Waters land. You are allowed to operate on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of fishing from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. The vehicle is allowed to enter onto ice only from boat ramps and points of entry as established by posted notice.
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Kentucky
You must title your ATV in Kentucky, but it doesn’t need to be registered or provide the DMV with proof of insurance liability. The state, however, has strict laws pertaining to age requirements for ATVs. For individuals under the age of 12 years, they must have a helmet, parent supervision and are permitted to operate an ATV with an engine size of 70cc. Individuals between 12-16 years, are permitted to operate a 90 cc engine size ATV.
All ATV operators 16 years and above must wear protective headgear when operating the vehicle on public land. There are some exceptions for these standards including when engaging in farm or agriculture related activities, using the vehicle on private property or crossing of a public roadway with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or less.
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Louisiana
You need to register your ATV in Louisiana and possess a valid class “E” driver’s license to operate your vehicle on public roads for agricultural purposes. You can operate the ATV on the shoulders of all public roads and highways except interstate highways, everyday starting 30 minutes after sunrise and ending 30 minutes before sunset.
The incidental crossing of public roads or highways is permitted. ATVs are also permitted to be operated by university or college employees, law enforcement officers, and emergency technician-paramedics in the course and scope of their employment.
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Maryland
Registration is required to operate an ATV in Maryland, and you must display a registration sticker. But, you are not required to have insurance. Also, you must possess a driver’s license, while for minors (12 years or older) they must be under the supervision of an individual with a valid driver’s license.
Other requirements include having at least one headlight and one red taillight that are operational between sundown and sunrise, a braking system, and muffler. Operators are also required to wear protective headgear and eye protection or a windscreen.
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Maine
You need to register your ATV in Maine. The fee is $33 annually for a resident of Maine. Registration is not required if the vehicle is operated on the owner’s land, for government entities, certain farm uses, commercial ski purposes.
Whenever the ATV is operated on the public roadway, it is subject to the rules of the road.
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Massachusetts
You need to register your ATV in Massachusetts. Registration is renewed every 2 years and must be displayed on the vehicle.
Massachusetts ATV laws prohibit any person under 18 years of age from operating the vehicle unless they have successfully completed a safety and responsibility course approved by the director of environmental law enforcement. A parent or legal guardian of an operator under 18 years of age must participate in at least one session of the course or as required by the director.
Persons under 14 years of age are not permitted to operate an ATV unless in preparation for while a participant in a sanctioned race that’s supervised by an individual 18 years or older. Those between 14 to 16 years of age are not allowed to operate an ATV with an engine capacity of more than 90 cc, only less but while supervised by a person 18 years or older.
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Minnesota
The state of Minnesota requires that all off-road vehicles are to be registered. You are not permitted to intentionally operate the vehicle:
- On a trail on public land designated for non-motorized use only.
- On restricted areas within public lands that are posted or with clear visible structures preventing unauthorized motorized vehicle access.
- On state land administered by the commissioner of natural resources and on county-administered forest land, within state forest boundaries.
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Mississippi
It is not necessary to title, register or insure your AT V in Mississippi. However, the state of Mississippi doesn’t permit any off-road vehicle to be operated on public property by any individual unless the person possesses a valid driver’s license or safety certificate.
For any person under the age of 16 years to operate or ride an ATV on public lands, they must wear crash helmet.
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Arizona
In the state of Arizona, a certificate of title is required and so is registration. Vehicles should also be covered by insurance liability, which is necessary to register your vehicle with the department of motor vehicles. The laws don’t specifically mention ATVs, and so unless you’re planning to use it on roadways, liability insurance isn’t necessarily a legal requirement.
Reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property and the environment when operating your ATV is legal violation that could land you in trouble with the authorities. Persons under the age of 18 years are not allowed to operate or ride on an off-highway vehicle on public or state land without protective gear.
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Alaska
You are required to register your ATV, possess basic liability insurance, and provide proof of insurance in Alaska. But, you do not need to title your vehicle.
The state only allows you to drive your ATV on a roadway or shoulder of a highway to cross, if the highway is posted or designated as being open to off-highway vehicles, or if snow conditions make other motor vehicle travel impossible. You are not allowed to drive an ATV in the median area.
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Arkansas
Registration for your ATV is necessary for this state. You are required to register it with the Director of Finance and Administration to prove ownership. But you are not required to provide the Department of Motor Vehicles with proof of liability insurance.
Persons 12 years or older, or those of 11 years or under are allowed to operate an ATV under the supervision of an adult 18 years or older. It is against the law to operate ATVs upon public streets and highways, unless it is being used for farming or when crossing the public street directly to get from a lawful operating area to another.
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Georgia
In the state of Georgia, all-terrain vehicles operating on the roadways are considered motor vehicles and as such are governed by the Uniform Rules of the Road. If you’re planning to use your ATV as an off-road vehicle, then you’ll not have to register or provide insurance.
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Ohio
Registration is required in the state of Ohio, but providing any proof of insurance isn’t. You’ll need to possess a valid driver’s license to be allowed to operate an ATV on-street or highway, or on public land or waters in this state. Those under the age of 18 years without a license or under 16 years and unable to get a driver’s license must be under the supervision of a licensed adult.
ATVs are also required to have a least one proper headlight and taillight when operated during dark hours. Your ATV must be equipped with a muffler system.
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Iowa
Registration is required if you’re planning on using your ATV on public land, public ice, or a designated riding trail of this state. If your ATV is registered in another state, you must be issued a user permit in Iowa. A valid driver’s license is a must operate the ATV on a highway, and the speed your speeds shouldn’t exceed 35 mph.
All ATVs operated during hours of darkness must display a lighted headlight and taillight. Your vehicle must also be equipped with brakes and muffle device. As for age requirements, the state doesn’t permit children under the age of 12 years to operate an ATV unless they are taking an education training course, and should be under the supervision of an adult of at least 18 years of age.
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Missouri
Titling and registration are required in the state of Missouri. Upon registration, the department of revenue issues a decal that must be displayed at all times and be affixed to the right front fork or frame of your ATV. It is unlawful to operate an all-terrain vehicle without a certificate of ownership, and the application for the same must be made within 30 days after acquiring it.
The state doesn’t permit any person to operate an ATV on private property without permission. Persons under the age of 16 can only operate an ATV if accompanied by and under the supervision of a parent or guardian, or an adult authorized by the operator’s parent or guardian. The standard doesn’t apply to private property owned by the parent or guardian.
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New Hampshire
It is necessary to register your ATV and be issued a decal in the state of New Hampshire, but it is not necessary to title or provide proof of insurance. You must have a driver’s license to operate an ATV on the traveled portion of a public highway, where permitted.
Persons under 14 years must be accompanied at all times by an adult at least 18 years of age. Those of 12 years of age and above must have completed a training program, or have a driver’s license. Those without a license to drive must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 18 years of age. Operators under 18 years are not allowed to carry passengers.
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North Carolina
Registration or proof of insurance isn’t necessary to operate an ATV in North Carolina. You are only allowed to operate an ATV on any public roadway when directly crossing that roadway.
Age requirements limit those between the ages of 12-16 to ATVs with engine capacity of 90 cc or less, while those below 12 years are only allowed to operate 70cc or less.
Safety gear is a must for operators under the age of 18 years. It is also unlawful to have two riders on an ATV unless the vehicle is specifically designed to hold two passengers. Headlights and taillights are a must if you plan to drive during hours of darkness.
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North Dakota
ATV registration is mandatory in the state of North Dakota. You must also provide the DMV with proof of liability insurance. You can only operate the ATV along the ditch bottom or back slopes on the side of the highways, with the only exception being when avoiding an obstruction in the ditch bottom or back slope of the state highway. You must have a valid operator’s license
Other notable laws in the state are on the right equipment for your vehicle. The ATV must have brakes, headlamps and tail lamps. There are no statutes stipulating age requirements for operating an ATV.
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Oklahoma
Titling and registration for your ATV are necessary for Oklahoma. But, it is not necessary to provide proof of insurance. ATVs are only permitted on designated areas but may be used to cross a roadway to continue on an approved off-road trail. However, you must possess a valid driver’s license to cross a roadway and should be during daylight hours only.
Persons under the age of 18 years are not permitted to operate or be passengers on an ATV without wearing a crash helmet, unless it’s on private property. Also, carrying passengers on an ATV is not permitted unless it is specifically designed to carry passengers.
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South Dakota
You do not need to register an ATV or possess a license to operate the vehicle in the state of Dakota. However, titling is necessary. A valid license is required to operate an ATV on public roads or highways.
ATVs are not permitted to be operated on a public street or highway on the state, with exception when crossing from one side of the road to the other. Persons 12 years of age or older are allowed to operate an ATV in a highway ditch if the vehicle is operated as close as possible to the outer edge of the highway right-of-way.
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Tennessee
In this state, you’ll need to title your ATV to operate it. But you don’t need to register with the DMV or provide proof liability insurance. You are allowed to operate or drive your ATV upon a highway but only on a two-lane highway, and only to cross the highway. Other than that, operation of an all-terrain vehicle isn’t allowed on a state highway.
Your ATV must have tail lamps and headlights, with ATV operation restricted to only 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset. You, and any passenger you carry, are also required to put on a helmet when driving a street, road or highway.
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Pennsylvania
Titling, registration, and liability insurance coverage are some of the notable ATV in the state of Pennsylvania. You’ll be required to renew your registration every two years. There’s another registration option that doesn’t require renewal, but it limits the ATV use to private property.
If your ATV is registered in another state, you don’t need to register or get a permit to operate in Pennsylvania.
As for age requirements, children under the age of 8 years are prohibited from operating an ATV on state-owned land. Those between the ages of 8-15 are allowed to operate an ATV on their parent’s land, as long as they have undertaken an ATV safety training course.
Your ATV must have headlamps and tail lamps if you are planning on using it during hours of darkness. It must also be equipped with a braking system and mufflers for noise control. Also, it is unlawful to ride on an ATV with a bow and arrows or with a firearm unless it is unstrung or unloaded.
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Oregon
In Oregon, you have to title your ATV. But, registration and liability insurance coverage isn’t necessary. ATVs are allowed to operate on highways open to the public and not maintained for passenger car traffic.
A child under 7 years is not allowed to operate an ATV on the public lands of Oregon state, unless for agricultural or forestry operations. Operators 16 years or older must hold a valid permit to operate on public lands. Those with less than 16 years must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years or older to operate on public lands.
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New York
In the famous state of New York, you are going to need to title and register your ATV if you want to be on the right side of the law. On top of that, you need to get liability insurance coverage for it. The state only allows ATVs on designated lands. Highways have to be designated for ATV use in order to operate your vehicle on.
The state doesn’t tolerate reckless driving, with some punitive laws for over speeding drivers and unsafe driving. Age requirements prohibit operators under the age of 16 years from operating an ATV anywhere, with an exception on private property owned by a guardian, possesses a safety certificate, and when supervised by an adult 18 years and older.
Also, your ATV has to be well equipped with a working braking system, head and taillights, a muffler system, and tires with a 2/32 of an inch tread.
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New Mexico
You need to register your ATV in New Mexico and also have liability insurance coverage in New Mexico, ATV laws are tough on careless and reckless drivers and those caught driving under the influence. You are also not allowed to operate an ATV if you lack a registration certificate or a non-resident permit.
The ATV must be equipped with a spark arrestor and lights if you are planning on operating it during hours of darkness. Also, your ATV shouldn’t produce noise exceeding 96 decibels.
There are a couple of laws on age requirements for operating an ATV in this state, but notable, the state doesn’t permit persons under the age of 18 years from operating an ATV without putting on a helmet and eye protection, without a safety permit, or while carrying a passenger. Those between the age of 10-18 years can’t operate an ATV unless supervised by an adult with a valid driver’s license.
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New Jersey
The requirements for operating an ATV in this state include mandatory registration and liability insurance cover. Proof of liability insurance is required for registration.
The state doesn’t permit ATVs on highways, with the exception on crossing the highway and provided you can do it safely. Still on safety, you are required to put on protective gear when operating the vehicle. Your ATV must be equipped with reflectors, mufflers, and headlights and taillights for driving during hours of darkness.
Operators under the age of 18 years, an ATV safety course is mandatory. Also, the minimum age for operating an ATV in the state is 14 years.
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Nevada
You need to register your ATV in Nevada, and ensure the registration is attached to the vehicle. If you are planning on drive it on a highway. The state only permits ATVs on a paved highway designated for such. You can operate an ATV on an undesignated paved highway to cross or during an emergency where regular motor vehicle use isn’t possible.
The required equipment for operation includes a headlamp and tail lamp and muffler which should be in constant operation when the ATV is running. You are required to comply with all the traffic laws of the state when driving on a highway and also wear a helmet.
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Nebraska
You don’t need to title, register, or provide the DMV with proof of insurance for your ATV in Nebraska. However, operators must have Class O operator’s license or a farm permit, liability insurance coverage for the ATV while operating on a highway. ATVs aren’t allowed to cross public roadways in the state, unless at specified places in the roadway like a designated area or traffic light.
Your ATV must be equipped with a spark arrestor, braking system, and muffler system, all in good working condition.
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Montana
Registration of an ATV is necessary in Montana, after which you’ll be issued with a registration decal that must be displayed. But, proof of insurance isn’t necessary. You also need to have a valid driver’s license to operate an ATV in the state, unless you are between the ages of 12 and 16 years, of which you’ll need to possess a safety certificate and be in the physical presence of someone with a license to operate on any public road, street or highway.
ATVs are only allowed on public roads when making a direct crossing to get to another authorized area of operation. To operate on public roads, an ATV must be equipped with a headlamp and tail lamp for operation during hours of darkness.
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Virginia
ATVs operators are not required to obtain a registration certificate, license plate, and decals, or pay a registration fee in Virginia. But, titling is required for an ATV with a 50 cc engine or more and purchased as new on or after July 1, 2006.
ATVs are not allowed on any public highway or any public property in the state of Virginia, except when making a direct crossing and authorized by proper authorities. Operators are also required to wear a protective helmet. Your ATV must be designed to be operated by more than one rider to be allowed to carry passengers.
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted to operate an ATV in the state, unless it’s a 90 cc or less which is allowed for those falling between the 12-16 years age bracket. Children less than 12 years old can only operate an ATV with an engine of 70 cc displacement or less.
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Wisconsin
Registration is required in Wisconsin. There are two types of registration:
- Public land use, which is renewed every 2 years.
- Private land use, which lasts for the lifetime of the vehicle.
The use of an ATV on roads is prohibited, except when used for agricultural purposes or to cross the roads. The state also requires an ATV be equipped with a lighted taillight and headlight when operated during hours of darkness.
There are several laws on age requirements and safety in the state. Children under the age of 12 years are required to wear a helmet at all times except if operating an ATV for agricultural purposes or on family’s land. Those between the ages of 12 and 18 must also wear a helmet, unless hunting, fishing or operating the ATV for agricultural purposes, or on family land.
Other statutes permit children under 12 years as long as it is a 4-wheel ATV of 90 cc or less and they are accompanied by their parent.
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Wyoming
In Wyoming, registration is required to be allowed to operate your ATV on approved public land. But, providing the DMV with proof of liability insurance isn’t necessary. Registration is to be renewed each year, and you receive a numbered decal.
The state prohibits use of ATVs on public streets and highways, with an exception to crossing these roads and for agricultural purposes outside city limits.
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Vermont
Registration is required, pursuant to regulation. Your ATV must also be equipped with headlights and taillights, muffler system and a United States Forest Service qualified spark arrestor. Lights must be on during operation from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
The state prohibits the operation of an ATV along a public highway unless the highway has been opened to ATVs travel or it is not being maintained during the snow season. However, there is an exception for ATVs used for agricultural purposes which may be operated not closer than 3 feet from the traveled portion of any highway for the purpose of traveling within the confines of the farm.
Operators who are 12 years or older can cross a public highway, while those under 16 years are only allowed to do so when under the supervision of an adult 18 years or older. Children under the age of 12 years are not allowed to operate an ATV in Vermont unless when on land owned by their parents, family, or guardian, with the written permission of the landowner, or when supervised by an adult.
It is also against the law to operate an ATV in a careless manner and when under the influence of drugs or intoxicating beverages.
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Texas
You are required to title your ATV in Texas, but it is not necessary to register or get liability insurance cover for it. To operate on public or beach property, the state requires you possess a safety certificate from a certified state-approved course.
Persons under the age of 14 years can only operate an ATV if accompanied by and under the direct supervision of their parent, guardian or adult authorized by the parent or guardian.
The state also requires ATVs operated on public property or a beach be equipped with a braking system, muffler and spark arrestor. The vehicle should also display a lighted headlight and taillight during the period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Other requirements include wearing a safety helmet for riders and passengers.
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Rhode Island
Registration is required in Rhode Island. First time ATV buyers, as well as all operators under the age of 16 years are required to have undertaken a safety course.
The state prohibits ATVs upon the roadway shoulder, on the inside bank or slope on any highway, or elsewhere within the right of way. ATVs are only allowed to make a direct crossing of a street or highway under certain conditions.
There are age restrictions for persons under the age of 16 years, who aren’t allowed to make a direct crossing of a state highway. Those of 16 years or older, but less than 18 years are allowed to make a direct crossing of a highway if they possess a valid license.
As for the equipment, the ATV must be equipped with headlights and taillights, brakes, muffler, and a reflector material.
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West Virginia
Titling and registration is required in West Virginia, but proof of liability insurance isn’t necessary. Persons under the age of 18 years must possess a safety course completion certificate to be allowed to operate an ATV. They also need to put on a safety helmet.
You can use the public highway system in West Virginia for a maximum of 10 miles to get from one approved ATV trail or area to another as long as the maximum speed of the ATV is 25 mph. Headlight and taillight must be illuminated when crossing any roads.
If you are planning on operating your ATV during the hours of darkness, the state requires it to be equipped with head and tail lights. The ATV should also have a muffler system and spark arrestors.
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Washington
In Washington, you must title and register your ATV within 15 days of purchase. You need to provide the DMV with proof of liability insurance during registration if you are planning on using the ATV on a public roadway. A valid driver’s license is also required to operate an ATV on a public roadway.
You are allowed to operate an ATV on public roadways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. State highways are only allowed if the segment is specifically listed as permitting ATVs and is within the limits of a city or town and the speed limit on the segment is 35 mph or less. You are required to display a metal tag to be affixed to the rear of the ATV. The metal tag must be replaced every seven years at a cost of two dollars.
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Utah
If you wish to operate your ATV on public lands in Utah you must title and register it. Providing the DMV with proof of liability insurance is not necessary.
ATVs must be equipped with brakes, headlights, and taillights when operated during hours of darkness, a muffler system, spark arrestor, and safety flag when operated on sand dunes.
The state laws prohibit persons under the age of 8 years from operating an ATV, they are participants in a sanctioned race or organized practice and are under the supervision of an adult. Persons under the age of 18 years are required to wear protective headgear.
Another statute exempts operators and passengers of off-highway implements of husbandry.
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South Carolina
Children under the age of 6 years are not allowed to operate ATVs in South Carolina. Operators younger than 16 years are not allowed to carry passengers. Persons who are 15 years old and younger must possess a safety certificate to operate and wear a safety helmet and eye protection to operate an ATV.
It is unlawful to operate an ATV on public land between one-half hour after sunset to one and a half hours before sunrise unless it is operated with headlights turned on. Your ATV must also be equipped with an effective muffler system, a USDA Forest Service approved spark arrestor.
Other notable laws of the state are those prohibiting ATV’s operation while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance, and in a reckless manner.