Summer is in full swing, and so are the ATV-UTV operators, who are busy enjoying the many riding opportunities in our area.
Off-highway vehicle activity has skyrocketed in popularity in the last decade, and Wisconsin is known as a welcoming and thrilling place to ride.
Having fun on our designated off-highway vehicle routes starts with knowing how to operate your machine safely and respecting all your fellow trail riders. The goal is always to have everyone return home with great tales from the trails.
Riding smart means getting smart. It's so easy. Take an ATV safety class. Safety certification is required for ATV operators twelve and older born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who use public riding areas. For UTV operators who will use public riding areas, certification is required for those 16 and older born on or after Jan. 1, 1988. Public areas are trails, frozen waters, designated road routes and on authorized county or forest lands.
Sign up for a safety class even if you are not required to take it by law. The class will give you, the experienced operator, a helpful review of safety skills and tips. It's also a small-time commitment, and classes are flexible, so you can take them online or in-person to fit your schedule. Find a recreation vehicle safety class near you by going to dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/safetyEducation.
A safety class will help you understand regulations, laws, trail etiquette and ethics. For those required to take a safety course, remember to bring your safety certification card whenever you hit the trails.
As of April 30, 2024, DNR records show 306,343 ATVs registered in this state and 166,907 UTVs. That's a total of 473,2507 off-highway vehicles in use, which means the chances you'll be sharing the trail with other riders on a given day are a near certainty.
Do you have your own machine? Make sure you register it at dnr.wisconsin.gov/permits/registrations/atv.
Before hitting the trails, you must prepare your body for the ride. That means buying and wearing protective equipment like a helmet, gloves, eye protection, long pants and long sleeves.
Accidents happen, even on a terrific trail in excellent conditions. If you are in a crash, Wisconsin law requires every operator involved in a crash incident to report the incident without delay to law enforcement officials and submit a written report to the DNR within 10 days of the incident.
Remember a few of these requirements when operating an ATV or UTV:
When riding on roads and trails, stick to authorized areas only. Check with local authorities regarding any locally enacted ATV/UTV ordinances that may be more restrictive than state law.
If you ride a UTV, you are required to buckle that seat belt.
ATV/UTV operators cannot have a passenger riding in or on any part not designed or intended to be used by passengers.
Operators are required to always operate with headlight(s).
Wear your helmet and protective gear; it's required for those under 18.
Always operate at a responsible speed, within your abilities, and obey all applicable signs, including speed and stop signs.
Use extra caution when operating on pavement and stay extreme right.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride. Operating an ATV or UTV while intoxicated is illegal. Impaired operators will face law enforcement action.
Even with ATV safety, those under 16 cannot operate on roads unless accompanied by an adult. Accompanied means subject to continuous verbal direction or control, but not necessarily on the same machine.
Know before you go. You can review all of Wisconsin’s ATV/UTV laws at dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/atv.
See unsafe operation?
Any violations can be reported to the confidential DNR hotline by calling 1-800-TIP-WDNR.
Let's have a safe summer full of fun memories you'll want to share. If you have any questions regarding ATV/UTV regulations, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 715-492-4240.
Tom Heisler is a Conservation Warden with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
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