All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, are powered vehicles designed for usage in off-road and muddy conditions. ATVs are primarily made for recreational use. Some of them have strong engines that enable speeds of 65 mph or more, and they weigh more than 600 pounds.
So, do you need a driving license to ride an ATV? It is necessary to have a valid driver’s license to rent an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or ride your ATV on public routes. These off-road vehicles also require suitable insurance. A different license is not necessary unless you are traveling on a road or through a city.
ATVs are difficult to manage and might be unstable. They are frequently involved in crashes, and because the vehicles frequently flip over, the rider is at risk of suffering serious injuries. ATVs have a high center of gravity, making it simple for riders to be thrown off because they lack safety cages, roll bars, and seatbelts.
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Can Anyone Ride an ATV?
Teenagers and older children can ride ATVs without a driver’s license in many states. Regarding the use of ATVs, there are no government age restrictions or guidelines.
In some states, drivers must be 16 years old and in possession of a safety certificate. While in n others, children as young as 10 can operate the vehicles under the supervision of an adult who is a licensed driver.
The AAP discourages children under the age of 16 from riding ATVs. Even though there are no set legal age restrictions, the vehicles may prove to be too huge for younger children to operate safely.
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The rider must be able to make and carry out quick judgments, such as quickly slowing down and adjusting their weight to the terrain, in order to steer an ATV safely.
The rider must be older because of this. Learn the laws in your state before letting your child ride an ATV. These recommendations include:
- Use established paths and ride at a safe speed.
- To learn about the ATV safety requirements, finish a safety training course.
- Wear a helmet and eye protection at all times. The two are required by law in the majority of states, particularly for children.
- To deal with small injuries, be familiar with first aid basics.
- Take a daytime ride.
Some states forbid children under a specific age from using ATVs to transport passengers. ATVs are not permitted on public roadways other than for crossing. A rider shouldn’t transport more passengers than the product’s manufacturer advises.
What You’ll Need to Ride an ATV
ATV riding is thrilling, therefore the whole family should take part. Purchasing a model and hitting the trails is not the sole need for entering the sport.
It is a method that will unquestionably improve your safety when traveling on unpaved roads. The resource listed below can be used as a guide:
1. Selecting the Best ATV
The first thing to decide is what size of ATV you want. Children should often ride in vehicles with engines under 200 cc. More experienced riders and those who use their vehicles for many purposes should choose larger sizes. Another factor is your actual size. The ATV should be easy for you to manage and pleasant for you to ride.
Your choice of ATV will also depend on where you plan to ride it. The best vehicles for simple trail riding are those with 550 cc or less.
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For more aggressive riding, carrying and towing, and tougher hill climbing, a model between 500 and 700 cc is ideal. A model in the 700 to 1000 cc range is better suited for use in more challenging terrains.
Another thing to think about is the cost. Prices for used models are lower than for new ones. Essentially, purchase a sports quad for leisurely riding. For farmers and ranchers that must go throughout their land and move items, a utility ATV is excellent.
2. Attend Training
You must learn how to ride and operate your preferred model safely once you’ve obtained it. It is simple to get on the vehicle and drive off.
Negotiating twists and moving around barriers are tricky maneuvers. The ATV Safety Institute makes it very simple to enroll in training courses.
3. Select Equipment
ATV riding is both exciting and dangerous. To tackle the trail, you must keep both you and your children outfitted with safety equipment. The helmet is required gear and must meet minimum standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) or Snell.
A high-quality helmet that provides the highest level of safety is what you want. In order to protect your eyes from sticks, dust, branches, mud, and insects, it should be paired with a pair of goggles.
The skin underneath is shielded from bruising and cuts by a good jersey worn with riding trousers. Considering that your hands will be rubbing and gripping the handles continually, put the money in a pair of gloves. Quad-style boots are another item to purchase for safety.
Tip: You shouldn’t use your running or everyday shoes since they were not made to handle off-road riding demands. You can purchase a neck and chest protector to add to your safety and lessen the force of a collision.
4. Insurance for ATVs
ATVs are not required to be insured in every state. Some, though, need some coverage if you want to ride in state and federal parks as well as public parks.
ATV insurance will safeguard not only you and your vehicle but also other individuals and their possessions. Liability insurance will cover any medical expenses or property damages if another party is involved.
Your ATV’s repair costs will be covered by collision coverage if it is in an accident. External dangers like fire and hail are taken into consideration by comprehensive coverage.
Note: Your auto or homeowner’s policies normally do not cover your ATV, therefore it needs its own coverage.
Check both the state laws and the rules for the areas where you intend to ride your ATV. In the event of an accident, you will be held responsible for any damages if you lack insurance.
Registration and Permits for ATVs
Some states demand licensing and registration. You will want proof of insurance to register the vehicle. The vehicle cannot be registered to a rider who is younger than 16 years old. A land-use permit or other types of the land pass may be sufficient in some states.
Tip: Contact your state’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles. You might need a title of ownership in order to ride your ATV on public grounds.
To obtain daily, monthly, or yearly licenses, contact your neighborhood club. You can get day permits to try out other trails in your area before committing to one. ATV riders should also become familiar with the rules and regulations of the trails.
Owners of these places may restrict access to their land and block a trail if you ride loudly and recklessly on it. Always stay on the main trails. The integrity of the park could be jeopardized by the creation of unapproved, new trails.
Can an ATV Be Made Road Legal?
ATV use on public roads is illegal in several jurisdictions, but you may make your vehicle street legal by making a few adjustments. The ATV requires a hefty investment to make it street legal.
If you reside somewhere where you can reach many trails from town roads, it is the perfect relocation. The ATV should be used to its full potential while still being practical to own.
Note: Vehicle legality regulations vary from one state to the next. ATVs are frequently treated similarly to motorcycles, despite the fact that state statutes typically classify vehicles as either four- or two-wheeled devices.
As a result, your ATV is more like a car than a bike. It appears to be difficult to make your quad legal when you take into consideration all of the regulations that are placed on an automobile. The adjustments you’ll likely require include:
- Turn Signals: Use turn signals to let oncoming traffic know which way you are turning. The effectiveness of hand gestures is reduced, particularly at night. It is possible to buy a kit and simply plug the signals in. The majority of kits also include danger lights.
- Tires: One of the main reasons ATVs are not permitted on roadways is due to their tires. A better grip, which is necessary when braking and turning, will be provided by street tires. On public roads, off-road tires will quickly lose their value. Get some tires that will perform well on roadways and make sure they are DOT-approved.
- Horn: If your ATV will be used on the road, you might wish to give it a working horn. It’s easy for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to be lost in a traffic jam full of cars, therefore it’s important to alert other drivers to the fact that you’re on the road.
- Mirrors: On rocky terrain, you won’t be checking your blind spot as frequently as you would on public roads. The majority of states will require both side and rearview mirrors. The least expensive material is plastic, but it is readily broken. The preferable option is aluminum.
- Tail and Brake Lights: These components are included with the majority of models, however, you can purchase a kit if yours does not include them already.
- License Plate Holder: Every vehicle on the road needs a license plate. Because it must also be visible, you will need a holder as well as a light in order to attach it to the back of the vehicle.
- Speedometer: On public roads, there are posted speed restrictions. The speedometer will let you know how fast you are going so that you don’t go over.
It is required to have both registration and an insurance policy on an ATV before it can legally be driven on the street. A form of inspection will also be necessary for the ATV to pass, as is the case in most states.
A governmental officer or a designated shop may conduct the inspection. Additional supporting documentation for the changes you made will be needed.
Conclusion
Your state’s laws will determine what is necessary for you to operate an ATV. States typically have regulations regarding protection, specified places, and age.
A rider must be at least 16 years old to operate an ATV. The users’ safety can be ensured through training in some way. Making an ATV street legal will allow you to use it on public roads.
And as always, make sure you are protected at all times and drive safely.