ATV riding has become a popular and thrilling activity that is even considered a sport by some. However, regardless of the intended use, safety precautions and compliance with laws and regulations are necessary. If you are wondering can ATV be street legal and about the legality of riding your ATV on the street, keep in mind that laws and regulations vary depending on your location.
State Requirements for ATV Use on Public Streets
The use of ATVs on public streets is regulated by state laws, and the requirements for street-legal ATVs vary from state to state. Some states require additional safety features like lights and mirrors to be added to the vehicle, while others completely prohibit street access for ATVs. To determine whether your ATV is street-legal, it is essential to check with your local DMV.
Prohibited Areas for ATV Use
In most states, the use of ATVs is strictly prohibited on major highways and state routes. These laws are in place to ensure the safety of all drivers, including those on ATVs and those on other vehicles. It is crucial to check with your DMV regarding the specific laws in your area. However, here are some general state-by-state guidelines for ATV use:
Below table is arranged in the alphabetical order or you can click on the state you need to refer.
State-by-State Guidelines for ATV Use on Public Streets
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Alabama
In Alabama, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle. However, you can ride ATVs on designated trails, private property, or public lands. Alabama DMV website.
Alaska
In Alaska, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license and insurance. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Alaska DMV website.
Arizona
In Arizona, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. You can ride ATVs on roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, except in certain cities where ATVs are not allowed. Arizona DMV website.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, you can only ride ATVs on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Arkansas DMV website.
California
In California, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. California DMV website.
Colorado
In Colorado, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Colorado DMV website.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Connecticut DMV website.
Delaware
In Delaware, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Delaware DMV website.
District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, ATVs are not allowed on public roads or sidewalks, except for crossing them at a right angle. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. District of Columbia DMV website.
Florida
In Florida, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Florida DMV website.
Georgia
In Georgia, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Georgia DMV website.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Hawaii DMV website.
Idaho
In Idaho, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Idaho DMV website.
Illinois
In Illinois, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Search in USA DMV website.
Indiana
In Indiana, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Indiana DMV website.
Iowa
In Iowa, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Iowa DMV website.
Kansas
In Kansas, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Search in USA DMV website.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Kentucky DMV website.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Louisiana DMV website.
Maine
In Maine, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Maine DMV website.
Maryland
In Maryland, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Maryland DMV website.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Massachusetts DMV website.
Michigan
In Michigan, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Michigan DMV website.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Search in USA DMV website.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Mississippi DMV website.
Missouri
In Missouri, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Search in USA DMV website.
Montana
In Montana, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Montana DMV website.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Nebraska DMV website.
Nevada
In Nevada, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Nevada DMV website.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. New Hampshire DMV website.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. New Jersey DMV website.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. New Mexico DMV website.
New York
In New York, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. New York DMV website.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. North Carolina DMV website.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. North Dakota DMV website.
Ohio
In Ohio, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Search in USA DMV website.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Search in USA DMV website.
Oregon
In Oregon, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Oregon DMV website.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Pennsylvania DMV website.
Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Rhode Island DMV website.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Search in USA DMV website.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. South Dakota DMV website.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Tennessee DMV website.
Texas
In Texas, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Texas DMV website.
Utah
In Utah, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Search in USA DMV website.
Vermont
In Vermont, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Vermont DMV website.
Virginia
In Virginia, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Search in USA DMV website.
Washington
In Washington, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Washington DMV website.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. West Virginia DMV website.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, ATVs are not allowed on public roads, except for crossing them at a right angle or riding on designated trails. However, you can ride ATVs on private property or public lands. Wisconsin DMV website.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, ATVs are allowed on public roads, but you must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and registration. However, local laws may vary, so it’s best to check with your local authorities. Wyoming DMV website.
You can check with your DMV regarding the specific laws in your area. Please note we have used USA DMV website to provide you with all state DMV website link, please do an authenticity check as to if the website is actually your governing body or not. Please refer to USA DMV if any other links do not work.
It’s important to note that this information is subject to change and may not be fully up to date. It’s always best to check with your local authorities to make sure you’re in compliance with the laws and regulations in your area.
Riding an ATV can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to do so safely and legally. By following the rules and regulations in your area, you can enjoy your ATV while avoiding any potential legal or safety issues. So, be sure to do your research, stay informed, and always put safety first when riding your ATV.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is recommended to seek advice from a legal professional to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations in your area.
