Who may operate an All-Terrain Vehicle?

  • Children who are at least 12 and who are born on or after January 1, 1988 may operate an ATV on public riding areas,(trails, frozen waters, open country and forest areas, etc) if they hold a valid WI ATV safety certificate. Other state agency and provincial safety certificates are accepted in WI.
  • NOTE: ASI (All-terrain Vehicle Safety Institute) certificates are not valid in Wisconsin.
  • Operators of all terrain vehicles (ATV) now have a convenient online method to receive ATV Safety Certification through an Internet Web course recently introduced by the state Department of Natural Resources. The Internet course is available at offroad-ed.com/wi. As an alternative, check the DNR’s Upcoming Recreational Safety Education Classes web page to find classroom courses available around the state.
  • No one under the age of 12 may operate an ATV on a roadway under any circumstances
  • No one under 16 may rent or lease an ATV.
  • Riders under age 18 must wear a helmet (motorcycle type, Snell or DOT approved) when operating on public riding areas.
  • Agriculture exemption-Children who are at least age 12 and who are born on or after January 1, 1988 may operate an ATV on lands under the management and control of a person immediate family without certification for agricultural purposes. If you operate on someone else’s land and you are at least 12 and born on or after January 1, 1988, you must be certified. Children age 12 AND who were born after January 1, 1988 may operate an ATV on certain roadways ONLY when the ATV is used exclusively as an implement of husbandry AND the person holds a valid ATV safety certificate. Operators born before January 1, 1988 are not required to hold a safety certificate for the agriculture-roadway exemption, but riders are strongly encouraged to consider taking an ATV safety course.
  • Children under age 12 may operate a Small All-Terrain Vehicle on an all-terrain vehicle trail designated by the Department if the child is wearing a helmet and accompanied by a parent. (Small ATV means an ATV that has 4 wheels and that has either an engine certified by the manufacturer and not more than 90 cc’s or an equivalent power unit-s. 23.33 (1)(jp).) (Accompanied means being subject to continuous verbal direction and control per s. 23.33(1)(a)).

NOTE:

Additional helmet information: Persons under 18 years of age may not operate or be a passenger on an ATV without wearing protective headgear (helmet) with the chin strap properly fastened.. The only exceptions are:

  1. Persons over 12 years of age traveling for hunting or fishing purposes.
  2. During operation for agricultural purposes.
  3. When operated on land under the management and control of the operator’s immediately family.

The descriptions above are only a portion of the laws regulating ATV riding. Please see the regulation pamphlet for the complete set of regulations; visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ATV/regulations

License Plates:

 

Effective 7/1/12 all ATV’s must have a rear license plate.

  • Plate will be minimum of 4 inches in height and 7 ½ inches wide.
  • Plate must be white.
  • Black lettering a minimum of 1 ½ inches high with a minimum 3/16 inch stroke.
  • Need only the 4 registration numbers and two letters that follow-same as on the registration decal.
  • Owner shall maintain the plate so it is in legible condition.
  • Plate shall be attached to the rear of the vehicle.

Plates can be made or purchased.