With the warmer temperatures people are able to get outside and enjoy the outdoors more. One of the most popular outdoor activities is riding off-road vehicles. I get asked many questions about operating ORVs. In this article, I will cover the basic questions I get asked most frequently.

When you get an ORV, the first thing you will have to do is transfer the title into your name. It is unlawful to operate an ORV not transferred into your name after 15 days of purchase.

Next important step is to buy your ORV license and/or trail permit. There are 2 different stickers, in some cases you will not need both. Below is the explanation of the purpose of each:

∫ An ORV license sticker ($26.25) is needed to ride eligible county roads, frozen surface of public waters, state forest (that are open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads. A license is not required to operate on private lands.

∫ An ORV trail permit (an additional $10 for a total of $36.25) is required when operating on designated ORV trail/routes and special ORV-use areas. A trail permit is not required for private lands. ORV trail permits are not valid as a standalone license; an ORV license must also be purchased.

I get a lot of questions about regulations regarding operators with non-valid licenses and operators younger than 16.

To ride an ORV in Michigan off private property, the operator cannot have a suspended or revoked driver’s license. For operators 16 and older on the trails and on the roadway, an operator must possess a valid driver’s license. Operators younger than 16 or operators who have never had a driver’s license must obtain their ORV safety certificate. For operators younger than 16 there are more restrictions, such as:

∫ No one younger than 16 may operate any three-wheel all-terrain vehicle

∫ No one younger than 10 may operate any four-wheel ATV except on private land while performing farm-related work operations.

∫ Children 10 and 11 years old may operate a 4-wheel ATV only when ALL of the following conditions are met:

– The ATV is being operated on land owned by the child’s parent or guardian.

– The operator is under the direct visual supervision (see definition below) of an adult.

– The operator possesses a valid ORV safety certificate.

∫ Children 12 to 15 years old may operate a four-wheel ATV only when BOTH of the following conditions are met.

– The operator is under the direct visual supervision of an adult.

– The operator possesses a valid ORV safety certificate.

∫ Children younger than 16 may operate other ORVs (ie. trail bikes) only when BOTH of the following conditions are met.

– The operator is under the direct visual supervision of an adult.

– The operator possesses a valid ORV safety certificate.

∫ No child younger than 12 may cross any street, highway or county road while operating any ORV.

∫ Children who are at least 12 years old may cross streets and roads (only at right angles) if they are under the direct visual supervision of an adult and have a valid ORV safety certificate.

There is equipment that is required by law to wear while operating ORVs. If an operator fails to have the required safety equipment, the operator may be ticketed.

∫ All ORV operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved crash helmet and protective eyewear, except when:

– The operator and passengers are wearing properly adjusted and fastened safety belts in an ORV equipped with a roof that meets or exceeds the standards for a crash helmet, or

– The ORV is operated on a state-licensed game bird hunting preserve at a speed of 10 mph or less, or

– The ORV operator is the invited guest or family member of the landowner or the landowner of the property where the ORV is being operated. That last exception does not apply to operators younger than 16; operators 16 or 17, unless a parent has given consent for the operator to ride without a helmet; or operators participating in an organized ORV riding or racing event if the property owner receives consideration for use of the property

Another commonly asked question is about operating on the highways. No operator can operate on the highways. Our local highways are U.S.-23, M-32, and M-65. An operator of an ORV may cross a highway, other than a limited access highway, at right angles, if the operation can be done in safety. The operator shall bring the ORV to a complete stop before proceeding across a street, county road, or highway, and shall yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

Jessie Curtis is a conservation officer assigned to Alpena County. If you have a question for Conservation Officer Curtis, you can email her at askaconservationofficer@gmail.com or mail them to Ask A Conservation Officer, CO Jessie Curtis-Alpena Field Office, 4343 W. M-32, Alpena, Michigan, 49707.