When it comes to fun in Colorado, ATVs are a popular choice. It’s easy to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the state’s national parks, mountainous terrain, and rolling foothills on this off-road vehicle. Whether you choose to pursue ATV rentals or own one outright, there’s a few things to keep in mind.
Learn more about the requirements of driving an ATV so you can have a safe and fun excursion every time.
Colorado has a few requirements when it comes to operating off-road vehicles like ATVs. Local government bodies have the right to enact new ordinances regarding ATV operations when necessary, as well.
To own and drive an ATV, you’ll need a current driver’s license and carry proper liability insurance.
If you’re renting an ATV, double check that the rental organization carries insurance for their off-road vehicles. When operating the vehicle, the law states you must use a seatbelt and eye protection. Helmets must also be worn for riders under the age of 18. Additionally, a person as young as 10 years old can ride on an ATV if an adult with a valid driver’s license is present.
Some requirements do vary from county to county. Check with ATV rentals in Durango for more information.
ATVs are a great way to explore the scenic outdoors of Colorado. Whether you’re renting an ATV or you own one, designated trails are plentiful. Some of the most extensive trails can be found in National Forests like San Juan, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre. Beginner and advanced ATVers alike can enjoy the dozens of riding areas with Durango ATV rentals.
Environmental and seasonal conditions can impact ATV riding areas, however. Be sure to check weather and local conditions before heading out. Additionally, specific equipment is required while riding on public land. Your ATV should include a head and tail lamp, proper braking system, a muffler, and a spark arrester.
It’s also important to respect the areas you’re riding in. In accordance with the state’s “leave no trace” program, riders are encouraged to follow etiquette while on public trails. You can do your part to keep the lands, rivers, and wildlife safe by avoiding littering or disturbing areas off of pathways.
To recap, a driver’s license is required for ATV rentals or if you choose to ride your own vehicle on public trails. Additionally, proper insurance is also a must for these off-road vehicles. No other license is required unless you are driving through cities or on roadways. Check with local government regulations for more information on ATV permits and ordinances.
Renting an ATV is an easy way to enjoy the outdoors and create your own backcountry adventure. Plus, off-road vehicle excursions are completely versatile. They are a fun pastime for people of any age or experience level. With Colorado Outback Adventures, you can be on the trail in no time! Check out our range of available ATVs and off-road vehicles to get your adventure started today.
Posted By: Casey
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is any self-propelled vehicle with two or more wheels that is manufactured for sale to be used primarily off-highway or in off-road competitions, and that is no wider than 70 inches and weighs no more than 1,000 pounds. This does not include vehicles manufactured for off-highway use and designed exclusively for travel on snow or ice, and supported by one or more skis, belts or cleats that utilize an endless belt tread. Those vehicles, which include snowmobiles, are subject to other laws and regulations.
An ATV must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if it is operated anywhere in New York State, including on the owner's property.
When you register a new or used ATV for the first time, your registration will expire each year on August 31.
Registrations for ATVs originally registered before April 1, 2005, will continue to expire each year on April 30.
ATV dealers are required by law to register every ATV they sell to New York State residents or to non-residents before the purchaser takes delivery; unless the purchaser qualifies for an exemption from registration. A purchaser is exempt from registration when the ATV will be used exclusively: outside of New York State; at special events; for agricultural purposes; or for snow plowing other than for-hire. Dealers must have the purchaser complete and sign a "Declaration of Exemption From Snowmobile or All-Terrain Vehicle Registration" (RV-6).
Unless you qualify for an exemption from registration, you cannot take delivery from an authorized dealer until after the ATV is registered.
If you buy an ATV from a person who is not a New York State registered ATV dealer, you must register the ATV with the DMV. To register the ATV; you must complete an "Vehicle Registration/Title Application" (MV-82) and submit it to a motor vehicle issuing office.
To register an ATV; you must provide proofs of ownership, sales tax payment or exemption, your identity, and your date of birth.
Acceptable proof of ownership are:
If you buy your ATV from a registered New York State dealer, you should receive a bill of sale in addition to the acceptable documents that prove ownership. The bill of sale must contain the dealer's name, address and dealer registration number, plus your name and address, the ATV vehicle identification number, the year, make, model, and number of wheels.
The bill of sale also must indicate that the ATV is either new or used, and must confirm that the dealer has collected the appropriate sales tax.
If you buy the ATV from a person who is not a registered dealer, you must pay the sales tax at a motor vehicle office. To determine the proper amount of sales tax, the DMV needs proof of what you paid for the ATV. Have the seller sign and give you a Statement of Transaction- Sale or Gift of Motor Vehicle, Trailer, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Vessel (Boat), or Snowmobile (pdf) (at NY State Department of Tax and Finance) (DTF-802). You must submit this form to the motor vehicle office, and pay the appropriate sales tax, before registering your ATV:
Acceptable documents that prove payment of sales tax are:
To register an ATV, you must provide proof of who you are.
You must provide proof of identity, date of birth, and at least six points of proof of name. For the most recent listing of acceptable documents see "Proofs of Identity For Registration and Title" (ID-82).
Documents that automatically qualify as six points are:
The ATV registration and registration renewal fee is $12.50 per year – it is not prorated by month. You also must pay a $12.50 license plate fee when you first register your ATV. You will be issued a plate, a registration sticker and an attached registration document. The plate must be attached to the rear of the ATV, and the sticker should be placed at the right side of the plate. You should carry the registration document when operating your ATV.
You may not operate any ATV anywhere in New York State, except on your own property, unless it is covered by liability insurance.
Minimum required coverage is $50,000/$100,000 for death, $25,000/$50,000 for injury, and $10,000 for property damage in any one accident. You must show proof of this insurance upon the request of a judge, the police, or a person claiming to have suffered injury or property damage from your operation of the ATV.
If you move, cross out the old address on your registration document and write in the new one. You also must report your address change to the DMV within 10 days.
If your ATV has become stolen, you should immediately report the theft to the police. If the ATV is to be, or already has been, destroyed or permanently removed from New York State, you should surrender the plate and registration document to a local motor vehicle office.
New York State honors valid out-of-state ATV registrations. If your home state does not require ATV registration, you must obtain a New York State registration before operating your ATV in this state.
You do not need a driver license to operate an ATV in New York State, but certain restrictions apply to operators under age 16.
If you are age 10 through age 15, you may operate an ATV only:
If you are under age 10, you may operate an ATV only:
Adult Supervision means being accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age, or a person 16 or 17 years of age who holds an ATV safety course completion certificate from an approved safety course provider.
ATV safety training courses approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles are available throughout the state. Telephone 1-800-887-2887 to enroll, or write to: ATV Safety Institute, Enrollment Express, 2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3806
ATV safety information also is available on the internet at www.nyatvsafety.net. Written questions about New York State's ATV or motorcycle safety programs should be addressed through the DMV web site or by mail:
NYS DMV
Motorcycle Safety Program
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 335
Albany, New York 12228
The application forms identified in this publication for ATV owners and operators are available at any motor vehicle office or at the DMV web site: dmv.ny.gov
RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS AND OWNERS
A parent or guardian may not knowingly permit or authorize a child under age 16 to operate an ATV in violation of state or local laws. An ATV owner, or another person in possession of an ATV, may not knowingly permit or authorize any person under age 16 to operate an ATV in violation of any state or local law.
Both the owner and the operator of an ATV may be held liable for injury and/or damages resulting from an ATV accident.
DMV recommends you avoid crossing a highway unless absolutely necessary. If you cross, you must follow these rules:
You may not operate an ATV on a highway unless it has been designated and posted for ATV use by the state or local authority. Usually, only the part of a highway between two off-highway trails will be posted for ATV use.
Check with local police to be sure. DMV recommends that you turn your headlight and taillight on and wear bright, reflective clothing whenever you ride on a highway. Always enter the highway with care, and yield to other traffic.
You may not operate an ATV on public land unless it is specifically designated for ATV use, and it is allowed by a posted sign.
To operate an ATV on private land, you must have permission of the land owner or lessee. If you receive permission, make sure you know the boundaries of the property, and respect any special restrictions or requests of the land owner. You could lose permission to ride on private land by littering, causing damage, or riding carelessly.
Whether you are the operator or passenger, you must wear a USDOT-approved helmet when riding an ATV. DMV recommends that you also wear a face shield or goggles, and protective clothes and footwear.
Your ATV must have the following equipment:
S. Forest ServiceThe law requires you to keep the ATV's headlight and taillight lighted when riding a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. For greater safety, DMV recommends you keep the lights on at all times.
In addition to obeying the ATV laws and rules, it is wise to ride your ATV with common sense and courtesy. Having fun on an ATV does not include annoying others or taking foolish risks. ATV riders who ignore the rules and the rights of others may cause ATV operation to be restricted or prohibited on private and public lands.
No locality may require its own ATV licenses or registrations, but it may impose additional restrictions or rules on ATV operation. Find out about special ATV rules in your area, and obey them.
The person in charge of an ATV special event or off-road competition must apply to the local jurisdiction for written authorization at least 30 days in advance, unless it is held entirely on private property.
If you are involved in an accident with your ATV, you must give your name and address, the name and address of the ATV owner and the plate number to injured persons, the owners of damaged property, and/or the police. You also must show proof of insurance to persons claiming to have suffered injury or damage. If property is damaged, and you cannot locate the owner, you must give the above information to police as soon as possible.
You must immediately report to the police any accident that involves death, personal injury or damage estimated at $600 or more to the property of any one person.
You must also file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (MV-104) with the Department of Motor Vehicles about an accident that results in a fatality, personal injury, or property damage estimated at $1,000 or more. You must file the report within 10 days of the accident and send a copy to the county sheriff or police commissioner.
If you are incapacitated, the written report may be filed by another party familiar with the accident. The investigating police officer must also file a written report, but that does not relieve you of your legal responsibility to file one.
Failure to report an accident is a misdemeanor. A conviction may result in suspension or revocation of your safety training certificate and/or the ATV registration.
The Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend your safety training certificate and/or the ATV registration until you file an acceptable written report.
Additional information can be found at: Register and title a recreational vehicle (snowmobile, boat, moped or ATV)
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Mark J.
F. Schroeder, Commissioner
C-29 (4/07) Edited for the Internet 10/14
Return to DMV Publications
We are often asked what kind of license is needed for an ATV, who can drive it, and is it necessary to get a license at all if you plan to ride only in rural areas?
Our answer: yes, of course it is. Any self-propelled vehicle with an engine capacity of more than 50cc. cm must be registered with Gostekhnadzor. From the date of purchase, you have no more than 5 days to register the equipment.
The document received at the inspection confirms that you have successfully passed the theory and practice, and have the necessary level of special skills to drive a four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle.
In the absence of rights, a license plate or a banal helmet, the traffic police inspector, even on a country dirt road, has the right to fine you up to towing an ATV to a parking lot.
Remember that, in addition to random collisions with law enforcement officers on the roads, it is very easy to get into a special raid, which can be organized near settlements to detect offenses.
Yes, as you know, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Therefore, it is better not to risk your life trying to escape from the police, but to get all the necessary documents in a timely manner.
To drive an ATV, you must have the rights of a tractor driver-driver of category A1. At the same time, you do not have to go to a tractor school at all. In the bodies of Gostekhnadzor there is an institute of external studies. This means that you can learn how to drive an all-terrain vehicle on your own.
You can be forced to take a tractor driver course only if you have not passed the theoretical exam three times. It is recommended to take a special course strictly in a specialized accredited institution.
If you are not sure about your skills for the practical part, the best option is to spend about an hour or two studying with an instructor.
After that, pass the ride in front and back, emergency stop, start on the overpass, figure eight and snake will succeed on the first try.
Important! An additional paragraph of the rules reads: “For persons who have a driver’s license of category “A”, issued before 01/01/2000, a tractor driver-driver (tractor driver) certificate with a permit mark in column “A1” is issued without re-passing exams.
Many parents are concerned about whether it is necessary to obtain a driver's license when buying a children's ATV and how to do it. In this matter, everything is quite simple.
If you plan to use this type of transport for traveling on roads, then obtaining a category M license (engine capacity up to 50 cc) is mandatory. However, this is only possible if your child is over the age of 16.
Therefore, in practice, a children's ATV is bought for riding in the country, in closed villages and park areas.
In this case, the traffic police inspector has no right to stop the driver and punish him with a fine.
You can find points of Gostekhnadzor bodies in regional district centers.
Most often, there is no large influx of people who want to get the rights to an ATV, so the procedure does not take too much time.
You will need to fill out an application, find out about the date of the exams and sign up for the next number.
Having successfully passed the theoretical and practical part of the exam, you will receive a license and state license plates, thanks to which you can even move on public roads, but with registration and regular technical inspection. The certificate is valid for 10 years.
Every year, many people want to buy an ATV, since such a vehicle has small dimensions and is able to overcome any impassability, including swampy, snowy and sandy terrain. However, despite the fact that driving this vehicle is not intended for universal use roads, each driver must confirm his qualification category in accordance with Ukrainian legislation.
Therefore, you need to know what rights are needed for an ATV in Ukraine, otherwise you can get a fine.
Ukraine adopted Decree of the CMU No. 340 " Regulation on the procedure for issuing driver's licenses and allowing citizens to drive vehicles" and Law "On road users", according to which issuance of rights to drive motorcycles and vehicles, including ATVs.
Driving license for driving this transport can be obtained:
Do you think you need an ATV license in Ukraine? You can be sure, because the legislation of the country requires the obligatory presence of this document of the corresponding category for drivers operating such a vehicle.
At a bargain price, the dvako.com.ua online store offers to buy an ATV.
The ATV is a four-wheeled off-road motor vehicle. There are models, which power is over 40 hp. According to the legislation of Ukraine, the right to drive an ATV gives category B1. At the same time, the mass of the road transport given outside should not exceed 400 kg, and the engine capacity should not exceed 50 cubic meters .
Citizens of Ukraine who plan to start driving an ATV must:
Important requirement , which must be completed if you do not want to ride an ATV without a license , at the risk of getting a fine, is driver training in an accredited educational institution that has the necessary material and technical base and a staff of certified specialists. During the theoretical examination at the territorial service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the knowledge of the "Rules of the Road" provided for by the training program is checked, and the practical one - the skills of driving (quad bike) of the corresponding category.
For obtaining a driver's license (category b1) under Ukrainian law, you must provide:
