DNR advises ATV, OHM riders to know the rules

Summer is here and that means spending more time outdoors with family and friends. One way many Minnesotans spend their time is enjoying the countryside operating and riding all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and off-highway motorcycles (OHM).

In order to have a safe and enjoyable time riding this summer, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages all riders to know and obey the laws and safety rules concerning these vehicles. Riders should know that:

- All ATVs and OHMs are required to be registered and to have the registration displayed. The only exception to the display rule is that OHMs being operated on private property or at a closed course-racing event still need to be registered but do not have to display the registration.

- Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding or operating an ATV or OHM. Headlights and taillights must be on at all times if the ATV equipped with them.

- In the agricultural zone from April 1 to Aug. 1, ATVs may not be operated in the road right-of-way, or ditch, unless the ATV is licensed for agricultural use and only used as such.

- OHMs are not allowed to operate in the road right-of-way, or ditch, unless that portion of the ditch or road right-of-way is part of a designated OHM trail.

- ATV operators may operate on a bridge, a roadway shoulder, or the inside bank of a public road right-of-way if necessary to avoid obstructions to travel.

- ATV operators must be at least 16 years old and have a valid drivers license to operate in the road right-of-way.

- Anyone born after July 1, 1987, and who is 16 years or age or older, must successfully complete the ATV independent study course component before operating an ATV on public lands. Persons under 16 must successfully complete the ATV safety training independent study course and the riding component before operating an ATV on public lands. One exception is that persons age 10 or 11 may operate an ATV up to 90cc on public lands and frozen waters if accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Persons under age 10 may operate on private property with permission of the landowner.

- Persons ages 12 through 15 must have a valid safety certificate, may operate on public lands and frozen waters, and make direct crossings of public roads only when accompanied by another person on an ATV who is 18 or over and has a valid drivers license. Those ages 16 and 17 must have a valid drivers license to make a direct crossing of a roadway or operate on road right-of-ways.

This is only a brief summary of state ATV and OHM laws. For a complete listing please visit the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us or pick up a copy of the 2005-2006 Minnesota DNR OHV regulation booklet from a local DNR office or law enforcement center.

People may contact county and city law enforcement agencies in the areas they plan on riding to obtain information on local laws and ordinances.