ATV/UTV Registration Rules by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Whether state registration of an ATV or UTV is required, whether operation on public roads is permitted (and to what extent), and whether helmets are required for riders.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: May 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Registration	Public Road Use	Helmet
No	No	Under 16
No	No	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
No	Limited	Under 12
Yes	No	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
Yes	No	Under 18
Yes	No	Under 18
No	Limited	Under 16
No	No	Under 16
No	No	Under 16
Yes	Yes	Under 18
No	Limited	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
No	Limited	Under 18
No	Limited	Under 16
Yes	No	Under 18
Yes	No	Under 18
Yes	No	Under 16
Yes	No	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 16
Yes	Limited	Under 18
No	No	Under 16
Yes	Limited	Under 16
Yes	Yes	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
Yes	Yes	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
Yes	No	Under 14
Yes	Limited	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
No	Limited	Under 16
Yes	Yes	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 16
No	Limited	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 16
Yes	No	Under 18
No	No	Under 16
No	Yes	Under 18
No	Limited	Under 16
Yes	Limited	Under 14
Yes	Yes	Under 18
Yes	No	Under 18
No	No	Under 16
Yes	Yes	Under 18
Yes	Yes	Under 18
Yes	Limited	Under 18
Yes	Yes	Under 18
No	No	Banned

The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates ATV design and safety standards (16 CFR Part 1420). Federal forest and BLM lands may have separate registration requirements through OHV programs. Most states require ATV operators under 16 to complete a safety course. The CPSC reported approximately 84,000 ATV-related ER visits in 2024, with helmet use reducing fatality risk by approximately 42%.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.