Off-highway vehicle regulations

OHV regulations for youth riders

Everyone under age 18 who is a passenger on or operator of an ATV must wear a DOT-certified helmet.  

Class 1 ATV operation for youth

Under age 10

• May operate an ATV only on private property with permission of the owner.
• Parent or guardian must be present at hands-on ATV safety training.

Age 10 & 11

• May operate an ATV only on private property with permission of the owner.
• May operate an ATV up to 90cc on public lands and frozen waters if accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
• May operate an ATV up to 110cc with straddle-style seating on public lands or frozen waters if accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
• May operate an ATV up to 170cc with side-by-side-style seating and equipped with steering wheel on public lands or frozen waters if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Age 12 to 15

• May operate an ATV on public lands and frozen waters and make direct crossing of roadways with a valid safety certificate is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.
• On the bank, slope, ditch of a public road right-of-way or roadway open by local ordinance with a valid ATV Safety Certification when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on a separate ATV.

Age 16 & 17

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ATV Safety Certification to make a direct crossing of a roadway or operate on road right-of-way or roadway open by local ordinance 

Youth operators with passengers

As an operator 12 to 17 years of age, you may carry one passenger on a Class 1 ATV only if the passenger is your parent or legal guardian.

Class 2 ATV operation

Anyone under the age of 15 may NOT operate a Class 2 ATV anywhere.  15 year olds with a valid ATV Safety Certificate may operate a Class 2 on the right shoulder or the extreme right-hand side of public road when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on a separate ATV.

ATV fit requirement for youth

If you are under 16, you must be able to properly reach and control the handlebars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the machine to operate an ATV on public lands or water, or on state or grant-in-aid trails.

Seat clearance:

A minimum of 3 inches of clearance between the seat and the top inseam of the pants when standing on the foot rests is required to enable the operator to maintain balance when turning and riding over obstacles and rough terrain.

Upper legs:

While seated, the operator’s upper legs should be horizontal (parallel to the ground).

Arm length:

While seated and gripping the handle bar, there should be a distinct bend in the arm at the elbow.

Hand size:

With the hand gripping the handle bar, extend the fingers to the brake lever. The first joint of the index finger should extend beyond the brake lever. If it doesn't, then the hand is too small to safely operate the brake. Also, check to see that the arm length is sufficient to properly operate the brake lever and throttle while the handlebars are turned to the far left and right.

Nonresident youth and ATV operation in Minnesota

Nonresident youth must have in their possession evidence of completing an ATV safety course offered by the ATV Safety Institute or another state’s ATV Safety training program that is similar to Minnesota ATV safety training course.

Nonresident youth must be accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

Hunting with ATVs

Many hunters in Minnesota enjoy using an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to access their favorite locations. Using ATVs while hunting is a privilege, and it is your responsibility to maintain the high quality and beauty of your hunting area. Respect the landscape and wildlife around you to ensure the land continues to be available in the future. See the current hunting and trapping regulations for details about using ATVs while hunting.

More information

• OHVs and wetlands, lakes and rivers
• Safety First! Tips on riding safely and responsibly
• Superior National Forest - check current OHV policies
• State forest camping

Off-highway motorcycle regulations for youth riders

OHM operation for youth

A person 6 years old or older but less than 16 operating an off-highway motorcycle on public lands or waters must possess a valid off-highway motorcycle safety certificate.

The commissioner may enter into reciprocity agreements or otherwise certify off-highway motorcycle environment and safety education and training courses from other states that are substantially like in-state courses. Proof of completion of a course subject to a reciprocity agreement or certified as substantially similar is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements.

Proof of completion of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation DirtBike School is adequate to meet the safety certificate requirements.

Crossing roads

A person under 12 years of age may not:

1. make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way;
2. operate an off-highway motorcycle on a public road right-of-way in the state; or
3. operate an off-highway motorcycle on public lands or waters unless accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older or participating in an event for which the commissioner has issued a special use permit.

Except for public road rights-of-way of interstate highways, a person less than 16 years of age may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway only if that person is accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

Safety equipment required

A person less than 18 years of age may not operate an off-highway motorcycle on public land, public waters, or on a public road right-of-way unless wearing a safety helmet approved by the commissioner of public safety.

A person may not operate an off-highway motorcycle without an eye-protective device.

Nonresidents less than 16 years old

Nonresidents less than 16 years old may operate an off-highway motorcycle on public lands or waters if the nonresident youth have in possession evidence of completing an off-road safety course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or another state.

Off-road vehicle operation

Age and operation regulations

Youth under the age of 16 may not operate an off-road vehicle.

Youth over the age of 16 and adults must have a valid driver’s license to cross roads.

---

Note: This information is available in an alternative format upon request. E-mail the DNR Information Center at [email protected] or call at (651) 296-6157 or (888) MINNDNR.

This document contains a synopsis of the OHV rules and regulations. For complete OHV rules and regulations, consult Minnesota Statutes.