ATV Laws & Information...

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 4519-

see Ohio Revised Code chapter 4519 for online details

1. Registration

   All ORVs (off-road vehicles- ATVs, dirtbikes, snowmobiles) must be properly registered with the BMV.

   Registration costs $7.25 and is good for 3 years. (Fees subject to change)

   The alphanumberic sticker must be affixed to your machine.

   All ORV owners will need to present proof of ownership when registering their vehicle with the BMV.

   
   

2. Operation Regulations

   An ORV may be used:
   

   • to cross a highway other than a limited access highway or freeway
   • on county and township highways whenever approved by those having jurisdictional authority over them
   • off and alongside streets or highways from the place of unloading the vehicle to the place at which it is intended and authorized to be used
   • on the berm or shoulder of any highway, other than a limited access highway, or freeway when the terrain is such that the vehicle can be used safely
   • on the berm or shoulder of a county or township road when traveling from one area of operation to another

   An ORV may NOT be used:
   

   • on any limited access highway or freeway or the right-of-way
   • on any private property without special permission of owner or in any nursery or planting area
   • on any state-controlled land or waters except those which have been posted as permitting ORVs
   • on track or right-of-way of any operating railroad
   • when carrying a loaded or un-cased firearm, bow or other hunting implement
   • to chase, pursue, capture or kill any animal or wildlife
   • from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, unless displaying a lighted headlight and taillight as required under equipment regulations

    

3. Licensing and Restrictions

   Persons under 16 years of age must be supervised by a licensed motor vehicle operator of at least 18 years old.

   Any operator involved in a an accident resulting in personal injury, death, or property damage in excess of $100 to report it to the state highway patrol with 48 hours.

    

4. Protective Gear

   No specific mention is made, although good sense predicates the use of helmet, goggles, and boots as a minimum.

    

5. Insurance

   No mention is made as to whether liability insurance is required although they request you sign a document stating that you in fact DO have insurance similar to when licensing an on-road vehicle.

Ohio House Bill 286 / Senate Bill 106

Update- 01/15/03 

Passed House and Senate committees, and the Governor signed the bill on 01/08/03.
Senate Bill 106 will officially go into effect in 90 days, or April 8th, 2003.

Background-

Introduced by Representative L. George Distel (D-Ashtabula), HB286 specifies that operation of a snowmobile or all-purpose vehicles is a recreational activity subject to landowner’s immunity from liability for recreational users' injuries, otherwise called a landowner hold-harmless bill. 

The intention of this bill was to amend Ohio Revised Code section 1533.18 which deals with Hunting and Fishing, but also covers recreational sports.

The House bill was merged into Senate Bill 106 so as to get it approved before the end of 2002. Both the House and Senate had passed the bill before the end of the year, and it was sent to the governor's office for approval on Dec 31st. After it's signed, it'll take 90 days to become effective.

This bill is a major step in finding property to ride on. Up to this point, landowners have been reluctant to allow ATVers, dirtbikers, and snowmobilers access to their property for fear of being sued in the event someone should get injured. SB106 provides the immunity from liability those landowners needed before allowing someone to ride on their land.

Although not official proof of legislation, when this bill does take effect (in April), a printed copy of the legislation available online Ohio Revised Code section 1533.18 may be enough to satisfy most landowners.

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety

ATVs have become popular for work and recreation on many farms and ranches. Unfortunately, reported cases of serious injury and death have increased along with their increased use. Most of these injuries and deaths can be attributed to improper use of ATVs. Make ATV safety a priority on your farm or ranch.

§                     An ATV is not a toy. Children should not be permitted to operate ATVs without specialized training and then they should be allowed to only operate an ATV of an appropriate size. Contact the ATV Safety Institute to enroll in a course.

§                     ATVs with an engine size of 70cc to 90cc should be operated by people at least 12 years of age.

§                     ATVs with an engine size of greater than 90cc should only be operated by people at least 16 years of age.

§                     Wear appropriate riding gear: DOT-, Snell ANSI-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirt and long pants.

§                     Read owners manuals carefully.

§                     ATVs are not made for multiple riders. Never carry anyone else on the ATV.

§                     Any added attachments affect the stability, operating and braking of the ATV.

§                     Just because an attachment is available doesn't mean that it can be used without increasing your risk of being injured.

§                     Do not operate the ATV on streets, highways or paved roads.

Inspection

§                     Are tires and wheels in good condition?

§                     Are controls and cable operational?

§                     Does the chain have proper slack and is it lubricated?

§                     Is riding gear (including a helmet) available and worn?

Information supplied by the National Safety Council's Agricultural Division.