Ask a Trooper by Jacalyn Sticha

Question: What are the youth laws when operating ATVs? I have often observed youth riding excessively on residential roads quite fast, unsupervised, and without helmets.

Answer: You can get a regulation manual from most ATV dealers, your local DNR or DMV office, your police department or sheriff’s office or you can visit www.mndnr.gov/ohv. There are numerous regulations, but here are some highlights regarding young drivers.

Anyone under age 16 has to have a parent or guardian’s permission to ride an ATV. All ATV operators and passengers under age 18 have to wear a helmet. Road authorities have the right to restrict operation of ATVs on roads under their jurisdiction, so people need to check every municipality/township before riding.

Under 10 years of age, operators can only ride on private property — with permission of landowner. Under age 12 operators may only ride an ATV up to 90 cc on public lands and frozen waters if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and may operate only on private property.

There are specific laws for operators ages 12 to 15, and ages 16 and 17. Parents and guardians should thoroughly read the above-mentioned manual with their young rider, as well as constantly monitoring, guiding and correcting their driving behavior.

The proper riding gear, should be insisted on for our youth — helmets and beyond. These laws are being enforced statewide by all law enforcement, as many deaths and serious injuries are being reported every year.

 

Jacalyn Sticha is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol. She retires July 1.