Canaan Skowhegan Maine ATV Trails and Information

We have parking areas for ATV trails, boats, snowmobiles. Our 3-1/2 acre property allows plenty of room for ATV and snowmobile trailer parking. Click here to see our guest rooms.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) – State Of Maine Information

Canaan Skowhegan Maine ATV Trails

Riding an ATV is an exciting way to explore the beautiful State of Maine. But Maine’s thousands of miles of ATV trails across the state wouldn’t be possible without dedicated ATV clubs and the generosity of private landowners – 80 percent of the state-supported ATV trail system resides on private land.

Do your part to keep Maine’s ATV trails open for generations to come:

Stay on marked ATV trails. ATV trails have green and white signs. Not all snowmobile trails are ATV trails.
Respect closed trail signs.
Never drink and ride.
Drive to the right and at an appropriate speed.
Tread lightly – Don’t tear up the trail!
Remember that modified exhausts are illegal.
Be respectful on ATV access routes – Yield to all traffic and never pass a vehicle.
Register your ATV. It is required and helps pay for trail maintenance and support.
Support a local ATV club by donating your time and/or money.

Registration

All ATV registrations expire June 30.

Maine residents may renew an ATV registration online. New registrations must be done through a registration agent such as a town office or the MDIFW main office in Augusta.

Nonresidents may register or renew an ATV registration online.

This online service allows you to register your ATV with the State of Maine. Following your transaction, you will receive a confirmation page to print for immediate use. Your official registration and stickers will arrive at the shipping address specified within thirty days.

Registrations may also be obtained from some licensing agents or by mail.

Agents may charge a fee of $1 for renewals and $2 for new registrations.

Fees

Residents	Nonresidents	Antique ATV**
$70* Prior to registration, sales or use taxes are due.	Season: $115* 7-Day: $100*	$45* Residents** & Nonresidents

The season registration for an ATV is valid for one year, commencing on July 1st of each year.
* Plus agent fee
** Antique ATVs must be registered through the MDIFW Augusta office (in-person or via mail).

New registrations only – Beginning May 1st of each year, registrations will be valid from the date of issue through June 30 of the following year.

Proof of payment of sales tax required on first time registrations or proof of prior registration (Maine residents only).

Maine’s State ATV Program

Maine’s state ATV program is critical to the economics of many rural Maine communities. It provides a funding mechanism for ATV clubs to work with landowners and provides a trail network that is attractive to both resident and non-resident ATV enthusiasts. Governor Mills convened an ATV Task Force in 2019 and in 2020 the Task Force provided several focal points as initiatives to keep the world of ATVing in Maine a success.

Where does your ATV registration money go?

When an individual registers their ATV in Maine, the registration fee is currently split between two state agencies: the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for safety education, law enforcement, the state’s landowner relations program, and administrative processing of registrations; and the Off-road Recreational Vehicle Office of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF)’s Bureau of Parks and Lands, which is charged with establishing a statewide trail network, providing development and maintenance grants to clubs and municipalities, conducting landowner relations, and coordinating and supporting ATV clubs. For every ATV registration purchased, over 2/3 of the fee goes directly into the trail maintenance fund.

What are ATV trail grants?

ATV Trail grants are funded through a portion of registration fees for creation, improvement, and maintenance of local trails. Grants can be issued directly to an ATV club or through a municipality or county, with conditions attached to either option. Once the work is completed, the club or municipality is reimbursed (100% for club grants and 90% for municipal grants). A reimbursement of $500 per year for landowner relations initiatives or events is also available with either grant type.

How do ATV clubs contribute?

Clubs are critical to Maine’s ATV program, and at the heart of its success. They apply directly for club grants and often are appointed to carry out municipal grant work. When constructing or maintaining trails, clubs pay for the entire expense upfront and then are reimbursed with grant funds. Clubs provide a valuable link between ATV riders, businesses, landowners and first responders. The future of ATV riding depends upon more people joining clubs, to grow on a wider and more consistent scale the professionalism and service-minded values that well-trained volunteer members demonstrate in the following ways:

Trail Stewardship

Club members work with landowners (public and private) to locate, design, construct, map, and maintain trails. This includes weekly monitoring (checking general condition and ensuring there is no environmental damage from off-trail riding, etc.) and routine maintenance (clearing brush, filling small holes, small culverts, etc.).

Landowner Relations

Clubs are the initial contact with local landowners and the main contact to establish, close, and relocate trails. They also help find and provide solutions that address landowners’ needs.

Emergency Assistance

ATV club members know their trails inside and out, and often step in to provide equipment, personnel, and guidance for first responders. They also help to identify and locate problem users.

Rider Education and Outreach

ATV club members promote safe, ethical, environmentally sound riding and positive landowner relations, leading by example and through education/outreach. Their communication methods include publishing newsletters, newspapers, and social media communications; conducting safety and maintenance clinics; and sponsoring ATV outings.

GPS Recording and Mapping

ATV clubs help collect GPS data on their trail system so it can be accurately mapped for insurance protection and to provide guidance to users as well as landowners and first responders.

ATV trail information

https://www.gpstrailmasters.com/

State Of Maine ATV Laws and Rules, Fees And Registrations

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Laws and Rules

Title 12, Chapter 933

§13001 – Definitions.

As used in this subpart, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

Accompanied by adult.“Accompanied by an adult” means, with respect to operation of an ATV, within visual and voice contact and under the effective control of a child’s parent or guardian or another person 21 years of age or older.

All-terrain vehicle or ATV. “All-terrain vehicle” or “ATV” means a motor- driven, off-road, recreational vehicle capable of cross-country travel on land, snow, ice, marsh, swampland or other natural terrain. “All-terrain vehicle” or “ATV” includes, but is not limited to, a multitrack, multiwheel or low-pressure tire vehicle; a motorcycle or related 2-wheel, 3-wheel or belt-driven vehicle; an amphibious machine; or other means of transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind. For purposes of this subpart, “all-terrain vehicle” or “ATV” does not include an automobile as defined in Title 29-A, section 101, subsection 7; an electric personal assistive mobility device as defined in Title 29-A, section 101, subsection 22-A; a truck as defined in Title 29-A, section 101, subsection 88; a snowmobile; an airmobile; a construction or logging vehicle used in performance of its common functions; a farm vehicle used for farming purposes; or a vehicle used exclusively for emergency, military, law enforcement or fire control purposes.

(An oversized ATV is wider than 65 inches or weighs more than 2,000 pounds, for the full definition of oversized ATV please see §13155.)

Alpine tundra. “Alpine tundra” means high elevation, treeless areas beyond the timberline that are dominated by low herbaceous or shrubby vegetation and, specifically, areas that are designated as alpine tundra by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by rule pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2.

Antique all-terrain vehicle or antique ATV. “Antique all-terrain vehicle” or “antique ATV” means an all-terrain vehicle more than 25 years old that is substantially maintained in its original or restored condition. Enforcement Fund established under section 10258.

Dwelling. “Dwelling” means any building used as a permanent residence or place of domicile.

Freshwater marshes and bogs. “Freshwater marshes and bogs” means naturally occurring open areas with saturated soils or peat, often associated with standing water and dominated by low herbaceous vegetation, grasses, weeds and shrubs and including wetlands, as shown on the Freshwater Wetlands Map Series, Division of Geology, Natural Areas and Coastal Resources, Maine Geological Survey, or zoned as a Wetland Protection Subdistrict, P-WL, by the Maine Land Use Planning Commission.

Operate. “To operate,” in all its moods and tenses, when it refers to an ATV, means to use an ATV in any manner within the jurisdiction of the State, whether or not the vehicle is moving.

Operator. “Operator” means the person who is in control or in charge of an ATV while it is in use.

Oversized ATV. For the definition of oversized ATV please see §13155.

Owner. “Owner” means: For the purposes of registration of an ATV, a person holding title to an ATV or having equitable interest in an ATV that entitles the person to possession of the ATV.

Private Way As defined by Title 23, section 1903-10-A,. “Private Way” means a private road, driveway, or public easement. “Public easement” means an easement held by a municipality for purposes of public access to land or water not otherwise connected to a public way, and includes all rights enjoyed by the public with respect to private ways dedicated to the public.

Protective headgear. “Protective headgear” means a helmet that conforms with minimum standards of construction and performance as prescribed by the American National Standards Institute specification Z90.1 or by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218.

Public Way, As defined by Title 23, section 1903-11. “Public Way” means any road capable of carrying motor vehicles, including, but not limited to, any state highway, municipal road, county road, unincorporated territory road, or other road dedicated to the public.

§13002 – Collection by Commissioner.

The commissioner or agents of the commissioner shall act on behalf of the State Tax Assessor to collect the use tax due under Title 36, chapters 211 to 225 in respect to any ATV for which an original registration is required under this Title at the time and place of registration of that ATV.

All taxes collected pursuant to this section must be transmitted forthwith to the Treasurer of State and credited to the General Fund as undedicated revenue. The Legislature shall appropriate to the department in each fiscal year an amount equal to the administrative costs incurred by the department in collecting revenue under this section. Those administrative costs must be verified by the Department of Administrative and Financial Services.

For purposes of this section, “original registration” means any registration other than a renewal of registration by the same owner.

§13003 – Payment of sales or use tax prerequisite to registration.

2. Registration of ATV. Prior to registering an ATV, an agent of the commissioner shall collect sales or use tax due. Sales or use tax is due unless:

A. The person registering the ATV is not a resident of this State;

B. The registration is a renewal registration by the same owner;

C. The applicant possesses a dealer’s certificate showing that the sales tax was collected by the dealer. The State Tax Assessor shall prescribe the form of a dealer’s certificate. D. The ATV is otherwise exempt from sales or use tax under Title 36, section 1760.

§13004 – Collection by State Tax Assessor. This section and sections 13002, 13003 and 13005 must be construed as cumulative of other methods prescribed in Title 36 for the collection of the sales or use tax. These sections do not preclude the State Tax Assessor’s collecting the tax due in respect to any ATV in accordance with such other methods as are prescribed in Title 36 for the collection of the sales or use tax.

§13005 – Certificates to be forwarded to State Tax Assessor. An agent of the commissioner shall promptly forward all certificates submitted in accordance with section 13003 to the commissioner. The commissioner shall transmit all such certificates to the State Tax Assessor.

§13006 – Impoundment of ATVs. When a law enforcement officer issues a summons for a violation under chapter 939, the officer may impound the ATV operated by the person who receives the summons if, in the judgment of the officer, based on actual previous offenses by the operator or other considerations, the operator will continue to operate the ATV in violation of chapter 939 and that operation may be a hazard to the safety of persons or property.

The operator or owner of an ATV impounded under this section may reclaim the ATV at any time subsequent to 24 hours after the issuance of the summons upon payment of the costs of impoundment to the enforcement agency impounding the ATV.

§13107 – Unlawfully operating vehicle on snowmobile trail. A person may not operate any 4-wheel drive vehicle, dune buggy, ATV, motorcycle, or any other motor vehicle, other than a snowmobile and appurtenant equipment, on snowmobile trails that are financed in whole or in part with funds from the Snowmobile Trail Fund, unless that use has been authorized by the landowner or the landowner’s agent, or unless the use is necessitated by an emergency involving safety or persons or property.

Exception: An ATV with tracks, registered as a snowmobile, may be operated on snowmobile trails.

Title 12, Chapter 939

§13152 – License and training.

1. License. An operator’s license is not required for the operation of an ATV, except as required by Title 29-A.

2. Training. A person 10 years of age or older but under 16 years of age must successfully complete a training program approved by the department prior to operating an ATV except on:

A. Land on which that person is domiciled;

B. Land owned or leased by that person’s parent or guardian; or

C. A safety training site approved by the department.

The training program must include instruction on the safe operation of ATVs, the laws pertaining to ATVs, the effect of ATVs on the environment and ways to minimize that effect, courtesy to landowners and other recreationists and landowners and other materials as determined by the department.

§13153 – Rule violations; ATVs.

The following penalties apply to violations of rules regulating ATVs.

1. Civil. Notwithstanding section 10650, a person who violates a rule regulating ATVs commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

2. Criminal. A person who violates a rule regulating ATVs after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.

§13154-A – Age restrictions.

1. Minimum age. Except as provided in subsection 5, a person under 10 years of age may not operate an ATV.

2. Permitting child less than 10 years to operate ATV. Except as provided in subsection 6, a person may not permit a child under 10 years of age to operate an ATV.

3. Unlawfully operating ATV by person ages 10 to 16 years of age. Except as provided in subsection 6, a person 10 years of age or older but under 16 years of age may not operate an ATV unless that person has successfully completed a training course approved by the department pursuant to section 13152 and is accompanied by an adult. Proof of having completed a training course must be presented for inspection upon request of a law enforcement officer.

4. Person under 16 years of age crossing public way. A person under 16 years of age may not cross a public way maintained for travel unless the crossing is in accordance with section 13157-A, subsection 6, paragraph A and the person satisfies the requirements of subsection 3.

5. Permitting an unaccompanied person under 16 years of age to operate an ATV. Except as provided in subsection 6, a person may not permit an unaccompanied person 10 years of age or older but under 16 years of age to operate an ATV.

6. Exceptions for certain property. This section does not apply to the operation of an ATV on:

A. The land on which the operator is domiciled;

B. Land owned or leased by the operator’s parent or guardian; or

C. A safety training site approved by the department.

§13155 – Registration.

1-A. Operating unregistered ATV. Except as provided in paragraph A and subsection 5-B, a person may not operate an ATV that is not registered in accordance with subsection 3.

A. The following exceptions apply.

(1) Registration is not required for an ATV operated on land that the ATV operator owns or leases, regardless of where that ATV operator is domiciled, as long as the ATV is not operated elsewhere within the jurisdiction of the State.

(2) Registration is not required for an ATV operated by a commercial ski area for the purpose of packing snow or for rescue operations on the commercial ski area, unless the ATV is required to cross a public way during that operation.

(3) An ATV owned and operated in the State by the Federal Government, the State or a political subdivision of the State is exempt from registration fees but must be registered and is required to display registration numbers.

(4) An ATV registration for the farm use specified in Title 29-A, section 501, subsection 8, paragraph E is not required for a vehicle registered with the Secretary of State under Title 29-A, section 501, subsection 8.

(5) An ATV registered in another state or in a Canadian province may be operated without being registered pursuant to this section at a special event organized to occur in this State if the special event organizer submits a request in writing to the commissioner 60 days prior to the special event and provides the commissioner with a map of the trails to be used during the special event and the commissioner approves the request.

(6) An ATV owned or under the control of an ATV manufacturer may be operated without a Maine registration at a demonstration event organized to occur in this State if such operation is approved by the commissioner. An ATV manufacturer or a representative of an ATV manufacturer must submit a request in writing to the commissioner at least 60 days prior to the demonstration event and shall include a description and the location of the event.

(7) The Commissioner may annually establish one 3-consective-day period, 2 days of which are weekend days, during which a non-resident may operate an ATV that is not registered in Maine, if the non-resident’s ATV has a valid registration from another state or a Canadian province.

2. Reciprocity. Reciprocity was repealed in 2004 so there are no longer reciprocal privileges for ATV registrations. A Maine ATV registration is required for nonresidents to operate an ATV in the State of Maine.

3. Application and issuance. The commissioner, or an agent designated by the commissioner, may register and assign a registration number to an ATV upon application and payment of a fee by the owner. Th commissioner shall charge a fee of $1 in addition to the fee for each registration issued by an employee of the department. The registration number in the form of stickers issued by the commis sioner must be clearly displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. An annual registration is valid for one year commencing July 1st of each year, except that any registration issued prior to July 1st but after May 1st is valid from the date of issuance until June 30th of the following year. A registration agent shall provide to the person who requests to register an oversized ATV under subsection 5-B a written form developed and provided by the department explaining the size and weight restrictions for registering that ATV, including whether it qualifies for registration, and explaining the provisions of section 13157-A regarding the operation of oversized ATVs on designated state-approved ATV trails. The department has developed a form for use by registration agents under this subsection.

4. Form of registration. An ATV registration must be in such form as the commissioner may determine.

5. Fees. See Registration Fees.

5-B. Oversized ATV; exception. A person may not register an oversized ATV except as provided in this subsection. A resident who has registered an oversized ATV prior to January 1, 2022 may continue to register that oversized ATV upon payment of the fee specifie in subsection 5, paragraph A, and upon a transfer of ownership of that registered oversized ATV, the new Maine resident owner may also register that oversized ATV upon payment of the fee specified in subsection 5, paragraph A. Registration is not required for an oversized ATV operated by a person on the land of another if written permission is received from the landowner or lessee of the land and the person is engaged solely in a business activity, other than a busi ness activity involving recreational use of the oversized ATV. For purposes of this subsection, “oversized ATV” means an ATV that is wider than 65 inches or weighs more than 2,000 pounds according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

5-C. Antique ATV. A person who owns an antique ATV may register that ATV under this subsection as an antique ATV. Notwithstanding subsection 5, the fee for an antique ATV registration is $45. An antique ATV registration is valid until the ownership of the ATV is transferred to another person. Upon the transfer of ownership, the new owner may reregister that ATV as an antique ATV by paying the $45 antique ATV registration fee. Notwithstanding section 10206, all registration fees for antique ATVs must be deposited in the General Fund.

6. Duplicate registration certificate. The holder of a registration certificate issued under this section may obtain a duplicate registration from the commissioner upon application and payment of a duplicate fee of $1. If a sticker has been misplaced, a new sticker and a new registration matching the new sticker number must be obtained at a fee of $1 each. Agent fee also applies to all duplicates.

7. Transfer of ownership, discontinuance of use. A transfer of ownership or discontinuance of use of an all-terrain vehicle is subject to this subsection.

A. Whoever transfers the ownership or discontinues the use of a registered all-terrain vehicle shall, within 10 days, properly sign the registration, indicate the disposition of the all-terrain vehicle and return the registration to the commissioner.

B. An all-terrain vehicle owner who transfers ownership or discontinues its use may, within 10 days from the date of transfer or discontinuance, apply to the commissioner for registration of another all-terrain vehicle. The fee for the transfer is $4, and the registration is valid for the remainder of the registration year for which the previous all-terrain vehicle had been registered.

C. When there is a change of ownership of an all-terrain vehicle for which a registration has previously been issued, the new owner shall apply for a new registration and shall pay the applicable fee under subsection 5.

8-A. Registration inspection. An owner or operator of an ATV shall present a registration certificate or an online registration receipt for inspection by any law enforcement officer on demand. An owner or operator of an ATV may present a registration certificate or an online registration receipt in electronic form.

8-B. Notification of destroyed, abandoned, stolen, or permanently removed ATV. The registrant shall notify the commissioner if an ATV is destroyed, abandoned, stolen, or permanently removed from the State.

9. Display of registration numbers. Each new ATV sold in the State must have a space 6 inches in width by 3½ inches in height provided on the front and rear of the machine, as high above the tires as possible, for the vertical display of the registration numbers. A person may not operate an ATV that is required to be registered under this section unless registration numbers in the form of stickers are displayed in these spaces or as otherwise required by the department. A person may operate an ATV registered online without displaying a registration number until that person receives the registration certificate from the department or for 30 days after registering the ATV online, whichever occurs first.

10. Training and education. The department shall provide training and education relating to ATVs.

11. Members of the armed forces permanently stationed in the State of Maine. The following persons are eligible to register any ATV owned by them at the resident fee:

A. A person serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who is permanently stationed at a military or naval post, station or base in the State; and

B. The spouse and children of the person described in paragraph A, provided that the spouse and children permanently reside with that person.

A member of the armed forces described in paragraph A who desires to register an ATV shall present certification from the commander of the post, station or base, or from the commander’s designated agent, that the member is permanently stationed at that post, station or base. Registration fees for registrations pursuant to this subsection must be allocated as if the person registering the ATV was a resident of the municipality in which the post, station or base is situated.

12. Review of ATV registration fees and trail maintenance needs. In consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the department shall review ATV registration fees and maintenance needs of designated state-approved ATV trails in 2022 and 2023 and every 2 years thereafter. Th Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall report the findings and recommendations from the review to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and wildlife matters by February 1st each year a review is required. The committee may report out legislation related to ATV registration fees and maintenance needs of ATV trails to the session of the Legislature in which the report is received.

§13156. ATV registration agents

1. Appointment of ATV registration agents. The commissioner may appoint municipal clerks or other persons whom a municipality may designate as municipal agents to issue ATV registrations. The commissioner may designate other agents as necessary to issue ATV registrations. The commissioner shall determine by rule the period when the agents must act. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

2. Failure to remit funds. An agent is delinquent if that agent fails to forward to the commissioner funds collected by that agent by the date established in rules adopted under subsection 1. Failure to remit the funds as provided in this subsection results in the following sanctions, in addition to any other provided by law.

A. [PL 2011, c. 533, §12 (RP).]
B. [PL 2015, c. 301, §47 (RP).]
C. If an agent is delinquent for more than 150 days or is delinquent 3 or more times in one year, the commissioner shall:

(1) Terminate the agency for the balance of the year; and
(2) Order that the agency not be renewed for the next year.

3. Service fees. An agent may charge a service fee of not more than $5 for each ATV registration or renewal registration covered by sections 13002 to 13005. This service fee is retained by the agent. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

§13157-A – Operation of ATVs.

1-A. Permission required. A person may not operate an ATV on the land of another without the permission of the landowner or lessee. Permission is presumed on designated state-approved ATV trails or in areas open to ATVs by landowner policy. A landowner or lessee may limit the use of a designated state-approved ATV trail on that landowner’s or lessee’s property through agreements with the State or an ATV club to address environmental, public safety or management concerns, including by limiting the type, size and weight of ATVs permitted on the landowner’s or lessee’s property. A person operating an ATV, including an oversized ATV, on designated state-approved ATV trails shall adhere to limitations imposed by a landowner or lessee and the State on that part of the designated state-approved ATV trail on the landowner’s or lessee’s property in accordance with this subsection. Written permission of the landowner or lessee is required for use of an ATV on cropland or pasture land or in an orchard. As used in this subsection, “cropland” means acreage in tillage rotation, land being cropped and land in bush fruits and “pasture land” means acreage devoted to the production of forage plants used for animal production. For purposes of this subsection, “oversized ATV” has the same meaning as defined in section 13155, subsection 5-B. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit or expand a landowner’s or lessee’s property rights.

2. Stop and identify requirement. Persons operating ATVs upon the land of another shall stop and identify themselves upon the request of the landowner or the landowner’s duly authorized representative.

3. Operating ATV upon controlled access highway. The following provisions govern the operation of ATVs on controlled access highways.

A. A person may not operate an ATV upon a controlled access highway or within the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway, except that:

(1) A person on a properly registered ATV may cross controlled access highways by use of bridges over or roads under those highways or by use of roads crossing controlled access highways at grade;

(2) The Commissioner of Transportation may issue special permits for designated crossings of controlled access highways.

(3) A person on a properly registered ATV may operate the ATV within the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway on a trail segment approved by the Commissioner of Transportation or the board of directors of the Maine Turnpike Authority, as applicable. At the request of the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Commissioner of Transportation or the board of directors of the Maine Turnpike Authority, as applicable, may permit construction of an ATV trail within the right-of-way of a controlled access highway under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation or the Maine Turnpike Authority being constructed on or after January 2, 2016 when there is an ability to provide for the continuity of a state-owned or state controlled network of ATV trails. Funds for the construction of an ATV trail under this paragraph may not be provided from the Highway Fund.

4. Unlawfully operating ATV on snowmobile trail. A person may not operate any 4-wheel-drive vehicle, dune buggy, all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle or any other motor vehicle, other than a snowmobile and appurtenant equipment, on snowmobile trails that are financed in whole or in part with funds from the Snowmobile Trail Fund, unless that use has been authorized by the landowner or the landowner’s agent, or unless the use is necessitated by an emergency involving safety of persons or property.

Exception: ATV’s with tracks, registered as snowmobiles can be operated on a snowmobile trail.

5. Repealed.

5-A. Operating a motor vehicle on an ATV trail. A person may not operate a truck, pickup truck, or passenger vehicle on a designated ATV trail that is not on a gravel road system unless authorized by the landowner or landowner’s agent, or in an emergency involving the safety of a person or property. For purposes of this law, “pickup truck” and “truck” have the same meaning as in Title 29-A section 101, subsections 55 and 88 and “passenger vehicle” means a self-propelled 4-wheel motor vehicle designed primarily to carry passengers on public roads.

6. Operating ATV on public way. Except as provided in this subsection, a person may not operate an ATV, other than an ATV registered with the Secretary of State under Title 29-A, on any portion of a public way maintained or used for the operation of conventional motor vehicles or on the sidewalks of any public way.

A. A properly registered ATV may be operated on a public way only the distance necessary, but in no case to exceed 500 yards, on the extreme right of the traveled way for the purpose of crossing, as directly as possible, a public way, bridge, overpass, underpass, sidewalk or culvert as long as that operation can be made safely and does not interfere with traffic approaching from either direction on the public way.

B. Repealed.

C. An ATV may be operated on any portion of a public way when the public way has been closed in accordance with Title 23, section 2953.

D. An ATV may be operated on a public way that is not maintained or used for the operation of conventional motor vehicles, except that operation on the left side of the way is prohibited prohibited during the hours from sunset to sunrise.

E. An ATV may be operated on streets and public ways during a period of emergency when the emergency has been so declared by a police agency having jurisdiction and when travel by conventional motor vehicles is not practicable.

F. An ATV may be operated on streets and public ways in special events of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule under a permit from the governmental unit having jurisdiction.

G. An ATV may be operated on a public way on the extreme right of the traveled way by a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of traveling between the place where the ATV is usually stored and an area to be patrolled by the law enforcement officer.

H. Notwithstanding paragraphs A to G, an ATV may be operated on the extreme right of a public way, or as directed by the appropriate governmental unit within the public way, of a municipality or an unorganized or unincorporated township if the appropriate governmental unit has designated the public way as an ATV-access route. An ATV must travel in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic on a public way designated as an ATV access route. A public way designated by an appropriate governmental unit as an ATV-access route must be posted conspicuously at regular intervals by that governmental unit with highly visible signs designating the ATV-access route. Before designating a public way as an ATV-access route, the appropriate governmental unit shall make appropriate determinations that ATV travel on the extreme right of the public way, or as directed by the appropriate governmental unit within the public way may be conducted safely and will not interfere with vehicular traffic on the public way. For purposes of this paragraph, “appropriate governmental unit” means the Department of Transportation, county commissioners or municipal officers within their respective jurisdictions. The jurisdiction of each appropriate governmental unit over public ways pursuant to this paragraph is the same as its jurisdiction over the passage of vehicles on public ways pursuant to Title 29-A, section 2395. Municipal or county law enforcement officials having jurisdiction have primary enforcement authority over any route established under this paragraph.

7. Failing to stop ATV before entering public way. A person shall bring an ATV to a complete stop before entering a public way.

8. Failing to yield right-of-way while operating ATV. A person shall yield the right-of-way to all other types of vehicular traffic while operating an ATV on a public way.

9. Crossing closed bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass with ATV. A person may not cross with an ATV a bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass closed to ATVs by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to this subsection. The Commissioner of Transportation may, following a public hearing, prohibit the crossing by an ATV of an individual bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass if the commissioner determines that that crossing or use of a public way is hazardous. Any bridge, culvert, overpass or underpass closed by the commissioner must be posted by appropriate notices.

10. Reckless operating on ATV. A person may not operate an ATV in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person.

11. Operating ATV to endanger. A person may not operate an ATV so as to endanger any person or property.

12. Operating ATV at greater than reasonable and prudent speed. A person may not operate an ATV except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions.

13. Operating ATV without protective headgear. A person under 18 years of age may not operate an ATV without protective headgear.

14. Carrying passenger on ATV without headgear. A person may not carry a passenger under 18 years of age on an ATV unless the passenger is wearing protective headgear.

15. Repealed.

16. ATV headlight and taillight requirements. This subsection establishes light equipment requirements for the operation of an ATV.

A. Except as provided in this subsection and section 13159, a person may not operate an ATV in the State, regardless of where purchased, unless equipped with front and rear lights as follows.

(1) The ATV must have mounted on the front at least one headlight capable of casting a white beam for a distance of at least 100 feet directly ahead of the ATV.

(2) The ATV must have mounted on the rear at least one taillight capable of displaying a light that must be visible at a distance of at least 100 feet behind the ATV.

B. The following are exceptions to the requirements of paragraph A.

(1) Repealed.

(2) A person may operate an ATV including a 2-wheel off-road motorcycle without a headlight and taillight between sunrise and sunset.

17. Required use of ATV lights. Except as provided in section 13159, the following provisions govern the use of ATV lights.

A. A person shall use the lights required under subsection 16 as follows:

(1) During the period from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise; and

(2) At any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions caused by fog or otherwise, other persons, vehicles and other objects are not clearly discernible for a distance of 500 feet ahead.

18. Unlawfully operating ATV on railroad tracks. This subsection governs operation of an ATV on railroad tracks.

A. A person may not:

(1) Operate an ATV along or adjacent and parallel to the tracks of a railroad within the limits of the railroad right-of-way without written permission from the railroad owning the right-of- way; or

(2) Operate an ATV across the tracks of a railroad after having been forbidden to do so by the railroad owning the railroad right-of- way or by an agent of that railroad, either personally or by appropriate notices posted conspicuously along the railroad right-of-way.

B. Notwithstanding paragraph A, a person may operate within the right-of-way of a portion of railroad line that has been officially abandoned under the authority of the Interstate Commerce Commission.

19. Operating too close to certain buildings. person may not operate an ATV within 200 feet of a dwelling, hospital, nursing home, convalescent home, or church.

A. This subsection does not apply when a person is operating an ATV on:

(1) Public ways in accordance with subsections 6 and 9 or on controlled access highways in accordance with subsection 3, paragraph A;

(2) The frozen surface of any body of water; or

(3) Land that the operator owns or is permitted to use.

20. Repealed.

21. Repealed.

22. Abuse of another person’s property. A person may not while operating an ATV:

A. Tear down or destroy a fence or wall on another person’s land;

B. Leave open a gate or bars on another person’s land;

C. Trample or destroy crops on another person’s land; or

D. Remove or destroy signs or posted notices.

23. Repealed.

24. Operation of ATV on temporarily closed trail. A person may not operate an ATV on any section of a trail posted with a notice of temporary closure in accordance with this subsection. The notice must specify the section of trail that is closed and the period of the closure and must be conspicuously posted at each end of the closed section of the trail.

25. ATV noise and fire control devices. The following provisions pertain to ATV muffling and fire control devices and noise level limits.

A. Except as provided in section 13159, a person may not:

(1) Operate an ATV that is not equipped at all times with an effective and suitable muffling device on its engine to effectively deaden or muffle the noise of the exhaust;

(2) Operate or modify an ATV with an exhaust system that has been modified in any manner that will increase the noise emitted above the following emission standard:

(a) Each ATV must meet noise emission standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and in no case exceed 96 decibels of sound pressure when measured from a distance of 20 inches using test procedures established by the commissioner; or

(3) Operate an ATV without a working spark arrester.

B. In addition to any penalties imposed under this subsection, the court may, subject to section 9321 and Title 17-A, chapter 54, order restitution for fire suppression costs incurred by state or municipal government entities in suppressing a fire caused by an ATV operating without a working spark arrester.

26. Prohibited equipment. A person may not operate an ATV that is equipped with a snorkel kit or other equipment designed to allow the ATV to be used in deep water except with the permission of the owner of the land on which the ATV is operated or as provided in section 13159.

27. Operation of ATV in prohibited area. The following provisions establish areas where the operation of an ATV is prohibited.

A. A person may not operate an ATV:

(1) On a salt marsh, intertidal zone, marine sand beach, sand dune or any cemetery, burial place or burying ground; or

(2) When the ground is not frozen and sufficiently covered with snow to prevent direct damage to the vegetation:

(a) On alpine tundra;

(b) On a freshwater marsh or bog, river, brook, stream, great pond, nonforested wetland or vernal pool; or

(c) In a source water protection area as defined in Title 30-A, section 2001, subsection 20-A. The provisions of this subparagraph do not apply to a trail designated for ATV use by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The provisions of this subparagraph also do not apply to a person accessing land for maintenance or inspection purposes with the landowner’s permission or to local, state, or federal government personnel in the performance of official duties, provided there is no significant ground disturbance or sedimentation of water bodies.

§13158-A – Unlawfully permitting operation; liability for damage by other persons.

1. ATV owner; operation by another. A person is in violation of this subsection if that person is the owner of an ATV that is operated in violation of this chapter.

2. Parent or guardian; operation by minor. A person is in violation of this subsection if that person is a parent or guardian responsible for the care of a minor under 18 years of age who is operating an ATV in violation of this chapter.

3. Furnishing ATV. An owner of an ATV, a person who gives or furnishes an ATV to a person and a parent or guardian responsible for the care of a minor under 18 years of age are jointly and severally liable with the operator for damages caused in the operation of the vehicle or by the minor in operating any ATV.

§13159 – Racing meets.

Notwithstanding section 13155 and section 13157-A, subsection 16, paragraph A, subsection 17, and subsection 25 ATVs used exclusively for scheduled racing meets and operated solely on predefined race, courses are exempt from the provisions of this chapter concerning registration, mufflers, snorkel kits, and lights during the time of operation at these meets and at all prerace practices at the location of the meets.

§13160 – Dealer’s registration and license.

1. Application and issuance. A person may not engage in the business of selling ATVs in the State unless that person has registered as a dealer and secured a valid dealer’s license from the commissioner. A dealer so registered and licensed need not register individual ATVs.

2. Fees. The annual license fee for a dealer registered under subsection 1 is $15. The license runs from July 1st of each year.

A. A dealer licensed under Title 29-A, section 954, subsection 2 is not required to pay the license fee under this subsection.

3. Dealer’s number plates. Dealer’s number plates must be provided and obtained as follows.

A. A dealer registered under subsection 1 may receive dealer’s number plates for a $5 annual fee for each plate

B. Replacements for lost or stolen plates may be obtained for a fee of $5 for each plate.

C. If a number plate is lost or stolen, the owner shall notify the commissioner immediately.

4. Temporary registration certificate. The commissioner may issue temporary registration certificates to a registered dealer who may, upon the sale or exchange of an ATV, issue a temporary registration certificate to a new owner, in order to allow the new owner to operate the ATV for a period of 20 consecutive days, after the date of sale in lieu of a permanent number as required by this chapter. The fee for each temporary registration is $1.

5. Display of dealer’s number plate. A dealer shall display the dealer’s number on each ATV being used until the sale of the ATV, whereupon it becomes the owner’s responsibility to register the ATV.

6. Warranties and information on used ATVs. A dealer who offers a warranty in connection with the sale or transfer of a used ATV shall furnish a written statement concerning that warranty. The statement regarding the warranty must indicate the parts or systems of the vehicle that are covered and those not covered by the warranty and what the dealer will do in the event of a defect and at whose expense repairs be made. The dealer shall also furnish before sale a written statement identifying any and all defects known to the dealer and any type of damage that the vehicle has sustained if such information is known to the dealer.

§13161 – Sale of ATV; light equipment.

1. Headlight and taillight required. A person may not sell or offer to sell a new ATV unless:

A. That ATV is equipped with a functioning headlight and taillight; or

B. The ATV:

(1) Is a 2-wheel off-road motorcycle; or

(2) Has an engine size of 90 cubic centimeters or less and has 4 or more wheels.

1-A. Dealer to provide registration information. A dealer may not sell a new or used oversized ATV without providing to the purchaser a written form developed and provided by the department explaining the size and weight restrictions for registering that ATV under section 13155, subsection 5-B and the provisions of section 13157-A regarding the use of oversized ATVs on designated state-approved ATV trails. Th department shall develop a form for use by dealers under this section, which must include a place for a purchaser to sign acknowledging receipt of the form. For purposes of this subsection, “oversized ATV” has the same meaning as defined in section 13155, subsection 5-B.

Summary of Penalties for ATV

This is a summary of penalties for ATV. For full language please refer to Title 12.

Operating under the influence.

§10651, 1-D – Failure to stop for a law enforcement officer

A person may not fail or refuse to stop any ATV on request or signal of any law enforcement officer in uniform whose duty it is to enforce ATV laws. A person who violates this provision commits a Class D crime, for which a minimum fine of not less than $1,000 must be adjudged. If convicted there is a mandatory one year suspension of all licenses, permits and registrations by the department.

§10651, 1-E – Attempt to elude a law enforcement officer

A person may not attempt to elude a law enforcement officer by: operating or attempting to operate an all-terrain vehicle past a clearly identifiable police roadblock; or after being requested or signaled to stop by a law enforcement officer in uniform, operating or attempting to operate an all-terrain vehicle at a reckless rate of speed. A person who violates this provision commits a Class D crime, for which a minimum fine of not less than $1,000 must be adjudged. If convicted there is a mandatory one year suspension of all licenses, permits and registrations by the department.

§13157-A, 10 – Reckless operating on ATV

A person may not operate an ATV in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to another person. A person who violates this provision commits a Class D crime. If convicted there is a mandatory one year suspension of all licenses, permits and registrations by the department.

§13157-A, 11 – Operating ATV to endanger

A person may not operate an ATV so as to endanger any person or property. A person who violates this provision commits a Class E crime. If convicted there is a mandatory one year suspension of all licenses, permits and registrations by the department.

§13157-A, 12 – Operating ATV at greater than reasonable and prudent speed

A person may not operate an ATV except at a reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions. A person who violates this provision commits a Class E crime.

§13157-A, 22 – Abuse of another person’s property

A person may not while operating an ATV:

Tear down or destroy a fence or wall on another person’s land;
Leave open a gate or bars on another person’s land;
Trample or destroy crops on another person’s land; or
Remove or destroy signs or posted notices. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime. If convicted there is a mandatory one year suspension of all licenses, permits and registrations by the department.

§10902, 1 – Suspension or revocation of, or refusal to issue a license or permit

Any conviction or adjudication for a violation of this Part is grounds for suspension of any license or permit issued under this Part. Except where provided by law, the commissioner shall determine the suspension period. To suspend a license or permit based upon a conviction or adjudication, the commissioner shall follow the procedures under section 10903.

§10902, 9 – Discretionary suspension for certain ATV violations; training

The commissioner may suspend all licenses, permits and registrations issued by the department pursuant to this Part to any person convicted or adjudicated of:

Operating an ATV on a temporarily closed trail or
Operating an ATV on the land of another without permission.

If the commissioner suspends a license, permit or registration pursuant to this subsection, the suspension must be for at least 90 days. Before reinstatement of licenses and permits, a person must satisfactorily complete a safety and ethics course, approved by the department and related to the operation of ATVs.

§10902, 10 – Mandatory suspension for certain ATV violations

The commissioner shall suspend for at least one year all licenses, permits and registrations issued by the department pursuant to this Part to any person convicted or adjudicated of:

Abuse of another person’s property.
Operating an ATV under the influence.
Operating an ATV to endanger.
Reckless operation of an ATV.
Failure or refusal to stop an ATV or attempting to elude an officer.

Before reinstatement of licenses and permits, a person must satisfactorily complete a safety and ethics course, approved by the department and related to the operation of ATVs.