ATV and UTV Trail Access Rules: Where You Can Ride

ATVs and UTVs are generally allowed only on designated trails and roads, not anywhere you can physically drive. The managing agency or landowner decides which routes are open, and state and local rules govern registration, permits and equipment, so confirm all of it before you load the trailer.

The one rule underneath all the others

On national forests and many other public lands, the default is that motorized travel is allowed only where it is specifically permitted; some BLM areas are designated open, limited or closed, so the details differ by area. Treat any route as closed to you until you have confirmed otherwise. That is the opposite of how many riders assume it works, and it is the source of most violations and trail closures.

If you cannot point to a map, sign or written permission that says a route is open to your vehicle, assume it is not. The rest of this guide explains how to find that proof for each kind of land.

Public land: designated routes and maps

Many public lands limit motor vehicles to designated roads and trails. National forests in particular publish motor vehicle use maps that show which routes are designated for motor vehicles, and for which vehicle types and seasons; a route that is not shown on the current map should not be assumed open. Check the US Forest Service for your forest’s map and ask the local ranger district for current conditions.

Other agencies work similarly but with their own details. State forests, state recreation areas and BLM-managed lands may have designated systems, special seasons or closures. Our national forest vs BLM vs state land guide explains how these managers differ. Never assume a rule from one agency applies to another.

• Download or print the current motor-vehicle-use map or trail map for the area.
• Check the vehicle class: some routes allow only vehicles under a certain width, which matters for side-by-sides.
• Look for seasonal closures to protect wet trails, wildlife or hunting seasons.
• Confirm whether the route is open to licensed road vehicles, OHVs, or both.
• Read posted signs at the trailhead and at junctions.

Registration, permits and age rules

States and local governments regulate off-highway vehicles, and the details are not uniform. Many require registration or a trail permit or sticker for ATVs and UTVs, and some require different things for residents and nonresidents. Age and supervision requirements for riders also vary.

Look up your state’s off-highway-vehicle page on its natural-resources or wildlife agency site and check any local ordinances for the county you will ride in. Because these rules change, do not rely on a friend’s memory or a forum post.

Private land and trail systems

Riding on private land you do not own requires the owner’s permission. Even if a track looks well-worn, it may be a farm road, a hunting trail or a driveway. Our guide to hiking on private land explains the same permission principle for people on foot.

Ask for specifics: which routes, which hours, how many riders, whether passengers are allowed, and where to park. If the landowner agrees, stay on the route they describe. Riding through crops, pasture or wet fields is a fast way to lose access.

Club-run and privately operated trail systems are another good option. They often have maps, parking, rules and sometimes membership or day fees. Some landowners also offer paid access passes for trail use, and you can search WildPass for trail access or browse the Explore map to see what is listed in your area.

Equipment, safety and noise

Ride prepared. Equipment rules vary, but the safe approach is consistent: wear a properly fitted helmet whether or not your state requires it, along with eye protection, gloves, over-the-ankle boots and clothing that covers your arms and legs. Use seat belts and cages where your vehicle provides them.

• Follow the manufacturer’s limits on passengers; many ATVs are designed for one rider only.
• Do not allow children to ride vehicles that are too large or powerful for them, and follow your state’s age and supervision rules.
• Check lights, brakes, tires and fluids before each ride.
• Make sure your exhaust has a working spark arrestor where required, since some areas require one, especially in dry seasons.
• Respect noise limits, which some areas enforce.
• Avoid alcohol and ride within your skill level.
• Carry a first-aid kit, water, tools, a tow strap and a map that works offline.

For group rides, agree on a route, a lead and a sweep rider, and keep spacing so no one rides in dust or loses sight of the vehicle behind. Tell someone your plan, and check the backcountry safety checklist if you ride remotely.

Trail etiquette: protect the trail, protect access

Trail closures usually trace back to damage and conflicts. A few habits keep trails open for everyone.

• Stay on the route. Never create new tracks or cut switchbacks.
• Avoid wet trails. Riding when trails are muddy causes deep ruts and erosion, and many managers close routes when the ground is saturated.
• Respect closures. Gates, barriers and signs are there for reasons, from habitat protection to safety.
• Yield properly. Slow down for hikers, horses and bicyclists, and pass with care.
• Cross roads safely. Know whether crossing is allowed and legal where you are, and look both ways.
• Pack in, pack out. Take out all trash, and leave gates the way you found them.
• Mind wildlife and livestock. Keep your distance and your speed down.

Shared trails work best when everyone assumes the next person around the corner is someone slower, smaller or more vulnerable than you. Keep speeds reasonable, especially on blind corners and in staging areas. Keep dust and noise low near campsites and homes, and stop to help if you see a rider in trouble.

Our Leave No Trace principles apply to motorized travel as well, especially staying on durable surfaces and minimizing impacts.

Before every ride, run through a short routine.

1. Confirm the route is open to your vehicle type today, including closures and fire restrictions.
2. Check your registration, permit or trail pass if required.
3. Inspect your machine and pack tools, water, first aid and a tow strap.
4. Load an offline map and tell someone your route and return time.
5. Agree on hand signals, a lead and a sweep rider with your group.
6. Gas up and carry more fuel than you think you need.

Road crossings and roadside travel deserve special care. Some states and counties allow ATVs or UTVs on certain public roads, and others allow only crossings, while still others prohibit road use altogether. Ask the managing agency or local authority rather than assuming, and watch for traffic at every crossing.

Fire risk and weather

ATVs and UTVs can ignite dry vegetation through hot exhausts and sparks, particularly in drought. Many land managers issue fire restrictions that limit or ban motorized use, so check the agency for current orders before every ride. Carry a small fire extinguisher or shovel and water, and avoid parking on tall dry grass.

Weather also changes conditions. Rain makes trails slick and easily damaged, snow and ice change grip, and washouts can close routes suddenly. Check the forecast and local reports, and be ready to turn around.

If you own land: offering trail access

Some landowners have trails or old farm roads that suit motorized recreation. They sometimes allow guided or permitted riding as part of ways to earn from your land every season. If you do, define routes clearly, set rules on speed, noise and group size, consider requiring a liability waiver, and speak with your insurer first, since motorized recreation can affect coverage.

As a rider, the cleanest path is straightforward: stick to designated routes, secure permission on private ground, and check with the managing agency each time. When you want to explore options, start with the Explore map and look at what is open near you.