Buying, Selling, and Where to Operate

Buying and Selling an ORV

A person who buys an ORV must apply to the BMV within 45 days from the date of purchase to register the ORV.
After 45 days from the date of purchase, the ORV may not be operated until registered.
ORVs purchased or acquired on or after January 1, 2010, must be titled with the BMV.

An ORV may be ridden on the public right-of-way adjacent to a public highway, except a limited-access highway, when there is sufficient width to do so without endangering life or property.
You may cross a public highway, other than a limited-access highway, at a 90-degree angle to get from one area to another. To do so, you must:
- Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before crossing and…
- Yield to all traffic.
Cities, towns, and counties have individual laws pertaining to ORVs. Check these before riding.
An ORV may be operated on a road or highway for a special event after obtaining a permit.

A person under 18 years of age who is riding or operating an ORV is required to wear a helmet that meets the standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation under 49 CFR 571.218.
A person under 18 years of age who is riding or operating an ORV is not required to wear a helmet if:
- The person is properly fastened and restrained by a child-restraint system according to the child-restraint system manufacturer’s instructions.
- The child-restraint system is designed to protect the individual’s head.
- The ORV is factory equipped to secure the child in a child-restraint system and has a roll-over protection structure.

An ORV may not be ridden on public property without the consent of the state or an agency of the state.
An ORV may not be ridden in a U.S. forest without the consent of the U.S. Forest Service.