Protective Gear

Before an ORV may be operated on any property, the operator is responsible for ensuring that its riders have the required equipment.

All ORV operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation–approved crash helmet and protective eyewear, except when:

• The operator and passengers are wearing properly adjusted and fastened safety belts in an ORV equipped with a roof that meets or exceeds the standards for a crash helmet or...
• The ORV is operated on a state-licensed game bird hunting preserve at a speed of 10 mph or less or...
• The ORV is towing a fishing shanty or supply shed over the frozen surface of public waters at the minimum speed required to maintain controlled forward movement of the vehicle or while traveling to and from a fishing shanty at a speed of not greater than 10 mph or...
• The ORV operator is the invited guest or family member of the landowner or is the landowner of the property where the ORV is being operated. This last exception does not apply to the following operators:
  • Operators less than 16 years of age
  • Operators 16 or 17 years of age, unless a parent has given consent for the operator to ride without a helmet
  • Operators participating in an organized ORV riding or racing event if the property owner receives consideration for use of the property