Understanding the Laws Regarding Alcohol and Drugs

Each year, injury accidents and fatal crashes are caused by persons riding an ATV, UTV, or OHM after consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcohol slows your reaction time and distorts your judgment.

• It is illegal to operate an ATV, UTV, or OHM under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while on any property that is held open to the public (generally this means trails, routes, lakes/rivers, or corridors).
• No person may operate an ATV, UTV, or OHM with any detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in his or her blood.
• Wisconsin’s maximum blood alcohol concentration limit is strictly enforced.
  • For operators at least 21 years of age, the limit is 0.08%. However, a person can be under the influence of alcohol and in violation at lesser concentrations.
  • For operators under 21 years of age, it is illegal to have any amount of alcohol in their system.
  • Avoid alcohol altogether while riding.
• You are required to provide a sample of your breath if an officer has probable cause to believe you are operating an ATV, UTV, or OHM while under the influence of alcohol. By operating an ATV, UTV, or OHM on areas open to the public, you have automatically consented to provide a sample of your breath, blood, or urine to an officer who requests the test. If you refuse to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample, you will be charged with an additional violation.
• Wisconsin law allows substantial fines and imprisonment terms for those found guilty of operating an ATV, UTV, or OHM under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.