If you own an ATV in the State of New York, your ATV must be registered with the State. There are also some special rules and regulations you need to follow to make sure not only do you ride your ATV safely, but also legally.
Your ATV must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if it is operated anywhere in New York State, including on the owner's own private property. The exception is that ATVs used only for agricultural purposes, or for snow plowing are exempt from the State of New York's registration requirement for ATVs. To register an ATV at a motor vehicle issuing office, complete a Vehicle Registration Application. You must also provide proof of ownership, sales tax payment receipt or or a form exempting you from paying taxes on your purchase of your ATV, your identity and your date of birth. You must also pay a registration fee of $25 per year per ATV, which includes a $15 trail riding fee. You also must pay a $7.50 license plate fee when you first register your ATV. You will be issued a plate, a registration sticker and a receipt. The plate must be attached to the rear of the ATV, and the sticker should be placed to the right of the center of the plate. You should carry the registration receipt when operating your ATV.
You do not need a driver license to operate an ATV, but certain restrictions apply to operators under age 16 years of age. ATVers between the ages of 10-15 years old may only operate an ATV with adult supervision and young riders must complete an ATV safety course and the certificate of completion should be carried at all times when riding your ATV. Your ATV must have the following equipment:
Brakes in good condition
A muffler which is in good operating condition and meets federal standards
A spark arrester approved by the U.S. Forest Service
Tires with at least 2/32nds of an inch tread without visible breaks, cuts, exposed cords, bumps or bulges
A lighted white headlight and red taillight if the ATV is driven at night
The law requires you to keep the ATV's headlight and taillight lighted when riding a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise. For greater safety, DMV recommends you keep the lights on at all times.
Make sure you ride safely and legally in the State of New York and you're going to have a great time knowing you won't have a ticket coming for not adhering to the rules. If you see someone riding an ATV that isn't licensed or registered or up to par, implore them to pay the $25 and get legal with the State, it's a small price to pay and definitely smaller than the fines for riding your ATV illegally.
