Indiana ATV regulations require that all ATV's be registered with the recreation management agency, usually the Department of Natural Resources. The only exception is if the ATV is only used for authorized events. The DNR can further explain this exception. Indiana also refers to ATV's as Off-Road Vehicles or ORV. In order for an ATV/ORV to be registered, the ATV regulations states, a copy of the bill of sale, which must include the date of purchase, the make, model, and the vehicle, number will be required. Prior to receiving the registration and stickers, a copy of the bill of sale must be carried.
The operator of an ATV must be licensed and this only allows the operator to cross a highway, not for public road use. ATV regulations have set the age of 14 as the minimum age to operate an ATV independently. Those under the age of 14 can only operate an ATV if supervised. Completion of a safety education course is not required by the Indiana ATV regulations, but the course is highly recommended for anyone operating an ATV.
State ATV regulations also require lights as equipment on the ATV, although lights are only required at night. Mufflers must also be installed as required by law. Although Indiana ATV regulations do not prohibit driving the equipment with a passenger, it is strongly recommended a passenger only be allowed on the ATV that are designed to carry more than one person.
Operating an ATV on public highways and roads is prohibited except for crossing. Indiana ATV regulations do not have specific guidelines as to the weight and width maximums of these vehicles. Check with the DNR for further requirements.
Although safety gear such as helmet, eye protection and other protective clothing is not required by the state of Indiana, it is highly recommended anyone using an ATV acquire and use the proper protective equipment.
ATV regulations are required by each state to operate the ATV. Following the ATV regulations for your state is the responsibility of the owner or operator of the ATV and failure to do so could result in fines.
