In Houlton, ATVs are seen on the streets as well as the ATV trails. Using public roads to reach another ATV trail is legal as long as the ATV rider doesn't exceed 300-yards on a public roadway.
Currently there are a few regulations to ride your ATV in Maine. Your ATV must be registered and you must possess a valid driving license. The minimum age to ride an ATV in Maine is 10 yrs of age with adult supervision. ATVers under the age of 18 are also required to take a State Regulated safety course and they will be given a sticker upon completion that must be visible on their ATV at all times. Noise mufflers are a requirement with each county setting their own noise level threshold. All ATV riders regardless of age are required to wear a DOT approved helmet at all times when operating their ATVs. All children under the age of 16-years of age are required to have adult supervision at all times when riding an ATV.
With only a small number of ATV trails that are located on the outskirts of the town, ATV riders can't legally get from their homes to the designated trails in a legal fashion. ATV riders are a huge source of income nationwide through recreational riding. Many rural and small economies depend on those funds spent by weekend riders. Currently, proposals that will satisfy both the residents of Houlton and the ATV enthusiasts are being examined.
