The State of Maine has enacted some regulations to make the sport of 4-wheeling both safe and kind to the environment. Not every municipality had the same laws so in some areas the 4-wheeler riders were free to trailblaze and in other areas were not -this was found to be damaging to the forest lands so the rules were devised to make it so the forest trails could be maintained through controlled use. For a complete listing of these laws please visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.
Here is a light overview of the information you need to ride your 4-wheeler in Maine.
All riders of 4-wheelers be sure they have permission before riding any property that appears to be private and when riding on private property should ride with the utmost care to avoid leaving as little trace of their presence as possible. While it's not a rule or regulations the DIFW asks that 4-wheeler riders avoid riding during times when there is excessive mud on the trails.
While not currently legislated, a 4-wheeler safety and riding education course is highly recommended to ensure the riders of quads have the highest in safety knowledge and operation of their vehicles on the trail. If you do take a safety course, pass on what you learn to other riders if you see an incorrect or unsafe riding technique being used on the trail.
It is also against the rules to operate a 4-wheeler near railroad track, within 200 feet of hospitals, nursing homes, churches and residential homes. 4-wheelers cannot be operated in the following places cemeteries, sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, intertidal zones, fresh water bogs, crop lands, pastures and tree plantations.
When you ride in Maine, be sure to follow these rules and regs to ensure your ride is not only safe but legal as well.
