10 ATV Safety Tips for Minnesota Riders

The first tip for operating any kind of ATV is to know the laws in Minnesota.

• Minnesota law requires all ATV operators born after July 1, 1987, to hold a valid ATV Safety Certificate before riding on public lands. You can earn one by completing a safety course through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
• All ATVs must be registered with the state, even if you only ride on private property.
• Riding on private land always requires permission from the landowner.
• Riding on public roads generally requires a valid driver's license and is limited to specific situations, such as making a direct crossing or traveling on the road right-of-way where permitted.
• Minnesota's grant-in-aid trail system is open to ATVs, but local ordinances vary by county and municipality.

Ignoring these rules can result in fines and, more importantly, put you and others at risk.

The right gear can be the difference between walking away from a crash and a serious injury.

• Helmet: Minnesota does not require adults to wear a helmet while operating an ATV. However, a helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment you can have on an ATV. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of serious injury by 64% and fatality by 42%.
• Eye protection: Goggles or a face shield protect your eyes from rocks, insects, and debris. This recommendation is especially important on trails with loose gravel or low-hanging branches.
• Gloves and boots: Over-the-ankle boots protect your feet and ankles, which are vulnerable in a tip-over. Gloves improve grip and protect your hands in a fall.
• Protective clothing: Long pants and a long-sleeved jacket will reduce road rash in the event of a crash. Look for gear with armor or padding at the knees, elbows, and back for added protection.

Before heading out for a ride, always take a few minutes to inspect your ATV. Check the following:

• Tires: Look for proper inflation and signs of wear or damage. Underinflated tires affect handling and increase the risk of a blowout.
• Brakes: Test both front and rear brakes to make sure they engage firmly and release cleanly.
• Lights: Minnesota law requires you to ride with your headlights on at all times if your ATV is equipped with them. Make sure they're working before you leave.
• Throttle and controls: Confirm the throttle moves freely and snaps back when released. Check that handlebars, levers, and foot pegs are secure.
• Fluids: Check oil and fuel levels. Look underneath the ATV for any signs of a leak.
• Fit: If a younger rider is operating the ATV, confirm they can fully reach the handlebars, foot pegs, and brake levers while seated upright. Minnesota law requires this for riders under 16 on public lands.

In Minnesota, DWI laws apply the same to ATVs as when driving a car. Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, operating an ATV while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is illegal, with the same 0.08% BAC limit that applies on the road.

• A first offense can result in up to 90 days in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a one-year suspension of your ATV privileges.
• Prior offenses, a BAC of 0.16 or higher, or having a minor in the vehicle can all elevate the charge to a gross misdemeanor or felony.

There’s a good reason for that law, too. Alcohol impairs your judgment, reaction time, and balance. Even one or two drinks can affect how quickly you react to a hazard on the trail. If you've been drinking, don't ride.

Riding solo on remote trails is generally a bad idea. If you're injured or your ATV breaks down far from the trailhead, getting help can take a long time if no one knows where you are or when to expect you back. Whenever possible, ride with at least one other person.

If you do go out alone, tell someone your planned route and your expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone and know whether you'll have cell coverage where you're riding. In areas without service, getting a personal locator beacon can be worth the investment.

Minnesota weather can change quickly, especially in the northern parts of the state where many popular ATV trails are located. Riding in the wrong conditions significantly increases your risk. Rain turns dry trails into slick mud, and fog or low light makes it harder to spot hazards ahead.

Before you head out, check the forecast. If storms are expected, consider rescheduling. If conditions change while you're on the trail, slow down and find a safe place to wait it out. Never try to push through a severe storm on an open ATV.

Good gear and a pre-ride check matter, but how you ride is what keeps you out of trouble on the trail. Match your speed to the terrain. Loose gravel, wet ground, and uneven surfaces all reduce traction and increase stopping distance. What feels manageable on a flat, dry trail can get dangerous fast when conditions change.

Stay on designated trails. Riding off-trail damages vegetation, erodes soil, and puts you on unfamiliar terrain where hazards are harder to see. In Minnesota, leaving designated trails can also put you in legal trouble, especially on state and federal lands.

And remember: if a hill looks too steep, it probably is.

Class 2 side-by-sides are designed for passengers and include proper seating and restraints. Class 1 ATVs, on the other hand, are single-rider machines. Never let someone ride with you on a Class 1 ATV. Doing so will shift the center of gravity and make rollovers much more likely.

Minnesota's trail network depends on cooperation between riders, land managers, and landowners. How you behave on the trail affects everyone around you, and it has real consequences for the future of ATV access in Minnesota. Here are a few basics to keep in mind:

• Always yield to hikers, horses, and other non-motorized users.
• Slow down when passing other riders.
• Stay on marked trails and don't cut switchbacks or create new paths through vegetation.
• Keep noise reasonable near campgrounds, trailheads, and private property.
• Never litter or leave trash behind. If you pack it in, pack it out.

Irresponsible riding draws complaints from landowners, damages trail systems, and puts public access at risk. Riding with these tips in mind will help keep the trails open for everyone.

ATVs are powerful machines that require strength, coordination, and sound judgment. Children are not always safe on board. Minnesota has detailed age restrictions for young ATV riders.

• Children under 10 may only operate a Class 1 ATV on private property with landowner consent.
• Children ages 10 and 11 may ride on public lands only on ATVs with engines up to 110cc and only when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Riders ages 12 to 15 must have a valid ATV Safety Certificate and be accompanied by an adult 18 or older with a valid driver's license on public lands.
• No one under 15 may operate a Class 2 (side-by-side) ATV anywhere.
• Riders under 16 must be able to properly reach the handlebars, foot pegs, and brake levers while seated upright. If they can't, they shouldn't be on the machine.
• Minnesota law requires anyone under 18 to wear a DOT-approved helmet on public lands and frozen waters. (Bicycle and hockey helmets do not meet this standard.)

Beyond these rules, adult supervision is always wise, regardless of what the law requires. Young riders should start on appropriately sized machines, stick to low-speed areas, and build skills gradually before riding on trails.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and others on the trail. However, even when you’re careful, ATV accidents can still happen and are often caused by someone else's negligence, such as:

• A careless rider
• A defective ATV
• A poorly maintained trail

If you are injured in an ATV crash, you may have a right to compensation. SiebenCarey has represented injured Minnesotans since 1952. Our attorneys handle ATV accident cases across the state, and consultations are free. There are no fees unless you win.

Contact us at 612-333-4500 or request a free case evaluation online.