Wisconsin ATV Laws

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) driving is a growing sporting activity in Wisconsin. Although the sport can be exhilarating and thrilling, riding an ATV comes with many safety risks. According to a Wisconsin DNR report, 114 and 49 of the total 409 accidents from recreational vehicles reported in 2019 were caused by ATVs and UTVs, respectively. From the total number of ATV and UTV accidents, 14 resulted in fatalities. 

The legislature passed new Wisconsin ATV laws to reduce the number of injuries and ensure the sport is as safe as possible. The new laws address various issues, including vehicle definitions, passenger and operational requirements, headlamps, and more.

ATV Vehicle Definitions

An ATV is defined as a commercially modeled and manufactured machine-driven device that has:

• A dry weight of 900 pounds or less.
• A width of not more than 50 inches as measured parallel between the outermost wheel rim on each side of the vehicle, exclusive of mirrors, tires, and other accessories that aren't essential to the vehicle's basic operation.
• A seat that is designed to be straddled by the operator.
• Three or more tires.

On the other hand, a UTV is defined as a commercially modeled and manufactured machine-driven device that has:

• A dry weight of more than 900, but less than 2,000 pounds.
• A width of not more than 65 inches as measured parallel between the outermost wheel rim on each side of the vehicle, exclusive of mirrors, tires, and other accessories that aren't essential to the vehicle's basic operation.
• Seat belts for all occupants.
• Four or more tires.
• A steering wheel.
• A taillight, a brake light, and two headlights.
• A roll bar or a similar structure.

Registration of ATVs and UTVs in Wisconsin

All ATVs and UTVs operating within the state of Wisconsin, unless exempted by law, must be registered. ATV and UTV operators must either:

• Display current registration stickers on both sides of the vehicle, where they are visible to law enforcement officers.
• Have a valid registration receipt. 
• Have a valid and signed registration application from the dealer.

Types of Registration

ATVs can be registered for either public use, private agricultural use, private nonagricultural use, or municipal and government use. Wisconsin ATV licenses serve different purposes and are valid for different periods.

Exemptions for ATV and UTV Registration

ATVs and UTVs under the following conditions are exempt from registration:

• A person operating the machine during the first whole weekend of June each year without registration.
• Machines brought into the state by a nonresident for use on public trails, and it either has a nonresident annual trail pass displayed on both sides or if the operator has a five-day trail pass receipt.
• A vehicle that is leased or owned by a federal agency.
• A vehicle that displays a decal required by a band or tribe.
• A machine that's in the state for less than 15 days and is part of an advert for the manufacture of ATVs.

Passenger Requirements

ATV operators can't have passengers in any part of the vehicle that isn't designed to be used by passengers.

Operation and Modification Requirements

UTVs and ATVs can't be operated on anything other than tires. However, this requirement doesn't apply to machines being operated on private property or frozen waters. A UTV or ATV can also not be modified so that its maximum width exceeds the allowed width. 

Headlight Display and Lighting Restrictions

UTVs and ATVs are required to have a lit headlamp and tail lamp at all times during operation.

Only emergency personnel can operate a UTV or ATV that has the following features:

• A lamp that emits any other color of light other than white or amber and is visible from in front of the vehicle.
• A lamp that emits any other color of light other than yellow, red, white, or amber and is visible from behind the UTV or ATV.
• An oscillating, flashing, or rotating lamp that emits any other color of light other than yellow or amber.

Operators must dim their auxiliary lamps or high-beam headlamps within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle or to the rear of another car.

Safety Requirements

The following safety rule applies to children operating ATVs and UTVs in Wisconsin:

• Children under 12 are not allowed to operate an ATV, while children under 16 aren't allowed to use a UTV. 

Anyone under the age of 12 is only allowed to operate a UTV or ATV under the following conditions:

• They must have a valid ATV safety certificate issued by the state. The operators must have the certificate while operating the machine on public routes, trails, or frozen waterways. 
• They can only operate a registered four-wheel ATV that is 90 ccs or less.
• They can only operate on a designated off-road trail.
• They can't operate on frozen waterways under any circumstances.
• They must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Helmet Requirement

Wisconsin ATV helmet laws dictate that all operators and passengers under 18 must wear a standard ATV or motorcycle helmet with the chin strap appropriately fastened.

Helmets, however, are not required in the following situations:

• The operator or passenger is at least 18 years old.
• The person is traveling for hunting or fishing purposes and is at least 12 years old.
• The vehicle is being operated for agricultural purposes.
• The vehicle is being operated on private property.
• The passenger is being transported for medical reasons while under the care of emergency personnel.
• The operator is an emergency responder responding to an emergency. 

Substance Abuse

It's illegal to operate a UTV or ATV under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances while on public trails, routes, or corridors. A person may not operate a UTV or ATV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more or with any detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance.

Street Legal UTV and ATV Laws in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin UTV laws of 2018 forbid the operation of ATVs and UTVs on highways and public streets. However, in some circumstances, the law allows some sharing of the road.

The fine for violating the street laws ranges from $150 to $2,000. You may also serve a one-year prison sentence.

ATV and UTV riding can be extremely fun. It's crucial to adhere to these regulations to get the best out of your riding experience and ride uninterrupted.

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