General Description of Idaho ATV Regulations
Idaho ATV laws are governed by Idaho Code section 67-7110, which is a statutory definition specifying what type of vehicle an all-terrain vehicle ("ATV") is. Within that statute is a regulation for the proper speed limit for ATVs: 10 mile per hour. However, the statute does not define how that limit applies on various types of roads or land. Idaho Administrative Code, Chapter 802 connects the regulatory framework to Idaho Code 67-7110:
02. Idaho All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Road Use. Pursuant to Section 67-7110, Idaho Code , the following are the adopted and amended rules defining ATV use on certain public roads: (3-31-22)
01. General Use Restrictions. All ATVs may now be used subject to the following restrictions along public roads where allowed: (3-31-22)
The Administrative Code regulates the use of ATVs on Forest Service roads (Rule 802), Chapter 703 regulates the use of ATVs on State Lands (Rule 303) and in State Parks (Rule 600), and Chapter 307 of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation regulations are specific for trails in Idaho. These statutes and rules are important both for ATV riders and landowners as there are substantial penalties for violating them.
Titling and Registration Process
Idaho requires ATVs to be registered with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) for a one-time fee of $12 at the time of purchase. Following the initial registration, ATVs do not need to be annually registered. Rather, owners are required to retain the bill-of-sale document to prove full sales tax has been paid on the ATV or provide proof of previous registration to the IDPR or another state board of equal requirements. Once an ATV is registered, IDPR will issue a registration number and decal which owners must maintain in good condition and display on their ATVs. The ATV registration must be renewed each year thereafter by January 1, and no renewals are required for ATVs owned by government entities.
ATVs are required to be titled in accordance with the requirements set forth in title 49, chapter 5, Idaho Code. According to IDPR, registration and titling for ATVs is conducted through the DMV, which administers the statutory requirements for issuing a title. Further information about the process to apply for a title is available from the DMV.
ATV Age and Licensing Requirements
When it comes to the operation of an ATV in Idaho, there are specific age restrictions in place to help ensure the safety of the operator and others on the road. The legal age for operating an ATV differs depending on the type of vehicle, as well as the age of the operator. For instance, all riders of "Operation of motor vehicles" must be at least 14 years of age to operate an all-terrain vehicle. All riders of a Class I ATV must be at least eight years old. Any driver found to be operating an all-terrain vehicle without a D.O.T. approved helmet can be subject to paying a fine of $250. Depending on the D.O.T. approved helmet worn, an operator can be subject to paying a fine of $71 to $175. Those who are found to be riding an ATV with a passenger can be subject to paying a fine of $25.
In addition to the above-mentioned laws, any rider who is unable to sit with both feet flat on the floor while driving a Class I ATV generally needs to be at least 12 years old. Riders between the ages of 10 and 12 are also required to have a supervisor present in the vehicle at all times. It is illegal for an individual to operate a Class I ATV on any roadway in the state unless the vehicle operator has both a motorcycle endorsement or Class I license. Those operating a Class II ATV must be at least 14-years-old. Those who are found to be operating a Class II ATV and another ATV are not allowed on highways, interstate highways or public roadways. Operators of an ATV are also not allowed to drive on bicycles paths or footpaths unless in the course of attending school, going to work or shopping.
Safety Gear Requirements When Riding ATVs
Different safety equipment and gear must be used for ATV riding. From the mandatory helmet to protective eye wear, Idaho ATV laws are clear that you need to stay safe while on your ATV. ATVs come in three sizes: "adult-sized" or "full sized" atvs, "mid-sized" atvs, and "mini" atvs.
The Idaho State Code, at Section 49-6604, requires the following:
- (1) A person under fourteen (14) years of age may not be a passenger on an ATV unless the person is wearing a protective helmet which meets or exceeds the performance specifications for helmets for vehicular users set by the American national standards institute standard number Z90.4 and ISI/TC 106 out-of-Specification list (ANSI/ISEA 107).
- (2) Every person operating or riding as a passenger on an ATV shall wear eye protective devices approved by the American national standards institute at all times when the ATV is operated on a public roadway or highway or is being used in conjunction with a license for economic or agricultural purposes.
- (3) Operators of mini ATVs shall wear protective helmets. The size, weight and height of the operator shall be considered when configuring the specifications of the mini ATV. Specifications should be appropriate for the operator to be able to stop the vehicle quickly in case of an emergency and should be capable of high-speed operation without causing the vehicle to upset. Protective helmets shall meet or exceed the performance specifications for helmets for vehicular users set by the American national standards institute standard number Z90.4 and ISI/TC 106 out-of-Specification list.
Operators of ATVs, other than mini ATVs, who are required to wear a helmet pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall use a protective helmet which meets or exceeds the same performance specifications as those required for operators of mini ATVs in subsection (3) of this section.
ATVs can be dangerous machines, and it’s important to understand the required safety equipment and gear. The law requires such equipment to be worn/provided in areas where there are public roadways or highways. And it’s good practice to follow the law even if you’re not driving on public roadways-the law is designed to keep everyone safe.
Restrictions on ATV Areas and Trails
Idaho’s public lands are your best bet for ATV use. All Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") lands, Forest Service lands, State lands, and Idaho State Park Lands, as well as lands owned by either the United States, or the State of Idaho as a result of a grant for which an ATV is allowed to travel, can be used by ATVs unless the land is otherwise restricted. You must also comply with any agency restrictions.
Idaho imposes two general restrictions to ATV recreation on public lands. First, ATVs may not be operated in areas that are designated as "closed" for vehicle travel under a Travel Management Plan. Second, ATVs may not be operated cross-country if prohibited by the land manager. In other words, if the land manager has not opened a portion of their lands to ATV travel, you cannot travel there .
However, there may be openings in "closed" areas, as well as places where cross-county travel is prohibited, but ATVs are allowed on some roads and trails that are otherwise closed to motor vehicles. These roads and trails include:
ATV use on roads and trails on public lands in Idaho fall generally into two categories: those that are allowed on roads and trails open to the public and those that are restricted to a limited or controlled group of users.
The following roads and trails are open to the public for ATV use:
Regulated or limited use roads and trails are either entirely closed to ATVs, or limited to certain users. The following roads and trails are restricted to class 1 ATVs (less than 50 inches in width):
Environmental and Noise Laws
ATV users in Idaho must adhere to certain environmental and noise regulations to ensure their activities do not negatively impact the surrounding habitat or disturb the peace. Environmental statutes under I.C. § 67-711 through 67-712 apply to off-road vehicle use and designate procedures for impact assessment, set forth standards and stipulate remedies for violations. While not specifically spelled out in an ATV law, almost all Idaho counties prohibit ATV use on a highway or public right-of-way and prohibits any open container law, DUI, or underage drinking laws. Local statutes will define how far from a residence an ATV can be driven. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for monitoring and regulating air quality in the state. I.C. § 39-101 through 39-118 provides the general powers of the DEQ while I.C. § 39-105 authorizes the division of environmental protection powers and jurisdiction. I.C. § 39-118(A) mandates that the DEQ prepare rules to prevent or control emissions of air contaminants from any source. However, this law only applies where an emissions issue has been identified and where other means are inadequate to abate the harmful conditions. I.C. § 39-108 authorizes the DEQ to regulate new and existing motor vehicles and engines by establishing standards and designating procedures for certification. This includes motorcycle and ATV engines. In addition to general requirements and information, the following regulations apply: Local regulations may be even more stringent, and owners are advised to know what is required as penalties can be costly. Noise control regulations include mandatory design and construction requirements (such as not using chains, metal, or strap wire), as well requiring operators to conform to the noise restrictions of I.C. § 67-712(A) by not operating a vehicle at any time or place where noise from the vehicle is subject to a noise disturbance. A noise disturbance means: (A) Any sound for which the maximum level for any source measured in decibels on the A-weighted scale (dBA) pursuant to ISO 1996-1 exceeds the permissible noise level for the category of source measured on the correction chart in a location set forth in Table 1 of section 67-712, Idaho Code; or (B) The creation of any sound that the officer has probable cause to believe unreasonably disturbs or annoys reasonable persons of normal sensitivity to sound; or (C) Any sound created within noise sensitive areas for which the maximum level for any source measured in decibels on the A-weighted scale (dBA) pursuant to ISO 1996-1 exceeds the permissible noise level for the category of source measured on the correction chart in a location set forth in Table 1 of section 67-712, Idaho Code. Some local counties, like Idaho County, have ban on motorized vehicles, including ATVs, in roads designated as a natural area.
Fines for Breaking Rules
The state of Idaho takes the safe operation of ATVs very seriously. The law assigns substantial penalties for ATV traffic violations. In addition to fines and costs, reckless driving can result in the impoundment of the rider’s ATV or other off-road vehicle. In addition, as with other motor vehicles, a traffic conviction may appear on the rider’s driving record for insurance purposes.
New Amendments to ATV Laws
In recent years, lawmakers have made various adjustments and updates to ATV-related rules and regulations. For example, in 2017, Idaho legislators reduced the registration fees for ATVs and motorcycles used primarily off-road. In fact, the rate dropped dramatically from $25.75 to $12. In addition, the 2017 changes exempted small ATVs from these registration fees so long as they were not registered with the IDPR.
More recently, a new law that took effect on July 1, 2019 , obligates motorcyclists and ATV riders using certain roads to wear a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. This law is more restrictive than in previous years when some roads were excluded from the helmet law in certain localities. It requires individuals riding off-highway vehicles on a public roadway, highway, street or alley to wear helmets that meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles must have license plates.
The law also states that if an ATV or motorcycle is operated on a public roadway, that vehicle must be equipped with at least one working headlight, tail light and brake light, as well as working turn signals and stop lights.