Texas All-Terrain Vehicle Operator Education And Certification Program

All-Terrain Vehicle Operator Education and Certification Program

ATV Safety Course Enrollment 1-800-887-2887

All-Terrain Vehicle Summary:

Before riding an ATV on public property you are required to:

* Obtain an OHV Decal from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (512-389-8917) and place it on your ATV; and * Complete the fun and informative ATV safety course (Contact the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887).

Promote ATV Safety:

* Learn the Texas ATV laws * Complete the required ATV training course * Wear safety gear * Pay attention to where you are riding

What is an ATV?

An “All-terrain vehicle” is:

* Equipped with a saddle for the use of the rider, and a passenger if the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to carry a passenger * Propelled with three or more tires in contact with the ground * Designed for off-highway use, and * Not designed primarily for farming or lawn care

Limitations: ATV operators younger than 14 years of age MUST be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.

Minimum Age

* 6 years and older * 12 years and older * 16 years and older

ATV Engine Size

* Under 70cc * 70 – 90cc * Over 90cc

ATV Equipment:

If you ride on public property your ATV must be equipped with:

* An Effective brake system; * A muffler system in good working condition; * A United States Forest Service qualified spark arrester; and * An effective headlight and taillight to be displayed one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise,and at anytime when visibility is reduced.

Crossing the Roadway:

Riding your ATV across a public street, road, or highway that is not an interstate or limited-access highway is permitted if you:

* Stop the ATV completely; * Yield the right-of-way; * Cross with headlight and taillight on, and * Go quickly and safely at a 90-degree angle to the roadway.

Safety Apparel Required:

* A helmet, properly fastened, and eye protection are required year round. * Whether pleasure riding, hunting, camping, playing in the sand dunes or riding in the forest, you must wear safety gear while riding on public land.

Trespassing:

* Penalties can be severe and result in fines up to $4,000 and jail time up to one year. * Trespassing can include entering a posted area; and area noting crop for harvest; a fenced area; or remaining after being asked to leave. * Pay attention to where you are riding.

Know before you go:

* Are your plans complete? Before you gather your gear, ask if ATVs are allowed in the area you plan to ride.

Caution:

* Always stop and check the entrance to lands where you want to ride. * Look for chains, rope or wire that may span the entryway. * Stop and look. These barriers can be difficult to see. Stop and look again.

Violation Fine:

* An offense of the ATV laws is a Class C misdemeanor.

No ATVs Allowed:

* Roads * Streets * Thoroughfares * Public Highways

* Bridges * Bar Ditches * Shoulders of Road * Grassy Area Along the Roadway

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department