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.