Midwest Rider
EXPLORE MINNESOTA Ride County Roads
More than 20 Minnesota counties allow some sort of ATV offroad travel on their rural or county roads. The use of these roads is made through local ordinance, and the details change from county to county. Before riding on county roads, call the county and check for the most up-to-date local rules and regulations. The information on this is subject to change, and additional counties may adapt their ordinances.
ATV Classification
An ATV’s width determines how ATVs are classified and where they can be ridden. Class I: An ATV with a total width of 50 inches or less. Class II: An ATV with a total width that is greater than 50 inches but not more than 65 inches wide. Vehicles not considered ATVs include: golf cars, mini-trucks, dune buggies, go-carts or vehicles designed and used specifically for lawn maintenance, agriculture, logging or mining purposes.
Find Your True North Minnesota has a thriving off-road recreation community made up of enthusiasts and volunteers who travel via all-terrain vehicles (ATV), off-road motorcycles (OHM) and off-road vehicles (ORV). There are more than 2,500 miles of official trails, and many more miles of accessible forest roads in state and national forests which continue to grow year after year.
Join the Club
Minnesota has active associations and clubs for ATV, offhighway motorcycles and off-road vehicles. Joining the associations and clubs provide access to insider information on trails and trail-building, events, vehicle information and people who enjoy the sports. To learn more, contact the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM) at atvam.org; the Amateur Riders Motorcycle Association (ARMCA) at armca. org; or the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association (MN4WDA) at mn4wda.com.
Register Your Off-Highway Vehicle
Off-highway vehicles belonging to Minnesota residents must be registered with the DNR to operate in Minnesota, with very few exceptions. This includes off-road vehicles licensed for highway use, such as motorcycles and trucks, that are also operated on designated trails. Machines can be registered at any DMV office, at the DNR office in St. Paul or online at mndnr.gov. The cost for registration varies.
Non-Resident Trail Passes
A trail pass is required for all non-Minnesota residents with vehicles registered in another state. The trail pass grants access to Minnesota’s state or Grant-in-Aid trails. Non-resident passes may be purchased by phone, online or inperson. Some processing fees may apply, and duplicate passes are available. Purchase a pass online at dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/ohv; by calling 888-665-4236; or in person at the DNR central office, or at any place that sells DNR licenses (including many convenience stores).
State Forest Lands
Safety Training Requirements
Roads and access levels are classified as such: Managed: Off-highway vehicles (ATVs/ORVs/OHMs) are allowed on roads, routes, and on designated trails. ATV travel off routes, roads and designated trail is prohibited except when hunter/ trapper exception applies.
Off-Highway Motorcycle
Off-highway vehicles are permitted in all but eight of the state’s 56 state forests, though vehicle drivers need to pay attention to the vehicle classifications allowed on each road and trail. Note some forests can have multiple classifications. For a complete list of classifications, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/ ohv/stateforests.
Limited: Off-highway vehicles (ATVs/ORVs/OHMs), may be operated on signed roads and trails designated for a vehicle type. ATV travel off of signed motor vehicles trails or forest roads is prohibited except when hunter/trapper exception applies. Closed: Off-highway vehicles are prohibited in this forest. 20 Midwest Rider 2021
ATV Safety training is mandatory for anyone born after July 1, 1987. Those 16 and older can complete an online safety class. Youth age 6 to 15 must complete both an online course and handson safety. For more information, go to dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ vehicle/atv. OHM drivers between the ages of 6 and 15 years are required to have an OHM certificate to operate on public lands, frozen waters, and state or Grant-in-Aid trails in Minnesota. A certificate is given upon completion of the online class. For more information, go to dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/ohm.
Off-Road Vehicle
ORVs may not be operated by anyone under age 16. An ORV environmental and safety training course is available on a USB flash drive for persons 16 or older. To request a flash drive, call 800-366-8917.
