An ATV operator needs the entire seat area to maintain stability and control. The additional weight and positioning by passengers greatly restricts the operator's ability to maintain safe control which can lead to rollovers and flipping over. Because most ATVs do not provide foot rests or handgrips for a passenger, the passenger has a high risk of falling or being thrown from the machine. Any time there is loss of control, both the operator and the passenger are at high risk of injury or death.

Most ATVs are not made or designed to carry passengers. The multi-person vehicles typically have a longer wheelbase and other features for better stability while carrying more than one person.

Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations and safety warnings.

Passenger regulations with ADULT operators

Beginning July 1, 2005 it is lawful for adults to carry one passenger on an ATV.

• Passengers under 18 years of age must wear a helmet, on both public and private lands.
• If the passenger is under 16 years of age, the operator must be the parent or legal guardian, or other person authorized by the parent or legal guardian.

It is unlawful for a person under 18 to operate an ATV with a passenger, whether on public or private lands.

Warning
Approximately 40 percent of ATV related deaths and injuries are to youths under age 16. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that young people, under the age of 16 years, should never operate an adult sized ATV (over 90cc engine size). Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations and safety warnings.

ATV FIT REQUIREMENTS

Leg Length

A minimum of 3 inches of clearance between the seat and the top inseam of the pants when standing on the foot rests is required to enable the operator to maintain balance on the foot rests when turning and riding over hills and rough terrain.

Arm Length

While seated on the machine and gripping the handle bars there should be a distinct bend in the arm at the elbow. Without a bend, there will not be sufficient reach to properly grip the handle bars when turning.

Hand Size

While gripping the handle bar with fingers extended to the brake lever, the first joint of the index finger should extend beyond the brake lever. If it doesn't, the hand is too small to safely operate the brake.

Why Children Are At Risk Operating ATVs

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) states that a variety of factors converge to place children at risk as operators of ATVs including:

• Children believe products purchased by their parents are safe.
• Danger and risk are underestimated because of the child's own lack of experience with accidents.
• Children between the ages of 12 and 15 often overestimate their skills, particularly with increased experience.

ATV EDUCATION AND SAFETY TRAINING

Effective January 1, 2006 anyone born after July 1, 1987 AND who is 16 years or older must successfully complete the ATV safety training independent study course before operating an ATV on public lands.

Persons under 16 years of age must successfully complete the ATV safety training independent study course and the riding component before operating an ATV on public lands.

Exception: Persons age 10 or 11 may operate an ATV up to 90cc on public lands or frozen waters if accompanied by parent or legal guardian.

ATV safety training is recommended for anyone who operates an ATV. The Enforcement Division has an ATV safety training course for anyone 12 or older. The course includes ATV familiarization, operating procedures, safety concerns, rules and regulations, ethics, and environmental concerns.

ATV YOUTHFUL OPERATORS

It is unlawful for anyone in control of an ATV to permit it to be operated contrary to the following requirements:

Under Age 10

May operate only on private property with permission of the owner.

Age 10 and 11

May operate only on private property with permission of the owner.

May operate ATV up to 90cc on public lands and frozen waters if accompanied by parent or legal guardian.

Must wear an approved helmet while operating on public lands and frozen public waters.

Age 12 through 15

ATV safety certificate valid only after successfully completing BOTH the independent study and riding safety training components, and must be able to properly reach and control the handle bars and foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat (see fit requirements).

May operate an ATV on public lands and frozen waters and make direct crossing of roadways with a valid safety certificate ONLY when accompanied on another ATV by a person 18 or over who has a valid driver's license.

Must wear approved helmet while operating on public lands and frozen waters, and when crossing road rights-of-way.

Age 16 and 17

Starting January 1, 2006 must successfully complete the ATV independent study course component before operating on public lands.

Before January 1, 2006 may operate an ATV on public lands and frozen public waters without a safety certificate.

Must have a valid driver's license to make a direct crossing of a roadway or operate on road rights-of-way.

Must wear approved helmet while operating on public lands, frozen public waters and on road rights-of-way.

Source: Off-Highway Vehicles Regulations 2005-06, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, pages 29-31 http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/ohv/index.html