ATV Questions and Answers

Landowner Permission Information

1. Do you need landowner permission to ride an ATV? Yes

2. Do I need to carry written permission for every trail? No

3. Does any landowner permission have to be in writing? Yes, if you are on cropland, pastureland or an orchard and are not on a designated ATV trail.

4. Do I need permission if I am on a trail? Not, if you are on a designated (signed) ATV trail

5. Can a landowner have an open land policy? Yes, any landowner, including farmer, can have an open land policy.

6. Where can I ride my ATV? On designated ATV trails, land open by landowner policy or where you have landowner permission.

7. If I have ridden somewhere all my life, do I still need to get permission? Yes, unless it is already a designated ATV trail or the landowner has an open land policy.

8. Who enforces the landowner permission requirement? Generally law enforcement agencies but the law requires persons operating ATV’s on the land of another to stop and identify themselves upon request of the landowner or the landowners duly authorized representative.

9. If I am stopped and asked about permission, how do I prove I have verbal permission? Give them the landowner’s name that gave you permission to ride.

10. How can I tell if a trail is a designated ATV trail? It will have either the Trail ID or the Trail Blazer, which are green and white ATV signs with the ATV symbol. See signing guidelines at www.state.me.us/doc/parks/programs/ATV/atv.html

11. Have all the large landowners closed their property to ATV’s? No, many landowners are authorizing ATV use through clubs on designated trails.

12. What is the fine for riding on land without permission? From $100 to $500 plus the potential loss of licenses and registrations issued by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

13. Can I ride on power lines and pipelines? They are privately owned and you must have landowner permission unless it is a designated (signed) ATV trail.

Law Clarification

1. Are Off-Road motorcycles considered ATV? Yes, under Maine Law they are considered an ATV and must be registered as one in order to ride off your own land.

2. Is it true that I can lose my hunting, trapping, guiding, and fishing licenses for certain ATV violations? Yes in addition to paying a fine you can lose your licenses depending on the offense.

3. Who should landowner’s call if they have a problem with an ATV on their property? For issues in progress, call the nearest local law enforcement agency. For an ongoing problem contact the Landowner Relations Director at (207) 287-8091.

4. My ATV is registered in another state, so do I have to register it in Maine? Yes, all ATVs are required to be registered in Maine to be operated here.

5. Are you allowed to ride an ATV on a road right-of-way? You can travel up to 500 yards on the extreme right for the purpose of crossing as directly as possible a public way, bridge, overpass, underpass, sidewalk or culvert. You can travel further only if it is an authorized ATV Access Route.

6. What guidelines apply to ATV access routes on public roads? They have to be authorized by the “appropriate governmental unit” which means the Department of Transportation, County Commissioners or Municipal Officers within their respective jurisdictions. Routes will be conspicuously posted at regular intervals for travel on the extreme right.

7. Can I register my jeep, dune buggy or pickup as an ATV? No

8. Do I have to register my Dual Sport Motorcycle as an ATV? Not if it is registered as a Motorcycle

9. Do the ATV Laws apply to my dual sport motorcycle? Yes, when used off road.

10. Is a tree farm considered cropland? No, However; damaging trees in a nursery or tree farm will be considered abuse of property and carries the same penalties in law.

11. Are landowners liable if they allow ATV use on their property? No, Maine’s Recreational Liability Law protects them except for a willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition; or if they charge a fee for exclusive use. The ATV Program also provides liability insurance to protect the landowner who authorizes a designated ATV trail.

12. Are helmets required? Yes, everyone under 18 including passengers but we encourage everyone to wear them. Safety First.

13. Can we ride along active railroad tracks? No. Any use except for crossing at approved locations is prohibited.

14. Can I ride my ATV on the snowmobile trail? No, unless it is also a designated ATV trail or you have landowner permission.

Trail Information

1. How much of my ATV registration goes to clubs and trails? Approximately 50% goes to the ATV recreational management fund for club and trail development.

2. Are there any trails open to ride? Yes, there are over 5000 miles of designated ATV trails and the number of clubs and miles of trails is growing.

3. Are there official opening and closing dates for trails? No, but the law does provide for a mud season closure. Actual closure dates will vary across the state based on local conditions. Landowner or clubs have the right to close trails at anytime due to trail conditions.

4. How can I find out where it is OK to ride? The easiest way is to join a local club. There is a list of the ATV clubs on this map. You can contact the Department of Conservation ATV Program at 207-287-2751 for a club contact phone number or E-Mail address or you can visit www.ATVMaine.org.

5. Do I have to belong to a club to ride? No, but we encourage it because the clubs are taking the lead obtaining permission and maintaining the trails, creating good will by addressing landowner problems, and they need your support.

6. Can joining a club potentially give me more access? Yes, Clubs are the backbone to the sport. They are obtaining permission and building trails and they know what is open and what isn’t.

7. Can I ride on state owned land? Yes, you can ride on signed shared use roads or designated ATV trails. There are many locations and properties where this is allowed. Check with the local Fish & Wildlife or Parks & Lands staff for current information or contact the ATV Program.

8. Are there any park and ride locations for ATV’s? Yes, most clubs have locations to unload and access their trail systems. Contact a local club for current information.

9. Is there a list of authorized ATV Access Routes? The ATV Access Routes are generally authorized in conjunction with a local club trail system. Generally only a section of road is open and in some cases they are only authorized for a limited time period. Check with the local club and obey the posted signs.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

ATV Questions and Answers

Landowner Permission Information

Law Clarification

Trail Information

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