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Maine's Oversized ATV Law
ATV riders in Maine rely on public access to the private land on which 80 percent of the state-supported ATV trail system resides. Over the years ATV riding has grown in popularity and ATV design has evolved to include several different sizes, widths, weights, and horsepower. The potential impact of these oversized vehicles on the trails has raised concerns from landowners and ATV riders alike. In 2019 the ATV task force was formed to evaluate and recommend policy changes that would protect private lands and landowners, while also helping to preserve outdoor recreational opportunities including responsible ATV use. The oversized ATV law was initiated by the task force and went into effect in October 2021.
About Oversized ATVs
An oversized ATV is defined as an ATV that is wider than 65 inches or that weighs more than 2,000 pounds according to the original manufacturer's specifications. Oversized ATVs cannot be registered in the State of Maine.
Exception: Maine residents who previously registered their oversized ATV before January 1, 2022, may continue to register that oversized ATV. That oversized ATV may only be operated on land where the operator has permission from the landowner or lessee, on frozen waters of the state, or on portions of state approved ATV trails (that do not limit the use of oversized ATVs). Written permission from the landowner or lessee is required for use of an ATV on cropland or pastureland or in an orchard. An oversized ATV that is allowed under this exception may be transferred to a new Maine resident owner who may also register that oversized ATV.
Riding Unregistered ATVs
Unregistered ATVs, whether oversized or not, may only be operated on land that the operator owns or leases. If written permission is obtained from the landowner or lessee and that person is engaged solely in a business activity (other than a business activity involving recreational use of the oversized ATV) oversized unregistered ATVs may be operated on that land.
ATV Dealer and Registration Agent Obligations
ATV dealers are required to notify purchasers of oversized ATVs (new and used) of this law at the time of purchase. ATV registration agents are required to notify all ATV owners of the oversized ATV laws and provide education on oversized ATVs at the time of registration. Download an Oversized ATV Dealership Form (PDF)