Minimum Age to Legally Drive ATVs in Michigan May Surprise You

I live in a rural area of Michigan and the ORVs have already started up but how old do you have to be to operate one? The answer may surprise you.

ATVs Are a Way of Life For Many Michiganders

I live near the Hardy Dam in Newaygo County and ATVs and side-by-sides always go up and down my road from individual riders, to families, to huge groups enjoying the outdoors.

I bought an ATV years ago to plow snow, help with yard projects, and for hunting and fishing purposes. At times, my ATV has been my best helper ever when it comes to chores or setting up a treestand or a turkey blind. I have a young son who I let ride it on my property and wondered what the laws were and this is what I found.

Read More: Here Are The Hunter Safety Classes For West Michigan

Michigan ATV Age Restrictions May Suprise You

In Michigan, kids under 10 are not allowed to operate 4-wheel ATVs unless they are on their parent's land and supervised. This is why my son has been riding for a few years now and he is 10 but never rides it anywhere else.

The rules change if you want your child to operate an ATV off your property. Kids under 10 can only operate 2-wheel ATVs like dirt bikes with parental supervision and need certification. Kids 10 to 16 can operate a 4-wheel ATV if they are ORV certified and must wear a helmet and goggles. There is a catch, 10 and 11-year-old kids can only ride on their parent's land but those 12 and up can ride on public land and some road shoulders.

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Here is a link to Michigan's official ATV operator age restrictions.