UTVs on Public Roadways

Can a UTV operate on a public road?

NO

NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 401(1)(a)

No motor vehicle shall be operated or driven upon the public highways of the state without first being registered in New York State.

Department of Motor Vehicles will NOT register a UTV which is wider than 70 inches and weighs more than 1,000 pounds.

Can a UTV qualify as a Slow-Moving Vehicle?

NO

NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 375(36)(c) 15 NYCRR 68.8

The only use of the slow-moving vehicle emblem shall be as follows:

Agricultural equipment, whether towed or self-propelled, designed for operation at speeds not in excess of 25 miles per hour, when traveling on public highways during day or night.

Potential Penalties

Up to $300 fines

Court surcharges and fees

Towing and storage fees

Operation of ATVs

Age Requirements

Must be 16 (or 14 with an approved ATV Safety Certificate) to operate an ATV except upon lands owned or leased by a parent or guardian, or under supervision of a person at least 18.

NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 2410(1) & (2)

Can an ATV operate on all public roads?

An ATV may only be operated on highways designated & posted for ATV travel

NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 2403(1)b

Can an ATV operate on all public lands?

An ATV may only be operated on public lands designated & posted for ATV travel.

NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 2403(2)

Operating Regulations

Speed must be reasonable for conditions

May NOT be under influence of alcohol or drugs

Shall NOT operate on the tracks or right-of-way of an operational railroad.

No passengers unless the ATV is designed for more than one person.

NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 2404

Required Equipment

Good, working brakes

Muffler system meeting 40CFR205. 166(E)

Spark Arrester

Legal tires

Protective Helmet

NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law Section 2406

Slow-Moving Vehicles

Official Compilation of codes, rules and regulations of the State of New York

Title 15. Department of Motor Vehicles

Chapter I. Regulations of the Commissioner

Subchapter E. Required Markings or Signs

Part 68. Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

(c) Every vehicle drawn by animals shall display on the rear either:

(1) a slow-moving vehicle emblem; or 

(2) a lighted lantern with a red lens at least four inches (10.6 centimeters) in diameter, the center of such lens to be 42 inches (106.68 centimeters) above the ground, the lantern to be near the left edge of the vehicle, AND at least 72 square inches (309.648 square centimeters) of a high quality white or whitish-gray reflective tape.

Potential Penalties

Up to $300 in Fines

Plus Court Surcharges