Review Safety Reminders Before Hitting ATV-UTV Trails This Holiday Weekend

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges off-highway recreational vehicle operators to wear helmets and seatbelts and follow route and trail rules this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the rest of the year.

To date, Wisconsin has had 14 ATV/UTV fatalities, including nine on public roadways. Operating with safety top of mind is needed to ensure safe fun.

"Safety needs to be every rider’s top priority this holiday weekend," said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. "Every rider needs to wear helmets and seatbelts as they have been proven to prevent significant injury and death especially when used together."

"The vast majority of significant injury and fatal crashes show injured or killed riders were not wearing seatbelts or helmets," said Holsclaw. "Speed, alcohol and careless operation are among top contributing factors to crashes each year."

Safety practices are especially important on routes shared by motor vehicles. "It’s also important to verify the planned route of roads and trails are open to ATV/UTV traffic through the municipality, county or ATV clubs," said Holsclaw.

Here are more safety tips:

• When traveling on routes, operate in single file on the extreme right side of the traffic lane.
• Keep headlights on at all times.
• Follow speed limits and regulatory signs.
• Use directionals or hand signals.
• Adhere to all age and safety class requirements.

Review ATV/UTV regulations on the DNR’s website. 

Please note that new regulations have been announced and take effect June 1, including the below. The DNR will soon release a new regulations pamphlet detailing these updates and more. 

• Operators and passengers are all required to wear a seatbelt in a UTV.
• Intentionally causing damage with an ATV or UTV can cost you more than a fine – up to three times the cost to repair the damage.
• ATV or UTV operators may not tow objects bearing any person on a trail or route. Towing persons on ice is limited to 10 mph.
• UTVs now have window tint restrictions.

Learn more about riding safely in Wisconsin and sign up for a safety course on the DNR’s website.