| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| General ATV questions |
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What are the different ATV classes?
Class I: Vehicles 50" wide or less, and with a dry weight of 800 pounds or less.
Class II: Vehicles more than 50" wide, or with a dry weight of more than 800 pounds.
Class III: Vehicles riding on two tires, and with a dry weight of less than 600 pounds.
What are the general riding requirements?
- A valid Operating Permit from Oregon or a state with whom we have a reciprocal agreement.
- Operators of Class I and III ATVs that are younger than 18 must wear an Department of Transportation approved helmet.
- Mufflers in Oregon must be maintained at 99 decibels. Lower levels are required at Sand Lake (97 dB) and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (93 dB).
- Lights must be used in limited visibility, such as before sunrise, after sunset, or when you cannot see clearly ahead for 100 feet.
- Red flags displayed nine feet above ground are required when riding on sand (Sand Lake, Oregon Dunes, Christmas Valley, etc.)
- Working brakes are required.
- Windshield wipers are required on any vehicle equipped with a windshield.
- Follow the Standards for Off Road Vehicles.
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Class I and Class III all terrain vehicles are exempt from insurance requirements when operated off road.
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Check with the land manager in the areas you plan to ride on. They may also have additional requirements.
Where does my permit allow me to ride?
Public land that has specific areas designated for off-road use. Contact the local land manager for specific details on designated trails and riding areas.
Can I ride on regular roads?
If your Class II or III ATV isn´t street-legal (Class I ATV's cannot be made street legal), the only time you can ride on a regular road is when the land manager with jurisdiction over the area has opened the road through signing, or when you have to cross the road to reach a designated ATV area. Even then, you can´t travel along the road for any length. You must move directly across the road (perpendicular to the flow of traffic).
Where can I find a map of designated ATV areas?
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department developed The Official Guide to OHV Oregon [672 KB, Acrobat required] which outlines designated off road areas within Oregon. Specific trail maps may be available for areas you are interesting in riding. OPRD does not have maps of these areas, but the local land manager may. Please contact the land manager in charge of the area. This would include the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, and county sites. We have a regional interactive map of riding areas on this website.
Are there age limitations for ATV riders?
There is no minimum age for operators of Class I ATV on public lands in Oregon. However, all youth under 16 years of age must always be supervised by an adult over age 18.
To operate a Class III ATV on public lands, you must be at least 7 years of age. All youth under 16 years of age must always be supervised by an adult over age 18.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
You have to wear a helmet with the chin strap fastened only if all the following conditions are true:
- You´re under 18
- You´re the operator or a passenger of a Class I or Class III ATV
- You´re riding on public land
If the ATV is being used for agriculture or forestry, or the lands are either owned or leased by the ATV rider, a helmet is not required.
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| Permit questions |
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Where can I purchase an operating permit?
Any Oregon Parks & Recreation Department Area office and selected parks.
At any one of the many permit agents located throughout the state in stores and ATV dealerships.
You can also purchase the permit over the phone, with Visa or Mastercard, by calling 1-800-551-6949. Hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Please have the following information ready when calling:
- Make
- Body Style (motorcycle, pickup, 4 wheeler, etc.)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Name of owner
- Address (house number & street)
- Mailing address if different from above, and city, state, zip code
How much is a permit?
The price for a Class I, II or III permit is $10 to $10.50, depending on where the permit is purchased. All OPRD offices charge $10.
How long is the permit valid?
All permits, Class I, II, & III, are valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
What if I don't have a credit card?
You may purchase your permit by mail. Please include the same information as required for phone requests:
- Make
- Body Style (motorcycle, pickup, 4 wheeler, etc.)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Name of owner
- Address (house number & street)
- Mailing address if different from above, and city, state, zip code
Enclose the $10 fee. Make check or money order payable to OPRD, and mail to: OPRD ATV PERMIT, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301.
What information do I need to provide to get a permit?
The same information that must be provided to purchase a permit by mail (see above). A title is not required to purchase an operating permit. Just provide your VIN (vehicle identification number).
What if my vehicle doesn't have a VIN (vehicle identification number)?
Most factory made motorcycles, quads, and vehicles do. If it doesn’t, you may use a serial number from the vehicle, usually located on the motor. Or you may use a description of the vehicle; color and number of seats, etc.
Do I need a title for my vehicle?
No, it is not required to have a title for an ATV. It is recommended that all ATVs are titled for theft and ownership purposes.
I lost my permit. Can it be replaced?
Permits will be replaced for the full fee. A new permit must be issued.
What's the difference between an operating permit and an operator permit?
The ATV operator permit is not the same as an operating permit. The operator permit is only required if a rider is not supervised and does not have a drivers license. In order to obtain an operator permit a rider must successfully complete the ATV safety education course.
I am from out of state, is my homestate permit valid in Oregon?
An ATV/OHV operating permit that is issued in another state shall be honored in the State of Oregon if the issusing state also honors an Oregon ATV operating permit. The ATV must have a resident state ATV/OHV operating permit or a State of Oregon ATV operating permit to operate the ATV on designated ATV areas. A State of Oregon ATV operating permit may be issued for all terrain vehicles owned by a resident of another state that does not have a permitting program. For a list of states that have reciprocity with Oregon, please visit the Reciprocity Information Page.
What is the penalty for operating without a permit and decal in designated areas?
A person who operates an off road vehicle in a designated off road area or trail without a permit and decal is subject to a Class C traffic violation, which imposes a maximum fine of $180.
I'm interested in being a permit agent. Where do I get more information?
Contact Max Coley at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
2007 ATV Agent Manual [453 KB] Requires Acrobat
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| Contact info |
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Who do I contact within OPRD for ATV program information?
Ron Price
ATV Program Coordinator
OPRD Grants Section
(503) 986-0706
Max Coley
ATV Program Specialist
Permit Programs
(503) 986-0712
John Lane
ATV Safety and Education Program Coordinator
(503) 986-0585
How do I reach them by email?
Use the email address: atv.info@state.or.us
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| Miscellaneous |
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Can I still get a title, or transfer a title on my ATV?
Yes, please contact Driver and Motor Vehicle Services online or call (503) 945-5000, or contact the local DMV field office in your area. It is no longer mandatory to title a Class I ATV, although it is highly recommended.
Where do I get a permit for my snowmobile?
OPRD does not issue permits for snowmobiles. Snowmobile permits are issued through DMV. Please contact the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services.Their phone number is (503) 945-5000.
Where can I find Oregon laws governing ATVs?
Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 821 covers nearly all the state law pertaining to ATVs.
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