| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| General ATV questions |
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What are the general riding requirements?
- A valid Operating Permit (ATV Sticker) 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.
- Class I and Class III all terrain vehicles are exempt from insurance requirements when operated off road.
- Check with the land manager in the areas you plan to ride on. They may also have additional requirements.
What is the difference between an ATV, OHV, and a UTV?
ATV=“All-Terrain Vehicle”; OHV = “Off-Highway Vehicle”; UTV = “Utility Vehicle.” Oregon law defines all motorized off-road vehicles, other than snowmobiles, as “All-terrain Vehicles.” These are divided into three classes (link to question 1).
What ATV Class Type is my side-by-side UTV?
Side-by-sides are Class II All-Terrain Vehicles because they are either too wide (greater than 50 inches) or too heavy (over 800 pounds) to be classified as Class I All-Terrain Vehicles.
Where can I go to get training for my side-by-side UTV?
Currently no training is available for side-by-sides in Oregon.
Do I need insurance to ride an ATV in Oregon?
While insurance is always a good idea, it’s only required for Class II ATVs.
Can I ride my ATV on paved streets or roads?
If your Class II or III ATV is not street-legal (Class I ATV's are never street legal), the only times you can ride on a paved road is when the area’s land manager has opened the road through signing, or when you have to cross the road to reach a designated ATV area. You cannot travel along the road for any length, and you must move directly across the road, perpendicular to the flow of traffic.
Can I still ride an ATV on public lands if my Oregon driver’s license is suspended?
No. Having a suspended driver’s license also suspends you from operating an ATV on public lands in Oregon.
Where can I find a map of designated ATV areas?
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department developed the 2009 OHV Oregon Guide/Map [4.57 MB, 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.
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| Safety Laws & Requirements |
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Introduction
Senate Bill 101 was signed into law by Governor Ted Kulongoski on August 15, 2007. The law requires safety education for operating a Class I or Class III ATV for recreation on public land. Class II vehicles are exempt because a driver’s license is required. The bill also includes new requirements for supervising youth, matching youth to properly fitting quads, and fastening helmet chin straps. These new requirements will be phased in between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2014.
Riders are exempt if using an ATV for farming, agriculture, forestry, nursery, Christmas tree growing operations, or riding on private land.
Click here for more information regarding ATV safety laws and requirements.
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| Operating 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 or other proof of ownership 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 "optionally" titled through DMV 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 operating permit is the $10.00 sticker that is placed on the ATV itself and is renewed every other year, the fees from which fund the State's ATV programs. An operator permit refers to the ATV Safety Education Card showing completion of training. (see Safety Laws and Requirements section above).
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 issuing state also honors an Oregon ATV operating permit. This arrangement is Reciprocity. 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 Oregon 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 Donna Fike at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
2008 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
Donna Fike
ATV Program Specialist
Permit Programs
(503) 986-0717
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 optional, but no longer mandatory, to title a Class I ATV. It is highly recommended to have your class I or class III ATV "optionally" titled through DMV.
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 (ORS) Chapters 821, 815, 811, 806, 801, and 390, along with Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) 736 and 735 covers nearly all the state law pertaining to ATVs.
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