An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a motorized off-highway vehicle. Most ATV accidents happen in the months of May through September. In 2016, more than 100,000 ATV riders were injured, with approximately 25 percent of the injuries involving children under age 16.
In order to stay safe, you need to know the state's laws and follow some commonsense tips.
Know Missouri’s laws
- All ATV riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
- All ATVs must be titled and registered. Registration can be renewed every three years.
- An individual must be 16 or older to register an ATV.
- ATV use on highways is only allowed for agricultural or industrial purposes.
- Children under age 16 are not allowed to operate an ATV unless on a parent’s land or accompanied by a parent.
- Passengers are only allowed for agricultural purposes and on ATVs designed to carry more than one person.
ATV safety tips
- Take a hands-on safety course to learn how to operate your ATV.
- Always were a helmet and other protective gear, such as goggles, long sleeves, long pants and gloves.
- Never ride on public roads.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol.
- Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle or more than one passenger on an ATV designed for two people.
- Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
- Do not allow children to drive or ride adult ATVs.
- Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
- Ride only during daylight.
- Know basic first aid to treat minor injuries and be able to get help in an emergency.
- Never use a three-wheeler. They are unsafe and no longer manufactured.
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