The Vermont Statutes Online
Title 23: Motor Vehicles
Chapter 31: All-Terrain Vehicles

(Cite as: 23 V.S.A. § 3506)
§ 3506. Operation; prohibited acts; financial responsibility; headgear
(a) A person shall only operate an ATV, or permit an ATV owned by him or her or under his or her control to be operated, in accordance with this chapter.
(b) An ATV shall not be operated:
(1) Along a public highway except if one or more of the following applies:
(A) the highway has been opened to ATV travel by the legislative body of the municipality where the town highway is located or, for State highways, the Secretary of Transportation and is so posted;
(B) the ATV is being used for agricultural purposes and is operated not closer than three feet from the traveled portion of any highway for the purpose of traveling within the confines of the farm;
(C) the ATV is being use for forestry purposes and is operated not closer than three feet from the traveled portion of any highway for the purpose of traveling within the confines of the forestry operation; or
(D) the ATV is being used by an employee or agent of an electric transmission or distribution company subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission under 30 V.S.A. § 203 for utility purposes, including safely accessing utility corridors, provided that the ATV shall be operated along the edge of the roadway and shall yield to other vehicles.
(2) Across a public highway except if all of the following conditions are met:
(A) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;
(B) the operator brings the ATV to a complete stop before entering the traveled portion of the highway;
(C) the operator yields the right of way to motor vehicles and pedestrians using the highway;
(D) the operator is 12 years of age or older; and
(E) in the case of an operator under 16 years of age, the operator is under the direct supervision of an individual 18 years of age or older who does not have a suspended operator’s license or privilege to operate.
(3) On any privately owned land or privately owned body of water unless either:
(A) the operator is the owner or member of the immediate family of the owner of the land;
(B) the operator carries the written consent of the owner or lessee of the land or the land surrounding the privately owned body of water to operate an ATV in the specific area and during specific hours or days, or both, in which the operator is operating;
(C) the ATV displays a valid VASA Trail Access Decal (TAD) as required by subsection 3502(a) of this title that serves as proof that the ATV and its operator, by virtue of the TAD, are members of VASA and consent has been given orally or in writing to operate an ATV in the area where the operator is operating; or
(D) the owner of the land or the land surrounding the privately owned body of water designated the area for use by ATVs by posting the area in a manner approved by the Secretary to give reasonable notice that use is permitted.
(4) On any municipal lands unless opened to ATV travel by the legislative body of the municipality where the land is located or on any State lands, body of public water, or natural area established under the provisions of 10 V.S.A. § 2607 unless designated by the Secretary for use by ATVs in rules adopted under 3 V.S.A. chapter 25.
(5) By an individual under 12 years of age unless he or she is wearing on his or her head protective headgear of a type approved by the Commissioner while operating the ATV or riding as a passenger on the ATV and either:
(A) he or she is on land owned by his or her parents, family, or guardian;
(B) he or she has written permission of the landowner or lessee; or
(C) he or she is under the direct supervision of an individual 18 years of age or older who does not have a suspended operator’s license or privilege to operate.
(6) In any manner that could reasonably be expected to harm, harass, drive, or pursue any wildlife.
(7) If the registration certificate or consent form and proof of insurance are not available for inspection, and the registration number, or plate of a size and type approved by the Commissioner, is not displayed on the ATV in a manner approved by the Commissioner.
(8) While the operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol as defined by this title.
(9) In a careless or negligent manner that is inconsistent with the duty of ordinary care, so as to endanger an individual or property.
(10) Within a cemetery, public or private, as defined in 18 V.S.A. § 5302.
(11) On limited access highways, rights-of-way, or approaches unless permitted by the Traffic Committee under section 1004 of this title. In no cases shall the use of ATVs be permitted on any portion of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways unless the Traffic Committee permits operation on these highways.
(12) On a sidewalk unless permitted by the legislative body of the municipality where the sidewalk is located.
(13) Without liability insurance as described in this subdivision. The owner or operator of an ATV shall not operate or permit the operation of an ATV at locations where the ATV must be registered in order to be lawfully operated under section 3502 of this title without having in effect a bond or a liability policy in the amounts of at least $25,000.00 for one individual and $50,000.00 for two or more individuals killed or injured and $10,000.00 for damages to property in any one crash. In lieu of a bond or liability policy, evidence of self-insurance in the amount of $115,000.00 must be filed with the Commissioner. Financial responsibility shall be maintained and evidenced in a form prescribed by the Commissioner, and persons who self-insure shall be subject to the provisions of subsection 801(c) of this title.
(14) While the operator’s license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle is suspended, unless operated at a location described in subdivision 3502(a)(2)(A) or (D) of this title.
(15) Outside the boundaries of trails established by the VASA Trail System unless such operation is specifically authorized pursuant to another provision of this chapter.
(16) At locations where the ATV must be registered in order to be lawfully operated under section 3502 of this title unless the operator and all passengers wear:
(A) properly secured protective headgear that is used as intended by the manufacturer of the headgear and conforms to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards contained in 49 C.F.R. § 571.218, as amended, and any applicable regulations promulgated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation; or
(B) properly secured protective headgear that is used as intended by the manufacturer of the headgear and conforms to ASTM International or National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment safety standards, provided that the ATV is equipped with manufacturer-installed rollover protection and safety belts that have not been removed or modified in a way that reduces their effectiveness.
(c) No public or private landowner shall be liable for any property damage or personal injury sustained by any individual operating or riding as a passenger on an ATV or upon a vehicle or other device drawn by an ATV upon the public or private landowner’s property, whether or not the public or private landowner has given permission to use the land, unless the public or private landowner charges a cash fee to the operator or owner of the ATV for the use of the property or unless damage or injury is intentionally inflicted by the landowner.
(d) In addition to all other requirements, an ATV may not be operated:
(1) if equipped with an exhaust system with a cut out, bypass, or similar device; or
(2) with the spark arrester removed or modified, except for use in closed course competition events.
(e) In addition to all other requirements, an ATV may not be operated by an operator who is less than 18 years of age unless one of the following criteria is met:
(1) the operator is operating on property owned or leased by the operator or his or her parents or guardian;
(2) the operator is taking a prescribed safety education training course and operating under the direct supervision of a certified ATV safety instructor; or
(3) the operator holds an appropriate safety education certificate issued by this State or issued under the authority of another state or province of Canada.
(f) An individual who is required to hold an appropriate safety education certificate under the provisions of subsection (e) of this section shall exhibit the safety education certificate upon demand of a law enforcement officer having authority to enforce the provisions of this section.

Where to Ride ATVs, UTVs and/ or Side by Sides in Vermont

Please Note: While searching for locations to ride ATVs, UTVs, and/or Side x Sides in Vermont we came across the following places. The following places to ride all terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, and side by sides in Vermont is a list we have come up with by researching, we are not affiliated with any of these places and/or locations and highly recommend contacting and confirming information before planning a ride. We make every effort to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and true. However, we cannot be held responsible for inaccurate information provided by outside sources.

West Rutland ATV Sportsmans Club

The West Rutland ATV Sportsman’s Club (WRASC) is one of the largest local clubs of Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association (VASA). WRASC maintains approximately 50 miles of Vermont ATV trails on three trailheads. WRASC schedules events throughout the year like club rides, poker runs, parades, and cookouts. They have just over 200 members, some with multiple ATVs.  They are always looking for new members. WRASC is one of the two founding clubs of VASA, the Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association. They are the oldest ATV club in Vermont, founded in 1998 and were co-winners of the 2010 Club of the Year award from The Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association.

Jack Pines Pirates

PO Box 36 Readsboro, VT 05350
Email: thejackpinespirates@gmail.com

The Jack Pines Pirates OHV Club was founded by residents of Readsboro Vermont to bring legal ATV trails to southern Vermont. Their goal is to create, open, and maintain a sustainable, safe, and fun ATV trail system for everyone to enjoy. This would not be possible without the generous landowners that allow the trails on their property. Their trail system currently consists of 30 miles of OHV riding that also connects to a neighboring club, The Bennington Trail Cruisers. The club also offers Winter Adventure Riding — WAR for short. WAR allows OHV’s with tracks the opportunity to extend their riding season once there is an adequate snow base. WAR is only allowed on the JPP trail system and does not extend into the Bennington Trail Cruiser’s trail system. There are no wheeled vehicles allowed on the trail system during WAR season and their club closely monitors the trail conditions to open and close them when need be.Trails open May 28th and close October 31st *Trails will open for Winter Adventure Riding (WAR) for OHV’s after Dec 15, conditions permitting. When trails are frozen and there is snow cover, trails open to OHV’s with tracks only. OHV’s with wheels are prohibited from riding during Winter Adventure Riding.

Fellowship of the Wheel

PO Box 1566 Williston, VT 05495
Email: info@fotwheel.org 

Fellowship of the Wheel is a non-profit that advocates for and maintains 100+ miles (7 networks in 7 towns) of public multi-use trails in Chittenden County, VT. They work with private and municipal Vermont landowners to create responsibly-built, sustainable trails for the greater community to enjoy their surrounding environment through recreation. FOTW completes over 3500 hours of trail work each season, through the direction of the Trail Crew, with over 1000 hours of volunteer commitment. Funding sources include financial donations from local businesses, partnerships with similar organizations, grants, fundraisers, and membership dues. By advocating for outdoor recreation opportunities, building with the most sustainable practices, and educating the community we are able to provide people of all ages and fitness levels a chance to appreciate their environment. Trails pass beautiful scenery and historic sites, they link towns, and trails bring community volunteers together while assisting with the creation and maintenance of responsibly-built public trails. It is our hope that this will inspire people to care about their environment in such a way that they make conscious decisions to protect it.Your involvement is critical to our continued success. Join the Fellowship today, come out to our trail days, and do your part to keep multi-use trails open. Enjoy!

Tri-Country ATV Club 

Island Pond, Vermont
Email: tricounty@islandpondatv.com
Phone:(802) 673-7122

You’ll need a valid ATV registration (any state) with Year, Make, Model, and Registration Number.

Fees are as follows: 
Registered in VT: $30.00,
Registered Elsewhere: $75.00
VASA Membership: $10.00; Club Membership: $20.00.
Total if registered in VT: $60.00
Total if registered elsewhere: $105.00.

Rules: You must go SLOW on town roads and be courteous. No shortcuts.  Streets can be shutdown at anytime. The future success depends on the respect shown in town. OBEY SIGNS!

1. Helmets are required, especially in Brighton and on all VASA Trails
2. Liability insurance is required.
3. All riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and possess a safety certification card.
4. Minimum age to operate an ATV on the VASA trail system is 12 years old (see rule #3).
5. Ride respectfully. It is our privilege, not our right, to ride on these trails.