Off-Road Vehicle Patrol:
During the summer months the Sheriff's Office patrols all Kalkaska
area Off-Road Vehicle trails, routes and forest roads.
Off-Road Vehicle Patrol is assigned to deputies that have proven
proficiency on the machines in addition to specialized training in the
statutory aspects of the operation, licensing, and registration of these
vehicles.
This patrol normally operates on weekends and will occasionally work
special events. Selective enforcement may be necessary based upon special
requests or complaints received from citizens. Typically, deputies patrol
the off-road trails, routes and selected areas conducting inspections and
compliance checks to ensure that operators adhere to state and local laws.
The off-road vehicle patrol may be requested to assist at accident scenes
and could at any time, be called out for search and rescue operations.
Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Law:
The following is a summary of important highlights from the Michigan
Off-Road Vehicle Law that every owner/operator is expected to know, understand
and obey. The fact Sheet is provides as a service to encourage safety,
awareness and responsibility.
DEFINITION:
An ORV is defined as any motor vehicle that can be operated cross-country
without benefit of a road or trail over land, snow, and other natural terrain,
and includes the following:
 1.
Multi-track and multi-wheeled vehicles, ATV's, motorcycles and related
2, 3, and 4-wheeled vehicles, amphibious machines (water to land and back),
hovercraft and any other vehicles that use mechanical power, including
2 and 4-wheeled drive vehicles that are highway registered (licensed by
the Secretary of State for road use), when operated off highways and roads.
2. ATV's are a subgroup of ORV's. An ATV is a 3 or 4-wheeled
vehicle that is designed for off-road use, that has low pressure (balloon
type) tires, with a seat that is designed to be straddled by the operator,
powered by an engine in size from 50cc on up to 500 cc displacement.
Exemptions are registered snowmobiles, farm, construction and logging
vehicles when being used in usual work practices; military, firek, emergency
and law enforcement vehicles.
ORV LICENSING:
Owners of ORV's are required to obtain a title for an ORV through
the Secretary of State (SOS). Exception: nonresident ORV used
in Michigan
Owner's of ORV's are required to license (ORV License) the ORV with
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Resident and nonresident
are required to obtain an ORV License when the ORV is used in areas open
to the public.
Exception: When the ORV is used exclusively on one's private property
or written permission is obtained from the property owner.
ORV Licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following
year, regardless of the date of purchase. ORV License can be obtained
from most sporting good stores and ORV dealerships.
 ORV
Route:
For ORVs of all sizes. DNR License Required. Unless
Licensed by Sec.of State |
 ORV
Trail:
For ATVs and Motorcycles. DNR License Required. |
 MCCCT
Trail:
For Motorcycles, sections require DNR License and
Sec.of State License. |
Vehicles licensed with the Secretary of State (License Plated) require
an ORV License only when that vehicle is used on designated ORV TRAILS
and if used on designated areas for cross-country use (MCCCT TRAILS-Michigan
Cross Country Cycle Trail).
Exception: ORV License is NOT required for street licensed
vehicles used on the frozen surface of public waters.
An ORV License must be permanently attached to the ORV and be visibly
displayed in the following manner:
1. On 2-wheeled vehicles are to be centered on the exposed rear
fender.
2. On 3 or 4-wheeled (ATV's) on the flat metal surface, bumper or
plate permanently attached to the rear of the ORV.
3. Other ORV's including dune buggies and 4WD trucks are to
display the ORV License centered and visible on the rear of the vehicle.
NOTE: The Secretary of State shall not register or title an
all-terrain vehicle for highway or street use.
GOLF CARTS:
Operating golf carts on public highways is prohibited.
REGULATIONS:
A person SHALL NOT operate an off-road vehicle:
1. While under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
2. At a rate of speed than that which is reasonable and proper.
3. In any forest nursery or planting area.
4, In any area in a manner to injure, damage or destroy crops
or trees.
5. In any area in a manner so as to create an erosive condition.
6. In or upon the waters of any stream, river, bog, wetland,
marsh or quagmire.
7. In a careless manner with due regard for existing conditions.
8. In a manner as to leave litter or debris.
9. While transporting a passenger without a seat as designed
by the manufacturer to transport passengers.
10.Within 100ft of a dwelling at a speed greater than the minimum
speed necessary for controlled forward movement.
Except on private property with the permission of the property owner
and on designated routes, trail areas and access routes.
11. While under a court suspension of ORV operating rights.
12. On any unlicensed ORV.
HUNTING REGULATIONS:
A person SHALL NOT operate an off-road vehicle:
1. In hunting, pursuing or worrying any animal.
2. While transporting a strung, uncased bow, or an uncased
or loaded firearm.
3. In a public area during the November firearms deer season,
between the hours of 7:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Except going to or from a residence or hunting camp that is inaccessible
by a conventional vehicle. On private property, with landowner's
permission. By a person holding a Permit to Hunt from a standing
vehicle.
OFF-ROAD VEHICLE AREAS OF NON-OPERATION:
A person may NOT operate an off-road vehicle in the following places:
1. On lands of another without permission.
2. On or across a cemetery, or airport.
3. On a public or private parking lot.
4. On a DNR dedicated natural area.
5. On gas, oil pipelines, electrical or other public utility
right-of-ways.
6. On any public highway, street, or right-of-way.
Except to cross at right angles, after a complete stop. For
ORV's also registered as a motor vehicle by the Secretary of State.
In a special event held under a government permit.
7. On a DNR designated snowmobile trail located in the Lower Peninsula.
Except if it is also designated for ORV use.
8. On any operational or non-abandoned railroad right-of-way
Except to cross at designated railroad crossings.
 OFF-ROAD
VEHICLE AREAS OF OPERATION:
A person may operate an off-road vehicle in the following areas:
1. On private lands, with written permission by the owner.
2. On a designated trail system.
SAFETY EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
ORV safety training should be considered a "must" for all ORV operators.
The Michigan Department of Education (DOE) administers the ORV safety training
and certification program. Information on course availability and
scheduling can be obtained by calling 1-800-887-2887 for an ATV Safety
course, or 1-517-782-4567 for an Off-Highway Motorcycle Safety Course.
The course should not exceed $25.00.
RESTRICTIONS ON YOUTH ORV OPERATORS:
1. No person under the age of 16 may operate any 3-wheeled ATV.
2. No child under the age of 10 may operate any 4-wheeled ATV.
Except on private land while performing farm-related work operations
3. Children who are 10 and 11 years old may operate 4-wheeled ATV's
only when all of the following conditions exist:
Must be on land owned by the child's parent or guardian.
Must be under visual supervision of an adult.
Must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
4. Children who are 12 to 15 years old may operate 4-wheeled ATV's
only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
Must be under visual supervision of an adult.
Must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
5. Children under 16 years old may operate other ORV's (trail
bikes, for example) only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
Must be under visual supervision of an adult.
Must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
6. No child under the age of 12 may cross any street, highway or
county road while operating any ORV.
Note: The parents and legal guardians of the child under the
age of 16 are legally responsible if they permit the child under their
care to violate any of the above. The owner (or person in control)
of an ORV is also responsible if his/her ORV is operated by a youngster.
TRESPASS:
A person shall NOT operate an Off-Road Vehicle:
1. In or upon premises which are fenced, enclosed or posted
in a conspicuous manner.
2. When notice against trespass is personally given by the
owner, or other authorized person.
3. In or upon farm property without written permission of
the landowner, whether or not the farm is fenced, enclosed or posted.
Note: A peace officer may seize property upon complaint of
the landowner or their lessee or agent.
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
1. An operator of an off-road vehicle must bring their vehicle to
a complete stop when signaled to do so by a law enforcement officer.
FAILURE TO DO SO IS A MISDEAMEANOR.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
1. An ORV operator and passenger MUST wear a U.S. DOT approved helmet
and protective eyewear or goggles. Except: When the ORV is
equipped with an approved roof and the operator and passengers are wearing
properly adjusted and fastened safety belts.
2. A braking system in good working condition that operates by either
hand or foot.
3. A throttle system designed to automatically and immediately return
the engine to idle when released.
4. A U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester and muffler, in
good working condition and meeting applicable sound level standards (99Db(A)
or 94Db(A) on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1986.
5. If operated during the hours of ½ hour after sunset and
½ hour before sunrise must also have a lighted head light, tail
light and brake light, brighter than the tail light.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
1. Long sleeved shirt or jacket.
2. Chest protector for chest and shoulders.
3. Kidney or riding belt for lower back support.
4. Sturdy gloves that protect the hands and improve grip on the
controls.
5. Denim or other heavy pants material.
6. Knee and elbow pads.
7. Heavy leather boots for ankle and foot protection.
ORV TRAIL RIDERS ADVISORY:
Michigan ORV trails and routes are designed for two-way travel.
Be alert at all times when riding on designated routes for other vehicles
including snowmobiles and trucks. Users need to always be alert for
on-coming traffic. Single track trails are designed for motorcycle
and ATV's and are recommended for Advanced Riders Only.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
There are certain responsibilities that come with the ownership
and operation of an ORV. Adults bear the burden of passing
on responsible conservation and outdoor ethics to young operators under
their supervision, and setting the example for all other ORV enthusiasts.
It is important to consider the potential impact of ORV's on Michigan's
fragile environment, and to operate ORV's in a manner that minimizes conflicts
with others who are enjoying the fields and forests of the state.
Michigan's law enforcement officers will play an important role in ensuring
ORV recreational opportunities are available for safe responsible users.
They accomplish this through aggressive enforcement and a continued willingness
to respond to public concerns. |
