by Hollie McAfee
May 20, 2015
I happen to live on a country road that doubles as an ATV trail. The increased traffic of 4-wheelers by my house lately tells me that ATV season is about to take off!
My fifteen year old son is itching to ride the trails on our ATV, so I recently looked up the State’s rules and regulations. I found some information that answers my questions for my family and also makes a good insurance blog!
Kids may operate ATVs on the land on which they live, land owned by their parents, or a safety training site approved by authorities. Ages 10 – 16 may operate on the trails if they are accompanied by an adult over age 21 and if the child has completed an approved training program. Kids 16 and over may operate on the trails alone. All kids under age 18 must wear a helmet if they are an operator or a passenger of an ATV.
Trails available for use are clearly marked and maintained by proper authorities, usually local ATV clubs. As with my road, many public roadways are labeled as ATV access routes. Never operate an ATV on another person’s property off the trails unless you have express permission from the landowner.
Most homeowners liability will cover bodily injury and property damage to others caused by your ATV if it is operated on your own property at the time. It will not, however, cover you on the trails. ATV liability is similar to that of automobiles registered for the road. The owner of the ATV is responsible for damages. If you want to be sure you are covered, give us a call and we will give you options!
Happy Trails!