Ask A Trooper -ATV Operator Certificate Required? (Minnesota)
By Andy Schmidt | The Daily Journal
Published Saturday, June 9, 2007
Question: Do you need an ATV operator certificate to drive an off road motorcycle in the ditch of the road? Our son just got a ticket for riding in the ditch and we are upset. We thought this was OK and that it is better because it keeps him off the road. It is just a small dirt bike anyway.
Answer: The DNR has a good brochure out that can answer your questions on ATVs and Off Road Motorcycles OHMs. Since you did not mention your son's age I will go with the general information found in this brochure.
For those under age 12:
• Must possess a valid OHM safety certificate to operate on public lands or frozen public waters;
• May not operate OHM on public road or public road right-of-way (ditch);
For those under age 16:
• Must possess a valid OHM safety certificate to operate on public lands or frozen public waters;
• May operate within a road right-of-way that is part of a designated trail when accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license;
For those age 16 and 17:
• Must have a driver's license to operate an OHM on a public roadway, and the motorcycle must be licensed for highway use. A driver's license is not required on designated trails when the trail specifically includes the road right-of-way.
Now I want to point out that you must have a motorcycle endorsed driver's license to operate an OHM in the road ditch unless that section of ditch is part of a marked trail. Also, Trp Andy highly recommends you contact your local Conservation Officer for more information regarding these vehicles. As you can see the reader with this question could have prevented a headache by asking a CO first.
When you get in the car remember your safety and the safety of your family depends of your decisions and actions. And because not every driver out there is as careful as you, make sure you buckle up everyone, every time.
Send questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota to Trp. Andy Schmidt, Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach me at, andrew.schmidt@state.mn.us)
Reference: The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Ask a Trooper
Published Saturday, June 9, 2007
Question: Do you need an ATV operator certificate to drive an off road motorcycle in the ditch of the road? Our son just got a ticket for riding in the ditch and we are upset. We thought this was OK and that it is better because it keeps him off the road. It is just a small dirt bike anyway.
Answer: The DNR has a good brochure out that can answer your questions on ATVs and Off Road Motorcycles OHMs. Since you did not mention your son's age I will go with the general information found in this brochure.
For those under age 12:
• Must possess a valid OHM safety certificate to operate on public lands or frozen public waters;
• May not operate OHM on public road or public road right-of-way (ditch);
For those under age 16:
• Must possess a valid OHM safety certificate to operate on public lands or frozen public waters;
• May operate within a road right-of-way that is part of a designated trail when accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license;
For those age 16 and 17:
• Must have a driver's license to operate an OHM on a public roadway, and the motorcycle must be licensed for highway use. A driver's license is not required on designated trails when the trail specifically includes the road right-of-way.
Now I want to point out that you must have a motorcycle endorsed driver's license to operate an OHM in the road ditch unless that section of ditch is part of a marked trail. Also, Trp Andy highly recommends you contact your local Conservation Officer for more information regarding these vehicles. As you can see the reader with this question could have prevented a headache by asking a CO first.
When you get in the car remember your safety and the safety of your family depends of your decisions and actions. And because not every driver out there is as careful as you, make sure you buckle up everyone, every time.
Send questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota to Trp. Andy Schmidt, Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (Or reach me at, andrew.schmidt@state.mn.us)
Reference: The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Ask a Trooper
