Minimum Age to Legally Drive ATVs in Maine May Surprise You

With summer right around the corner, trails in Maine are starting to dry, but before you gas up the four-wheeler, make sure all of your bases are covered.

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ATVs and four-wheelers are sick, and we get why people in Maine, especially up north 'in the county,' love them! But before you hit the trails this season, as boring and ‘square’ as it may sound, it's important to know the laws.

Make sure you understand the rules and regulations for ATVs, including how old you need to be to ride them safely.

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, there are specific age requirements for operating ATVs.

Children under 10 years old are not allowed to operate an ATV. Those between 10 and under 16 years old can only operate an ATV if they've completed an approved training course and are accompanied by an adult, with proof of training required upon request by local law enforcement.

Additionally, individuals under 16 years old cannot cross public roads unless following specific guidelines. These requirements do not apply if the ATV is operated on the operator's domiciled land, land owned or leased by their parent or guardian, or a department-approved safety training site.

So, to summarize the age requirements to operate an ATV or four-wheeler in Maine:

• According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, there are specific age requirements for operating ATVs.
• Children under 10 years old are not allowed to operate an ATV.
• Those between 10 and under 16 years old can only operate an ATV if they've completed an approved training course and are accompanied by an adult, with proof of training required upon request by local law enforcement.
• Additionally, individuals under 16 years old cannot cross public roads unless following specific guidelines.
• These requirements do not apply if the ATV is operated on the operator's domiciled land, land owned or leased by their parent or guardian, or a department-approved safety training site.

Before you rev up your ATV this summer, make sure you're aware of Maine's age requirements to hit the trails legally and safely.