My son was operating his ATV across an open field when a farmer came out and demanded that he stop and identify himself and said he was going to report him for driving without a helmet and driving on the road. He can’t do that, can he?

Yes, he can!

Under the law, a person operating an ATV on someone else’s land must stop and identify himself upon the request of the landowner or an authorized representative of the landowner. A person who fails to stop and provide identification is guilty of a Class E crime and may be sued for trespass as well.

The law does not give ATV operators greater rights to go onto other people’s property than other people have, and it is appropriate to find out in advance whether a landowner objects to ATV traffic.

If your child is under the age of eighteen, he or she must wear protective headgear while operating an ATV. An operator of an ATV may also be charged with an offense if a passenger who is under eighteen is not wearing a helmet.

A person under the age of 10 may not legally operate an ATV at all, except on land owned by a parent or guardian of the child. A person under the age of 16 may not operate an ATV anywhere on a public way, unless they have taken a certified training course and are accompanied by an adult. A person under 16 may not operate an ATV on or off the highway unless they are accompanied by an adult.

So remember, when operating an ATV, be respectful of the rights of landowners and make sure your child wears a helmet… It’s not only good common sense,–

It’s the law!