Snowmobiles may travel along US numbered highways, state and county highways
at a distance of 10 or more feet from the roadway. ATVs may be operated adjacent
to a roadway (only on a marked ATV route or trail). Currently, DOT is NOT allowing
any ATV trails on the right-of-way of any state highways. This means that in places
where a snowmobile trail travels on DOT right-of-way, adjacent to a state highway,
it is not legal to operate an ATV.
The snowmobile access law is another privilege that ATVs don't have. State law allows
snowmobilers to travel on town roads from their residence or place of lodging to the
nearest snowmobile trail. The snowmobile access law has to be approved by each
township before taking effect.
Some snowmobile trails use a portion of town roads; ATVs cannot go on town roads
unless a township has opened these roads to ATV use and has them signed
accordingly. This includes some federal forest roads in cases in which the township
maintains the forest road. Each township can impose more restrictions that set by
state law. Know the laws for each township you travel in.
SNOWMOBILE WISCONSIN!
For a complete listing of WI Snowmobile Laws, click here.
FINES:
- Operation while intoxicated: Fine is $572.00 for a first offense. Repeat violations are higher.
- Improper or no registration: Fine is $136.90 for non-registration.
- Operation in the vicinity of highways: Fine for most violations is $141.50.
- Age restrictions: The fine for an adult to allow underage operation is $129.20.
Snowmobile Registration Information: Snowmobile registrations are required for operation of any snowmobile within
the state (unless the operation is exempt from registration), and the registration decals must be properly displayed.
Online Snowmobile Renewals: The Department of Natural Resources is now offering registration services via the
Internet. This service is a quick and convenient way to renew your registration with a credit card (Visa® MasterCard®). Snowmobile owners who renew online can also print the validation receipt that will allow them to operate their snowmobiles while they wait for the new registration certificate and decals. This service is available 24hours a day, seven days a week.
The Snowmobile Registration Application Form must be validated at a Validation Station and in the possession of the operator
in order to operate a snowmobile prior to receiving Department-issued decals.
Snowmobile Age Requirements: Who may operate a snowmobile? -- Any person who is born on or after January 1, 1985 and who has reached the age of 12, must have completed and received a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin. The certificate must be carried while operating the snowmobile, and displayed to a law enforcement officer upon demand. Check class availablility of Upcoming Classes. There are several ways a student can obtain snowmobile safety: regular classroom setting, by CD-Rom, and through our online course. By state law, students who are under the age of 16 may only take the course in classroom setting, not by CD-Rom or Internet methods.
This does not apply to the operation of snowmobiles upon lands owned or leased by the operator's parent or guardian. As used in this section, "leased lands" does not include lands leased by an organization of which said operator or the operator's parent or guardian is a member.
No person under the age of 12 years may operate a snowmobile unless the person is accompanied either by a parent or guardian or by a person over 18 years of age. Accompanied means to be on the same snowmobile as the operator.
Other states and Provinces that issue a snowmobile safety certificate to snowmobilers will be honored in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Recreational Safety Students: ALL students are required to obtain a WI DNR Customer ID Number before the
completion of any recreational safety class and will also be required
to privide that number along with student's personal information to the
instructor. You can obtain a WI DNR Customer ID Number 7am-10pm by
calling the WI DNR customer service at 1-888-936-7463 or visit an
office during regular business hours. Centers and Locations. For online courses, please visit us here.
Night Time Speed Limit: The speed limit applies to all areas statewide from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. “During this past snowmobile season 65% of our fatal accidents occurred at night and 65% were speed related. It’s a proven fact that night time speeds over 55 mph greatly reduced your ability to react in time to avoid a collision with a fixed object”, states Gary Eddy, Snowmobile Administrator for the Department of Natural Resources. “The speed limit will assist law enforcement with addressing unsafe night operation and is expected to reduce nighttime crashes which all too often results in injury accidents or fatalities.
Reporting a Snowmobile Crash/Incident: A "reportable" Snowmobile crash incident is any incident (regardless of the number of snowmobiles involved) which results in a fatality or an injury that requires medical treatment by a physician. Wisconsin law requires every snowmobile operator involved in a "reportable" incident to report the incident without delay to law enforecement. In addition, withing 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a written report to the DNR. You may contact your local DNR or sheriff's office or click here for online Form 4100-174. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements is punishable by a penalty up to $326.
Snowmobile Trail Pass: Wisconsin law requires those who use Wisconsin snowmobile trails to display either Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile trail pass. Funds from this program will be designated for use as trail aids and related costs to enhance all Wisconsin snowmobile recreation. The trail pass may be purchased over the counter at many authorized sales locations or by calling WDNR at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463)
The $35.00 non-resident snowmobile trail use pass is valid from July 1st through June 30th.
- A snowmobile trail pass is required to operate a snowmobile not currently registered in Wisconsin on a snowmobile trail.
- The snowmobile must be currently registered with another jurisdiction.
- The trail pass must be permanently affixed by its own adhesive to the bottom center portion of the snowmobile windshield. If there is no windshield, the sticker shall be displayed in a highly visible location on the front of the cowling of the snowmobile.
- Once affixed, the sticker may not be removed or transfered to another snowmobile.
ATV WISCONSIN!
For a complete listing of WI ATV Laws, click here.
ATV Registration Information: ATV registrations are required for operation of any ATV within
the state (unless the operation is exempt from registration), and the registration decals must be properly displayed.
Online ATV Renewals: The Department of Natural Resources is now offering registration services via the
Internet. This service is a quick and convenient way to renew your registration with a credit card (Visa® MasterCard®). ATV owners who renew online can also print the validation receipt that will allow them to operate their ATV while they wait for the new registration certificate and decals. This service is available 24hours a day, seven days a week.
The ATV Registration Application Form must be validated at a Validation Station and in the possession of the operator
in order to operate an ATV prior to receiving Department-issued decals.
ATV Age Requirements: Who may operate an ATV? -- All operators at least age 12 and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete an ATV Safety Certification course in order to operate on public ATV trails and areas in Wisconsin.
Operators of all terrain vehicles (ATV) now have a convenient online method to receive ATV Safety Certification through an Internet Web course recently introduced by the state Department of Natural Resources. The Internet course is available here. As an alternative, check the DNR’s upcoming Recreational Vehicle Classes. Web page to find classroom courses available around the state.
ATV Trail Pass: Wisconsin law requires those who use Wisconsin ATV trails to display either Wisconsin registration or an ATV trail pass. Funds from this program will be designated for use as trail aids and related costs to enhance all Wisconsin ATV recreation. The trail pass may be purchased over the counter at many authorized sales locations or by calling WDNR at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463).
- The $35.00 non-resident ATV trail use pass is valid from July 1st through June 30th.
- An ATV trail pass is required to operate an ATV.
- The trail pass must be permanently affixed by its own adhesive in a highly visible location on the forward half of the ATV.
- Once affixed, the sticker may not be removed or transferred to another ATV.
When used safely and wisely an all terrain vehicle (ATV) can provide a source of fun and family recreation. When used unwisely by an untrained, inexperienced operator, an all-terrain vehicle can be very, very dangerous. With safety in mind, an all-terrain vehicle can be a useful tool for work and a great means of exploring the outdoors.
Reporting an ATV Crash/Incident: A "reportable" ATV crash incident is any incident (regardless of the number of snowmobiles involved) which results in a fatality or an injury that requires medical treatment by a physician. Wisconsin law requires every snowmobile operator involved in a "reportable" incident to report the incident without delay to law enforecement. In addition, withing 10 days of the incident, the operator must submit a written report to the DNR. You may contact your local DNR or sheriff's office or click here for online Form 4100-174. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements is punishable by a penalty up to $326.
Disabled Hunters: Disabled hunters holding a class A, B or C permit may be eligible for a special motorized vehicle permit and limited access to state lands for hunting purposes.
ATV FINES!
STATE FINES:
- Operating without valid registration - $185.50
- Operating without headgear - $135.50
- Operating while intoxicated (first offense) - $435.50
- Operate, sell, rent, or manufacture ATV exceeding the 96 decibel noise limit - $173.00
- Interfering with signs and standards - $310.50
- Road not Open - $186.00
- Operating ATV on ATV trail without trail pass - $154.25
