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In this article, we will explore the street-legal laws for ATVs and UTVs in the state of Wisconsin. If you’ve been wondering whether you can take your ATV or UTV from trails to highways in Wisconsin, then read on as we delve into the legal aspects of operating your ATV and UTV in Wisconsin streets. With the legal code of Wisconsin as our guide, we will aim to answer the most important questions relating to the use of your ATVs or UTVs on Wisconsin’s roads.
1. Can I register my ATV or UTV as street-legal in Wisconsin?
No, you cannot register your ATV or UTV as street-legal in Wisconsin. This means they cannot be legally operated on public roads and highways.
ATVs and UTVs are permitted for use as offroad vehicles in Wisconsin, and there are some exceptions to the street legal policy at the county or city level, or under special circumstances outlined below.
2. Why does Wisconsin not allow ATVs or UTVs to register as street-legal?
In the state of Wisconsin, operation on and around public roads is restricted and, in most cases, illegal. However, there are a few exemptions to this. (refer to question 3 below)
3. Where can I legally ride my ATV or UTV in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin provides designated areas where you can legally ride your ATV or UTV. These areas include public ATV trails, frozen bodies of water, private property with the owner’s permission, and certain authorized road routes.
On-road operation of ATVs and UTVs in Wisconsin is subject to specific conditions and situations. Here are the situations where you can legally operate these vehicles on roadways:
- Agricultural Purposes: If you are using an ATV or UTV for agricultural purposes, you are allowed to operate on roadways. However, this applies only when the vehicle is used for transporting farm implements, equipment, supplies, or products on a farm or between farms.
- Designated ATV Routes: Officially designated and signed ATV routes are open for on-road ATV and UTV operation. These routes are specifically designated for ATV/UTV use and provide a legal means for on-road travel.
- Seasonally Unmaintained Roads: You can operate on roads that are not maintained for roadway use during periods when no maintenance occurs and the road is not closed to ATV/UTV use. However, it is important to exercise caution and ensure that the road is safe for travel.
- Crossing Bridges, Culverts, and Railroad Right-of-Ways: You may cross bridges, culverts, and railroad right-of-ways when operating on designated and marked ATV/UTV trails, ATV routes, or private property with permission. Safety measures should be followed, including determining the location is safe to cross, coming to a complete stop, and yielding to motor vehicles and pedestrians.
- Crossing Roadways: If you are operating on a designated and marked ATV trail or private property with permission, you can cross roadways in the most direct manner possible. Similar safety measures apply, such as coming to a complete stop and yielding to motor vehicles and pedestrians.
It is important to note that the operation on roadways is subject to compliance with applicable county, city, village, or town ordinances. For instance, you may operate an ATV or UTV on the roadway or shoulder of a highway to cross a bridge that is 1000 feet or less, but it must be in compliance with the relevant county and city, village, or town ordinances.
Additionally, there are specific regulations for ATVs and UTVs used for agricultural purposes. These vehicles must be legally registered as “Private – Agriculture” and display the corresponding registration decal stickers. While being used for agricultural purposes, helmets are not required, but operators must adhere to the roadway speed limit and ensure their vehicle is equipped with functioning headlights and taillights.
4. If I register my ATV or UTV in another state, can I drive it on Wisconsin roads? (Registration Reciprocity)
Maybe? The state of Wisconsin has not provided information regarding the use of out-of-state registered vehicles in Wisconsin roads.
Each state has its own specific laws and regulations regarding the registration and operation of ATVs and UTVs. Therefore, even if your vehicle is registered as street-legal in another state, it does not exempt you from Wisconsin’s laws and restrictions. Always check with your local motor vehicle licensing office for accurate information on the regulations relating to the use of ATVs and UTVS in public roads under their jurisdiction. Click here to view ATV & UTV laws in other states.
5. How can I make my ATV (or UTV) street legal in Wisconsin?
Generally speaking, you cannot make your ATV or UTV street legal in Wisconsin as the state’s legal code does not allow for this, and it is unclear if the you are allowed to drive an ATV or UTV that is legally registered in another state on Wisconsin public roads and highways.
However, if you would like the opportunity to be able to register your ATV or UTV as street-legal and ride it on public roads and highways in states that will allow it, we have partnered with Dirtlegal.com. These guys can help get your ATV or UTV to register as street-legal in most states by registering it in another state that does allow street legal UTVs and ATVs, via “registration reciprocity” between the states.
Get STREET LEGAL with DirtLegal.com
Conclusion:
In Wisconsin, ATVs and UTVs are not eligible for street-legal registration and, generally, operating them on public roads is prohibited. However, there may be exemptions to this and ATVs and UTVs may be able to operate in public roadways in specific circumstances.
While this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the street-legal laws on ATVs and UTVs in this state, it is important that you consult your local motor vehicle licensing office for more specific and accurate information regarding ATV and UTV regulations. Because state laws can change over time and regulations differ between jurisdictions, the information presented here may not provide the most up-to-date or region-specific details.
Remember that street legality is determined by state and local laws, and it is your responsibility as an ATV or UTV owner to ensure that you are operating your vehicle within the legal boundaries while also getting the most fun out of it.
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