April 7, 2005

Ionia - With the arrival of spring and the excitement of outdoor activities, the Ionia County Law Enforcement Coalition, in conjunction with the Ionia County Child Death Review Team, want to remind people of the dangers of minors driving Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs). In recent years, young persons have sustained serious injuries while operating ORVs, often in violation of state law.

The following is a summary of the laws pertaining to Minors and ORVs from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) web site.

Restrictions on Young ORV Operators:

Restrictions are in effect on the operation of ORVs by children under the age of 16. There are also specific obligations that fall upon the parents or legal guardians of ORV riders under the age of 16, and upon the owners of ORVs.

Visual supervision is defined as having direct observation with the unaided eye and the ability to come to immediate aid of another ORV operator.

No person under the age of 16 may operate any 3-wheeled ATV.

No child under the age of 10 may operate any 4-wheeled ATV, EXCEPT on private land while performing farm-related work operations.

Children who are 10 and 11 years old may operate 4-wheel ATVs only when ALL of the following conditions exist:
- must be on land owned by the child’s parent or guardian;
- must be under visual supervision (see above definition) of an adult;
- must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.

Children who are 12 - 15 years old may operate 4-wheeled ATVs only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
-must be under visual supervision of an adult;
-must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.

Children under 16 may operate other ORVs (trail bikes, for example) only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
- must be under visual supervision of an adult;
- must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.

No child under the age of 12 may cross any street, highway or county road while operating any ORV.

Children who are at least 12 years old may cross streets and roads (only at right angles). The parents and legal guardians of a child under the age of 16 are legally responsible if they permit the child under their care to violate any of the above. The owner (or person in control) of an ORV is also responsible if his or her ORV is operated by a youngster.

"Following these laws will help to protect our young people from injury," stated F/Lt. David Greydanus, Ionia Post commander. "Officers encourage people to enjoy the outdoors, but to do so responsibly."

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.