Rules and regulations at Silver Lake ORV Area

All motor vehicles operating on the dunes must have the following credentials:

• Must be registered through the Secretary of State.
• A valid ORV license and trail permit.
• Recreation Passport. Required for all dune vehicles, including non-plated vehicles (which must still purchase and display the passport).

Not sure what you need? Check out our "What do I need to ride" flowchart »

If you are towing your ORV into the park, please note the additional requirements:

• Recreation Passport for your towing vehicle: Your towing vehicle also requires its own Recreation Passport.
• Parking lot voucher. Required for the tow vehicle on summer weekends and holidays only.

Vehicles must be equipped with an orange safety flag securely bolted, welded or attached to the specified location.

Where you mount the flag depends on your vehicle type:

• Vehicles requiring a seat belt: mount on front-most portion of the vehicle.
• Vehicles not requiring a seat belt: mount on the rear of the vehicle.

Flag specifications:

• Solid orange material (mesh is not permitted).
• Minimum 5" × 10".
• Must be exactly 10 feet from the ground.
• Must maintain a height of at least 8 feet.

16 years or older

• You must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's or chauffeur's license. An ORV safety certificate is recommended.

At least 12 years old

• If you are at least 12 years old, have a valid ORV safety certificate and are under adult supervision (driving status cannot be revoked or suspended), you may operate a 4-wheel ATV or a 2-wheel bike. At this age, you can not operate a 3-wheel ATV.

You must be able to present your valid and unrestricted driver's or chauffeur's license or ORV safety certificate to law enforcement officers and/or state park personnel.

Required equipment:

• U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet (or equal) are required in both the parking lot and dunes.
• Eye protection.
• Vehicles with automotive-style, sit-in seating must feature individual seat belts and rollover protection for every occupant.
• Headlights, taillights and brake lights must be turned on beginning 30 minutes after sunset.
• Must be equipped with a 180-degree reverse-flow muffler and/or a USFS-approved spark arrester.
• Noise levels cannot exceed 94 dB (measured via stationary sound test).

Prohibited on the dunes:

• No passengers are allowed on dirt bikes or ATVs.
• Sirens and emergency-style lights (strobe, flashing, rotating, or blinking) are strictly prohibited.

Tires and driving tips

• Maximum tire inflation is 15 PSI (12–15 PSI is highly recommended).
• Ensure four-wheel drive is engaged. Turn off traction control (if equipped).

Make sure your vehicle is dune ready »

• You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time in the ORV Area, welcome center area or any area extending one-quarter of a mile from the boundary of the ORV area.
• You cannot operate remote-controlled devices within the ORV area. 
• You cannot utilize any color of flashing lights on or attached to a vehicle, except for manufactured installed hazard lights. 
• Drag racing is now a legal activity on the dunes, however all other rules and laws apply.
• Pets are allowed along the three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and the park's inland lake. Pets are also allowed to ride with you in the ORV Area. Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.
• Vehicles must operate within dune areas marked with orange boundary markers. Follow the directional pattern established and signed within the ORV area. There is no north-bound traffic allowed in high dune areas.
• Limit your speed on entrance ramp (no passing) and beach area. Be prepared to stop at any time. There may be a stalled or parked vehicle or natural hazards such as a tree or stump on the other side of the hill you are cresting. Drive defensively, be careful, stay alert and in control of your vehicle.
• The Michigan Child Passenger Safety Law is in effect in the ORV Area.
• All vehicles must be titled by the Secretary of State.
• Report accidents, injuries and/or emergencies to park personnel or 911.

Check out our frequently asked questions.

View all rules and regulations in the Land Use Order of the Director.

If you still have questions, please contact the Silver Lake State Park office at 231-873-3083.