Rules and regulations at Silver Lake ORV Area

All motor vehicles, including motorcycles, ORVs, ATVs and UTVs, riding on the dunes must display:

• ORV license AND ORV trail permit.
• Recreation Passport. If you have a vehicle that does not require a license plate, you still need to purchase and display a Recreation Passport.

"What do I need to ride" flowchart »

All vehicles must be titled by the Secretary of State.

Towing your ORV into the park?

• All motor vehicles and towing motor vehicles entering the ORV Area must display a Recreation Passport.
• You will need a parking lot voucher (summer weekends and holidays only) displayed on the vehicle left in the parking lot.

Learn about parking lot vouchers »

An orange, rectangular safety flag (minimum 5" X 10" and made of a solid material - not mesh) that is 10-foot in height at standstill and 8-foot in motion must be securely bolted, welded or secured in the following location:

• 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.

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.

• Lights: Headlights, taillights and brake lights are required on vehicles half hour after sunset. Emergency strobe, flashing, rotating and/or blinking lights and sirens are prohibited
• Eye protection is required for ORV use.
• Helmets and protective gear: U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet (or equal) are required to operate ATVs and motorcycles in both the parking lot and dunes.
• It's recommended that you inflate your tires between 12-15 PSI. The maximum is 15 PSI.
• Make sure four-wheel drive is engaged. Turn off traction control (if equipped).
• All vehicles with automotive type sit-in seating are required to have an individual seat belt and roll-over protection for all occupants.
• Passengers cannot ride on dirt bikes or ATVs.
• Sound emissions: Vehicles cannot exceed 94 dB as tested using the stationary sound test.
• Vehicles must have a 180-degree reverse flow muffler and/or USFS-approved spark arrester.

Make sure your vehicle is dune ready »

• Alcohol: 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.
• Remote controlled devices: You cannot operate remote-controlled devices within the ORV area. 
• Flashing lights: You cannot utilize any color of flashing lights on or attached to a vehicle, except for manufactured installed hazard lights. 
• Drag racing: Drag racing is now a legal activity on the dunes, however all other rules and laws apply.
• Pets: 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.
• Boundaries: 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.
• Speed: 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.
• Car seats: The Michigan Child Passenger Safety Law is in effect in the ORV Area.
• Title: 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.