Florida Laws Concerning ATVs

Florida defines an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) as any "motorized off-highway... designed to travel on three or more non-highway tires." This includes dirt bikes, snowmobiles and similar vehicles, the use of which is regulated by Florida law.

Safety Equipment

• Any ATV rider under the age of 16 must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet and appropriate eye protection. Riders over the age of 16 may ride without a helmet if the vehicle's speed does not exceed 30 miles per hour (mph). Riders over the age of 21 may ride without a helmet only if (and while) they carry at least $10,000 of active medical liability insurance.

License Plates

• ATVs and motorcycles registered to riders under the age of 21 must bear a license plate that is "unique in design and color."

Restricted Areas

• Florida law prohibits riders from operating an ATV on any public roadway, including residential streets, unless the managing authority states otherwise.

Violations

• Riders who violate Florida's ATV laws are subject to non-criminal traffic sanctions defined by §318.14 of Florida Statutes.

Law Enforcement

• Florida laws permit a law enforcement officer to use any ATV with at least four tires on public beaches or roadways, if said roadway is within 5 miles of a public beach, and the officer is using the roadway only as transportation to said beach and/or within the scope of his regular duties.