New ATV Rules for Oregon in 2009

[SHOWTIME]

As of January 1, 2009, all riders 16 or younger, as well as any
adult who supervises those youths, is required to complete an
Oregon All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education course before
riding on public lands in Oregon.

New safety laws are now in effect for operating quads and three-wheel
ATVs (Class I ATVs) and off-road motorcycles (Class III ATVs) on lands
open to public use. (See chart below for age-related timelines.)
In order to make training as convenient as possible, the Oregon Parks
and Recreation Department now offers this free safety and education
program and certification online at rideATVoregon | Welcome.

Training Online in Three Easy Steps:

1. Study and pass the online test on this website. A student can
expect to spend between one and two hours for the entire process.

2. We’ll mail you a plastic, wallet-sized All-Terrain Vehicle Safety
Education Card approximately 30 days after you pass the test (You
can print a 30-day temporary education card immediately after you
get a “pass� confirmation).

3. Carry the ATV safety education card with you whenever you
operate a Class I or Class III ATV on lands open for public use.

Other Rider Requirements in Oregon:

SUPERVISION: All youth operators 15 and under must be supervised
by an adult who:

1. Is at least 18 years old.
2. Holds a valid ATV Safety Education Card.
3. Is able to provide immediate assistance and direction to
the youth.

CHIN STRAPS: DOT Approved helmets, with chin straps fastened,
are required for youth under age 18 for quads and dirt bikes.

RIDER FIT: Class I operators (quads and 3-wheelers) 15 and under
must now meet all the following minimum physical size requirements
in relationship to the vehicle:

1. Brake Reach: With hands placed in the normal operating
position and fingers straight out, the first joint (from the tip) of the
middle finger will extend beyond the brake lever and clutch.

2. Leg Length: While sitting and with their feet on the pegs, the
knee must be bent at least 45 degrees.

3. Grip Reach: While sitting upright on the quad with hands on
the handle bars and not leaning forward, there must be a distinct
angle between the upper arm and the forearm, and;

4. The rider must be able to turn the handle bars from lock to
lock while maintaining grip on the handle bars and maintaining
throttle and brake control.

5. Disabled riders are allowed to use prosthetic devices or modified
or adaptive equipment to achieve rider fit.

MINIMUM AGE: There is no minimum age for quad or 3-wheeled ATVs.
Minimum age for off-road motorcycles is 7 years old.
More information can be found at:

* rideATVoregon | Welcome
* Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: ATVs Train to Ride!

[dunedog]

Thats really not a bad idea!! I see way to many little kids riding quads they cant handle!

man i guess that means there are twice as many clueless parents

[Twistedtrik]

My 7 yr. old daughter rides a 400EX. Luckily she is big for her age. I think that the regs. are a good idea especially getting more adults aware of proper fitment etc. for their kids.

[timsyfz]

Thats not so bad at all.. Usually when I see a "change" in rules it seems to be getting more strict (in abad way), but I really like this ! !