If there is a 12 year old who has never ridden an ATV and is looking to try it out, precautions should be taken and a smaller ATV should be used until they get comfortable with driving one. PS. Ever have trouble starting your 4 Wheeler? We have the fix here.
Here is a list of states in the US that permits any child aged 12 or under to be allowed to ride an ATV:
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Iowa (Minimum age is 12)
- Kentucky
- Maryland (Minimum age is 12)
- Michigan
- Montana (Minimum age is 12)
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Vermont (Minimum age is 12)
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Is It Safe for a 12-year-old to Drive an ATV With Proper Safety Courses?
Improving riding abilities through ATV safety courses is achieved by teaching key safety measures and techniques, even though the minimum age for ATV operation is usually over 12. In some areas, kids younger than this are allowed to control ATVs under adult supervision. Observing local regulations and prioritizing safety remain critical.
Can a 13 year old drive an ATV?
Yes, in some states, 13 year olds are allowed to legally drive an ATV, but many will require the minor to be supervised by an adult, to wear protective safety equipment, or to also hold an ATV safety certificate.
Many states will not allow a 13 year old driver to ride an ATV alone.
You’ll need to research the regulations of the area you are in as some state laws only allow anyone of the age of 14 to ride an ATV.
How old should a child be to ride an ATV?
There are no federal regulations or age limits regarding people riding ATV’s but each state does have individual guidelines and laws to how old someone should be to ride one. Most state laws of riding ATVs in public or on highways, so driving on private land, including any land in your yard, is open for discussion.
There are some states in the US that require riders to be 16 years old or over and has to permit a safety certificate to be able to ride an ATV, whereas there are some states that allow children as young as 6 years old to ride an ATV with only the supervision of an adult who holds a valid driver’s license.
Some states won’t even let a child ride as a passenger on an ATV, even if the ATV is built for two people so make sure to do your research before you make any decisions.
Despite the laws of some states, manufacturing brands will recommend their own age limit for particular ATVs.
Brands make ATVs with smaller engines that are specifically designed for children and teens with instructions to wear all required safety equipment when riding the ATV.
However, manufacturing brands state that children should not ride ATVs that are designed for adults, but this is only advice from brands and this regulation is not reinforced by state law.
Many ATV brands will have stickers on them showing what age the unit is suitable for, so if you’re considering buying one for a child that is something to look out for.
However, it is not uncommon for parents to let their children ride ATVs and many are brought up riding them with parents or under the supervision of parents from a young age.
One of the main factors to consider if you’re going to let a child ride an ATV is if the child is strong or big enough to manage the weight and the power of the ATV.
It all comes down to common sense and also trying to abide by the regulations set out by the state, if a child is mature enough to safely ride and control an ATV, then it’s your call to let them ride one.
Until a child reaches the age of 16 years old, it’s recommended that you should always be there to supervise them or to ride alongside them.
However, just watching your child drive an ATV will not prevent them from crashing, so many adults do wait until a child reaches the age of 16 (when they can hold a driver’s license) until they allow them to ride an ATV.
