US Lawyer Database

§ 2405. Designation  of  highways and public lands for travel by ATVs.
1. Highways. Except with respect to interstate  highways  or  controlled
access  highways, the department of transportation with respect to state
highways, maintained by the state and any other governmental agency with
respect to highways, including bridge and culvert crossings,  under  its
jurisdiction  may  designate and post any such public highway or portion
thereof as open for travel by ATVs when  in  the  determination  of  the
governmental  agency  concerned,  it is otherwise impossible for ATVs to
gain  access  to  areas  or  trails  adjacent  to  the  highway.    Such
designations  by a state agency shall be by rule or regulation, and such
designations by any municipality other than a state agency shall  be  by
local law or ordinance.
  2.  Public lands other than highways. A governmental agency other than
a municipality, by regulation or order, and a municipality, by ordinance
or local law, may designate any appropriate  public  lands,  waters  and
properties  other  than  highways under its jurisdiction as a place open
for travel by ATVs upon written request  for  such  designation  by  any
person,  and  may  impose restrictions and conditions for the regulation
and safe operation of ATVs on such public property, such  as  travel  on
designated  trails  and  hours  of  operation. In addition thereto, such
agency or municipality may not require the operator of an ATV to possess
a motor vehicle operator's license. A municipality may charge a fee  for
use of ATVs on such public lands.
  3. Signs and markers. (a) Such designated highways or portions thereof
or designated lands shall be identified by markers in such manner as may
be provided by rules and regulations of the commissioner.

(b) All signs or markers shall be erected at the expense of the state or municipality, provided, however, that the municipality may accept funds or contributions therefor from private persons, clubs or associations interested in the promotion of ATVs. 4. Any regulation, order, local law or ordinance which designates a highway or portion thereof or designated lands which may be used for ATV operations may include rules and impose restrictions and conditions for the regulation and safe operation of ATVs on the highways and lands so designated, such as travel on designated trails and hours of operation. Any restriction or condition not contained in this chapter must be posted. 5. Copies of orders, regulations, local laws or ordinances adopted by governmental agencies pursuant to this section shall be filed with the commissioner.