If you are going to ride your ATV on publicly managed lands, there are a few things you need to know to make sure that you're riding your ATV within the limits of the law. Getting a fine for illegally riding your ATV can put a real damper on your day.
The State of New Jersey does require that if you're going to ride your ATV on any publicly managed lands such as National Forest trails, that your ATV be properly insured and registered within the State of New Jersey.
You must also complete an ATV safety course if you're an ATVer under the age of 18, no matter if you have been riding since you were a tot.You must keep this certificate with you at all times when you ride so if you are stopped by a Forestry Ranger, you can show proof of your completion of an ATV training course. The fine for not having this certificate handy is steep, to the tune of up to $200 for the first offense and up to $500 for your second offense.
Anyone under the age of 16 is prohibited from operating an ATV with an engine capacity of greater than 90 cubic centimeters during training or while on public lands or waters or across a public roadway. In New Jersey, the minimum age for operating an ATV is 14 years.
If you work on a farm or other agricultural area, you are exempt from the age/riding regulations, but if you're going to ride your ATV recreationally on trails, make sure you're doing it legally or it will cost you!
