Heading Up To Massachusetts With The Kids?

Don't Forget They Need Their OHV Safety Certificate!

Winter is almost over and spring is around the corner, so you went ahead and penciled in on the calendar some awesome camping and ATV riding trips up in good ol' Massachusetts. You tell the wife, kids and maybe even a few friends, and everyone is just counting down the days for that epic two or three day weekend.

But before you head out this season you need to be aware that Massachusetts has a mandatory, two-step offroad program that riders under the age of 18 must complete. Once completed they will get a safety certificate to carry with them while they are riding (rangers do check). So don’t wait until the last minute only to find out the kids can't ride because they don't have their paperwork!

There are two steps toward obtaining the certificate:

1. Take the online course and pass with a score of at least 80%. Registration is free but there is a one-time fee of $29.95, which includes printing and shipping of the "Certificate of Completion".


2. Sign up for a Massachusetts OHV Safety Course. The "Certificate of Completion" is required to enroll in the OHV safety course, which is two hours long and directed by an Environmental Police Officer. Once this course is passed, a "Massachusetts Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Certificate" will be given to the student upon completion.

But that's not all! Massachusetts has other laws that are specific to age and engine size. A quick summary is below:

• Riders 14-16 years of age can only operate a recreation vehicle (ATV, UTV or dirt bike) that is 90cc or less, plus they must be directly supervised by an adult (18 years of age or older).


• Riders 10-14 years of age can only operate a recreation vehicle (ATV, UTV or dirt bike) that is 90cc or less under direct adult supervision while preparing for or participating in a sanctioned organized event, race or rally.


• Riders 10 and under can only operate an age/size appropriate dirt bike under direct adult supervision while preparing for or participating in a sanctioned organized event, race or rally on private property.

For a complete list of current ATV and OHV laws visit the Massachusetts Environmental Police website or give them a call at (508) 564-4961.

And don't forget, each ATV and dirt bike needs a Massachusetts OHV Permit, even if it's being operated on private land.