Indiana is the 38th largest state and 17th most populous state in the United States. It is famous for its vast farmlands, racing events, museums, amusement and water parks, and several parks. There are several designated areas in Indiana where you can ride your ATV legally, and there are also laws guiding the operation of ATVs. We will look at the ATV laws in Indiana.
Indiana ATV laws include: all ATV owners must obtain a certificate of title for their ATVs. Before you can ride an ATV on public property, you must register it. You can ride your ATV in Wildcat Creek MX, Interlake State Recreation Area, Prairie Creek Reservoir, and Badlands Off-Road Park.
ATV riding is very exciting and fun, especially when you are riding on suitable terrain. However, you cannot fully enjoy your ATV ride if law enforcement officers obstruct it for violating a law you are ignorant of.
Indiana ATV Laws
In Indiana, an ATV means a motor vehicle capable of cross-country travel, has multi-wheel drive or low-pressure tires and operates on land, snow, swampland, water, ice, marsh, or other natural terrains. ATV laws are enacted to promote the safety of people and property and responsible enjoyment in and connected with the use and operation of off-road vehicles. Below are Indiana ATV laws:
- An ATV owner must register his ATV within sixty days of purchasing the ATV, especially if you just became a resident.
- After purchasing an ATV in Indiana, you must obtain a certificate of title for the ATV from the bureau for a fee of $5.
- You cannot ride an unregistered ATV on any public property.
- An ATV exclusively operated in a special event of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule under a governmental unit permit does not require registration.
- Registration of an ATV is required and must be renewed every three years.
- Every ATV in Indiana must have attached to it a decal indicating the registration number and another indicating when the registration will expire.
- All ATV riders must always have in possession the certificate of registration of the vehicle at all times and should always have it available for inspection upon demand by a law enforcement officer.
- It is illegal to operate or possess an ATV with a defaced, obliterated, or altered vehicle number.
- An ATV of a non-resident registered in another state or country can be operated in Indiana under the authority of the registration for a period that does not exceed 20 days in a year.
- You can operate an ATV on a public right of way close to the traveled part of the public highway unless it is a limited-access highway.
- An operator of an ATV can cross a highway except for a limited-access highway at an angle of 90 degrees to move from one designated place to another but must always bring the vehicle to a full stop before crossing.
- It is illegal to operate an ATV without a valid motor vehicle driver's license; children below 18 should operate an ATV under adult supervision.
- You must not use an ATV to pursue, kill, hunt, or disturb a wild bird, domestic, or wild animal.
- An ATV should not be operated between sunset and sunrise unless equipped with an illuminated front and rear light.
- You must never ride an ATV after consuming an alcoholic beverage or a narcotic, depressant, or stimulant drug.
Where Can You Ride An ATV In Indiana?
Indiana is known as the Hoosier state and is popular for its basketball stars, corn production, and automotive industry. However, there is more to this state than these. It also has a lot of amazing off-road parks suitable for ATV riding. Let us take a look at some of the best places to ride an ATV in Indiana.
Interlake State Recreation Area
Interlake State Recreation Area has about 100 miles of ATV trails and single tracks, including rock garden play areas; it is open all year round from dawn till dusk. You will have to have an Indiana OHV registration sticker before you can ride in this area.
There are grassy hills, open pits, and artificial lakes open to fishing and boating in this area. Camping, campfires, night riding, and overnight parking are not allowed at this recreation area. The terrain on this trail consists of loose dirt, mud, trees, water crossings, steep hills, rocks, hard packs, dust, and berms.
Entry into this park costs $2 per person, while riding costs $15 per rider and $20 for non-residents of Indiana. The off-road vehicles permitted at this park are Sandrail 4x4s, ATVs, Motorcycles, SUVs, SXSs, Dune buggies, Dirt bikes, and Jeeps. All riders at this recreation area are required to put on an MX helmet.
Wildcat Creek MX
Wildcat Creek MX is bordered by a hardwood forest and a scenic creek and is located on old farming land. It offers about 100 acres of ATV trails and a motocross track. The trail at this area has different obstacle levels ranging from numerous jumps, long straits, step-ups, and step-downs. A large staging area is also available in this area.
ATVs, Motorcycles, and Dirt bikes are the only vehicles permitted in this area; others like SUVs, Dune buggies, SXSs, Jeeps, Sandrail 4x4s, and UTVs, are prohibited. Riders are required to wear an MX helmet while riding. Camping is allowed in any part of this track. Riding at this MX track costs $30 per rider.
The terrain at Wildcat Creek MX is mostly full of loose dirt and contains berms, dust, small jumps, large jumps, and trees. There are few hazards at this track, and it is suitable for novice riders, amateur riders, and expert riders. This area is open only during select weekends, and you do not need a permit to ride in this area.
Badlands Off-Road Park
Badlands Off-Road Park is one of the best off-road parks in Indiana; it offers more than 1000 acres of pea gravel hills, deep water crossings, sheer drop-offs, dunes, rock crawling sections for bikes, and jeeps, mudholes, and many designated ATV wood trails. It is open all year round from 9 am to 5 pm but is usually closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving.
All off-road vehicles except motorcycles are required to have a 72 inch whip flag. Every rider must wear a helmet, and you can rent a helmet for $20 at this park. ATVs, UTVs, Dirt bikes, Jeeps, SUVs, Motorcycles, and SXSs are allowed at this park; Dune buggies and Sandrail 4x4s are prohibited.
Entry into Badlands Off-Road Park costs $10 for individuals above age 12 while those between age 6 and 11 will pay $5; children below age 5 are allowed to enter for free. Riding at this park costs $25 per rider. A repair shop is also available at this park.
Where Can’t You Ride An ATV In Indiana?
There are some places you cannot ride your ATV because they are not open to ATVs. You cannot ride your ATV on a public highway and street that is not open to ATVs. Limited access highways are another area where you cannot ride your ATV. Riding an ATV in wildlife areas is also prohibited.
You cannot ride your ATV in Leisure Time MX, Pleasure Riders Motorcycle Club, Red Fox Track and Trail, Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club, and Hoosier Hilltoppers Motorcycle Club. These areas do not allow the entry of ATVs. Some areas were previously open to off-road riding but closed for some reasons: Big Nasty Off-road Park, Mustang Sally's Park, and White River Riders Off-road Club.
Final Thoughts
Indiana is one of the best states in the United States to ride an ATV; there are several trails to explore and sights to see while riding. It is guaranteed that you will have a great time riding your ATV in this state. However, you should ensure you obey all the ATV laws and ride in designated areas only.
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Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.