Oklahoma is bordered by New Mexico on the west, Texas on the south, Colorado on the northwest, Arkansas on the east, and Kansas on the north. It is a very big state with many sights, trails, and parks suitable for ATV riding. For you to have a great time riding ATVs in Oklahoma, we will look at the ATV laws and ATV trails in the state.
Oklahoma ATV law states that ATVs must be registered with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. You will receive a registration number, a certificate of registration, and a decal that must be displayed on your ATV. You can ride your ATV in Red River ATV Park, Henryetta ATV Park, and Stillwater 500.
Every state in the United States of America has its ATV laws. Most of the states have similar laws, although there are a few laws that are enforced only in a particular state. To avoid violating an ATV law unknowingly, you need to learn the laws of each state you are in.
Oklahoma ATV Laws
Oklahoma refers to ATVs as a motorized vehicle designed for off-highway use and is 48 inches or less in width with a dry weight of 800 pounds or less, traveling with low-pressure tires, having a seat designed for the operator, and is steered with a handlebar. Below are Oklahoma ATV laws:
- Every ATV must be registered with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. After registration, you will be given a registration number, a certificate of registration, and a decal.
- All ATVs operating in Oklahoma must display a decal at its front as evidence of registration.
- ATVs should be registered within 30 days of purchase.
- Registration of ATVs is not compulsory if the ATV will be used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
- Children under 18 should not operate an ATV or be a passenger on an ATV if they are not wearing a helmet.
- It is unlawful to operate an ATV on public highways or roads in Oklahoma except to cross.
- When crossing a public highway with an ATV, you must come to a complete stop; you can only cross at an angle of 90 degrees to the highway direction; you must have a valid driver's license and do so only during daylight.
- Before riding an ATV on private property, you must have permission from the owner of that property.
- Children under the age of 16 should not operate an adult-sized ATV and should always have adult supervision when riding an ATV.
- It is illegal to carry a passenger in an ATV not designed to carry a passenger.
- You can operate an ATV on an unpaved road located within the boundaries of properties of the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
- It is unlawful to operate an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol that can cause disorientation or blurriness of vision.
- Children below age 6 are not allowed to ride or operate an ATV at all in Oklahoma.
Where Can You Ride An ATV In Oklahoma?
Aside from riding an ATV on private properties, there are many areas and trail systems in Oklahoma where you can ride an ATV. Some of these areas have challenging terrain and host ATV competitions. If you want to have fun with your ATV, visiting one of these areas is the best thing to do.
Appalachia Bay ORV Area
Appalachia Bay ORV Area is a very popular place and is commonly known as Motorcycle Island. This OHV area is a peninsula with a strip of land connecting to the island; it is open all year. This area is very popular due to the diversity of terrain, ranging from brier bushes, open beaches, miles of twisty sandy trails, and occasional mud pits.
A staging area is available at this park, where overnight parking is permitted. There are also two campgrounds which come with a fire ring and picnic tables. Every vehicle in this area must not be more than 52 inches in width, or they will not be allowed. UTVs, SXSs, Motorcycles, ATVs, and Dirt bikes are the only vehicles allowed in this ORV area.
Red River ATV Park
Red River ATV Park is open during the weekends from 8 am till dark. Camping is prohibited at this park. The trails at this park consist of mud bogs, play areas, deep water crossings, motocross tracks, sand, hardpack, gravel pits, small jumps, berms, rocks, dust, and loose dirt.
Entry to this ATV park costs $15 per person. Night riding is allowed at Red River ATV Park; however, you can only ride till 1 am. SUVs, Dune buggies, Sandrail 4x4s, and Jeeps are prohibited at this park.
Henryetta ATV Park
Henryetta ATV Park is a very popular ATV park in Oklahoma established in September 2015. It has over 300 acres of challenging off-road trails, all marked and form a long loop. Before riding an ATV in this park, you will have to purchase a permit at the park entrance.
This ATV park is open to UTVs, ATVs, Motorcycles, SXSs, and Dirt bikes. Other off-road vehicles like Jeeps, Dune buggies, SUVs, and Sandrail 4x4s are prohibited at this ATV park. Camping and overnight parking is also prohibited in this area. A fee of $5 is required to ride an ATV at this park.
Stillwater 500
Stillwater 500 is also known as Stillwater Cycle Park; it is open all year round, and a trail use permit is required to ride an ATV in this area. This park is open to Dirt bikes, ATVs, and Motorcycles only. Dune buggies, SXSs, UTVs, Jeeps, SUVs, and Sandrail 4x4s, are prohibited at this park.
The terrain in this area consists of soft dirt, red clay, berms, small jumps, steep hills, trees, rock, dust, and hardpack; it ranges from easy to challenging levels. Riding an ATV in this area requires a fee of $75 per rider. Camping is prohibited at Stillwater 500. All vehicles entering this area are required to have a spark arrestor.
Where Can’t You Ride An ATV In Oklahoma?
Not every place in Oklahoma is open to ATV operation; there are some areas where ATVs are not allowed. The state law prohibits ATVs from operating public roads and highways. Riding an ATV on public streets in Oklahoma is also illegal unless under some special circumstances.
There are also some parks and trails in Oklahoma that do not allow the operation of ATVs. These areas are not under the state government, but the administrative officers of these areas do not allow ATVs. These areas are Jandebeurs Motor Sports Park, Big Red Off-road Park, Boardstand Road, and Old Military Road Trail.
Can You Ride An ATV On The Streets In Oklahoma?
According to the Oklahoma ATV laws, you should not ride an ATV on the streets. However, there are some exceptions to this law. You can ride an ATV on the streets in Oklahoma under the following circumstances:
- The streets are within a county where the county commissioners approve ATV operation.
- The street is located in a state park.
- The street is in an unincorporated area.
- The streets are within a municipality where an ordinance permitting ATV operation has been passed.
You can also operate an ATV to cross a public street; however, it must be during daylight only, and you must have a valid driver's license.
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma is one of the popular states in the United States; riding an ATV in this state is fun and exciting. However, while riding an ATV in Oklahoma, you should make sure that you comply with all the ATV laws to prevent getting in trouble with law enforcement agents.
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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.