Safety Information

Recreational Safety Division

8 Federal Street

Augusta, Maine 04330

207-287-5220

Mailing Address: 41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0041

Do you need to take a safety course to operate an ATV? Maine law requires anyone under 16 years of age to complete a course prior to operating on land other than that owned or leased by their parent or guardian or on which they live. These courses are made available in your area by volunteer instructors certified by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Pre-registration is requested and/or required. Courses will include 6 hours of instruction. Sponsors include school districts, sports clubs, civic groups, and others. Courses will be scheduled based on instructor availability.

ATV Safety Information

If you have a youngster who is about to ride an ATV, there are special considerations that you should keep in mind. Although a child may be the recommended age to ride a particular size ATV, not all youngsters have the strength, skills, or judgment needed to operate an ATV. You should supervise your youngster’s operation of the ATV at all times, and should permit continued use only if you determine that your youngster has the ability and judgment to operate the ATV safely. You should also read Parents, Youngsters and ATVs, available from ASI.

For more information about ATV Safety, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772 or the ATV Distributors’ Safety Hotline at 1-800-852-5344.

Remember that riders under 16 years of age should be supervised by an adult. In addition, follow the ATV Model Size/Minimum Age information listed below. Do not ride an ATV that is not recommended for your age group.

• ATV Model Size – Minimum Age
• Under 70cc – 6 years and older
• 70 – 90cc – 12 years and older
• Over 90cc – 16 years and older

Be Cautious… ATVs are not toys. Serious injury can result from improper use of ATVs, but with preparation and practice, you can safely develop and expand your riding skills. Riding ATVs can be an enjoyable form of outdoor recreation when done properly.

In addition to the information provided in this booklet, it is important to carefully read and follow the instructions and warnings contained in the ATV owner’s manual and labels. ATVs handle differently from other vehicles, such as motorcycles and cars. Proper instruction and practice are important. The ATV Rider Course, a half-day hands-on training program, is available nationwide. Anyone who purchased a new ATV after December 30, 1986, and everyone in the purchaser’s immediate family who is in the recommended age group for the ATV purchased, is entitled to take a training course at no additional charge. Others can take the training course for a small fee. Individuals who purchased a new ATV after April 28,1988, will be entitled to a $50.00 incentive check upon completion of the course. Limit one incentive per ATV purchased. Ask an authorized ATV dealer for the details or call 1-800-887-2887 for training information. We recommend you take advantage of the free training program, and perform the exercises in this booklet.

The ATV Safety Institute is a division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, a national nonprofit association founded by the major U.S. distributors of all-terrain vehicles. Supporting members are:

• American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
• Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
• American Suzuki Motor Corporation
• Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.
• Arctic Cat, Inc.