Ask a conservation officer

[Lee Borgersen]

                          Ask a conservation officer:


                ATV rules try to keep up with changes.










Q: I see that the rules defining the difference between a Class I and Class II All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) have changed. Raising the weight limit by 200 pounds moves a large number of side-by-side machines (likely the majority of the machines now in use) from Class II to Class I. Why the change?







A: Currently, around the nation, there is an effort to standardize ATV /Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROV)/Side-by-Side definitions. In recent years the DNR divisions of Parks & Trails and Enforcement, and various ATV manufacturers, have worked together in an effort to establish definitions of machines (using weight, width, etc.).  ATV definitions being used by neighboring states are being looked at as well because there are certainly a good number of riders who operate their machines on both sides of the border. These considerations must be weighed against the type of terrain and makeup of trail systems to provide opportunities for riders while keeping safety and  conservation risks in mind.  We are confident that if any definition changes come forward this legislative session, they will help to clarify things for owners/operators while hopefully ending the current cycle of changes to the rules.