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As we head into fall ATV riders will be in their glory, cruising through Maine's vast forests and along rivers, basking in the views, and enjoying much needed time outside. These miles of trails, spanning and interconnecting across the state, are possible thanks to generous private landowners.
Do your part to keep Maine’s ATV trails open for generations to come:
- Stay on marked ATV trails. ATV trails have green and white signs. Remember, not all snowmobile trails are ATV trails.
- Respect closed trail signs. When planning your route, check with the local club to make sure trails are open.
- Never drink and ride.
- Drive to the right and at an appropriate speed.
- Tread lightly – Don’t tear up the trail!
- Remember that modified exhausts are illegal.
- Be respectful on ATV access routes – Yield to all traffic and never pass a vehicle.
- Be courteous to others when riding on multi-use trails.
- Help prevent wildlfires. Stay on marked trails. Avoid riding in dry vegetation. Discard smoking materials appropriately, and call 911 if you see a fire.
- Register your ATV. For every ATV registration purchased, over 2/3 of the fee goes directly into the trail maintenance fund.
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Support a local ATV club by donating your time and/or money.
ATV Size Restrictions in Maine
Oversized ATV: An ATV that is wider than 65 inches or that weighs more than 2,000 pounds according to the original manufacturer’s specifications cannot be registered with the State of Maine (except in certain situations described below).
- Exception: Registration of an oversized ATV is allowed for Maine residents only who previously registered that oversized ATV before January 1, 2022. An oversized ATV that is allowed under this law to be registered by its current Maine-resident owner may
be transferred to a new (Maine resident) owner who may also register that ATV.
Where Registered Oversized ATVs May Operate: A legally registered oversized ATV may operate on land where they have permission from the landowner or lessee, on frozen waters of the state, and portions of state approved ATV trails which do not limit the use of oversized ATVs. Additionally, written permission of the landowner or lessee is required for use of an ATV on cropland or pastureland or in an orchard.
Where Unregistered ATVs (Including Oversized ATVs) May Operate: Unregistered ATVs, whether oversized or not, are allowed to be operated only on land the operator owns or leases. Exception: If written permission is obtained from the landowner or lessee and that person is engaged solely in a business activity (other than a business activity involving recreational use of the oversized ATV) oversized unregistered ATVs may be operated on that land.
ATV dealers are required to notify purchasers of oversized ATVs (new and used) of this law. ATV registration agents are required to notify ATV owners and provide education on oversized ATVs at the time of registration. Learn more.
Help continue the tradition of public access to private land!
80 percent of the state-supported ATV trail system resides on private land... That's a lot of generous private landowners! Show your support and appreciation by becoming an Outdoor Partner and join the team of outdoor enthusiasts, landowners, and Maine Game Wardens who are dedicated to preserving Maine's legacy of access to private land. Without your support, the opportunities we have to enjoy Maine's beautiful outdoors could be lost forever.
Ways you can become an Outdoor Partner:
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Helpful links
2023-2024 Maine ATV Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
2023-2024 ATV & Snowmobile Laws (PDF)
Register an ATV
Maine ATV clubs and trail information
ATV Trails on Maine State Parks and Public Lands
For more information on wildfires and prevention, visit the Maine Forest Service Wildfire Dashboard.
ATV registration
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