Texas Trails, Education And Motorized Management

ATV/OHV Safety Education and Training

This law pertains to the use of UTVs, Side by sides and ROV’s on public lands. 

Sec. 663.003 RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES. This chapter applies to the operator and operation of a recreational off-highway vehicle in the same manner as if the recreational vehicle were an all-terrain vehicle. 

-To ride an ATV/ROV/SXS on public land, you must:

1) Have a TPWD OHV decal available and place it on the ATV, and

2) take an ATV Safety course. This course meets the requirements,  and you must carry the Completion Certificate to prove you have taken the course. You will receive a DPS certificate to carry with you within 2 1/2 months.

– While riding on public land,  you must:

8) wear a helmet and eye protection;

9) have a safety certificate or be with an adult who has obtained a safety certificate

10) if the operator is under 14, be accompanied by a parent or guardian

11) have lighted head and tail lights after dark;

12) have a good brake system and muffler system; and

13) not carry passengers unless the ATV/ROV/SXS is designed to carry a passenger

14) have a United States Forest Service qualified spark arrester

ATV/ROV/SXS’s cannot be ridden on any public street, road, or highway, including right-of-way.

You may cross a public roadway if you:

-Go straight across at a safe location;

– Stop completely before crossing;

-Yield to all other traffic; and

-Have your head and tail lights on

If you are crossing at a divided highway, you must cross only at an intersection.

– If you break the law, you can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, which could mean a fine up to $200. 

This law pertains to the Agricultural use of ATV/ROVs/SXSs as defined by Sec. 52.002 of the Agriculture Code.

-The operator of an all-terrain vehicle may drive the vehicle on a public street, road, or highway that is not an interstate or limited-access highway if:

1) the transportation is in connection with the production, cultivation, care,

2) harvesting, preserving, drying, processing, canning, storing, handling, shipping, marketing, selling, or use of agricultural products, as defined by Section 52.002, Agricultural Code.

3) The operator attaches to the back of the vehicle on top of an eight-foot pole a triangular orange flag;

4) The vehicle’s headlights and taillights are illuminated

5) the operator holds a driver’s license, as defined by Section 52.001;

6) The operation of the all-terrain vehicle occurs in the daytime; and

7) The operation of the all-terrain vehicle does not exceed a distance of 25 miles from the point of origin to the destination.

Provision of this code regarding helmet and eye protection use, safety certification, and other vehicular restrictions do not apply to this subsection.

The Director of the Department of Public Safety shall adopt standards and specifications that apply to the color, size, and mounting positions of the flag required under Subsection 2) above.

This section does not apply to the operation of an all-terrain vehicle that is owned by the state, a county, or a municipality by a person who is an authorized operator of the vehicle.

-All ATV/ROV/SXS owners must apply for a title before selling or disposing of their ATV.

For a printable reference click the links below:

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