UTV Michigan Helmet Laws- A Complete Guide 2024

Get the most comprehensive and unbiased information through our 2023 buyers’ guide on UTV Michigan Helmet Laws. This Guide helps you become aware of the latest UTV helmet laws in Michigan that you must follow. What are the UTV Helmet Laws in Michigan?

As a UTV lover, I keep traveling to various places and enjoy UTV riding there. But before riding I always do my homework on all the legal aspects of it. And I try to assess the degree of strictness of the laws that are written and the laws implemented on roads.

People do not prefer to wear helmets, to enjoy air, but let me tell you wearing a helmet is absolutely necessary while riding a UTV in Michigan. A big fine might ruin your ride, if you do not wear a UTV helmet in Michigan. And It is not everyone’s cup of tea to understand these legal aspects easily.

Keynotes:

I see that many people are unaware of the laws regarding helmets while driving UTVs in Michigan. This guide aims to clarify necessary information such as age limits, helmet standards, and enforcement practices. Through this article, you can understand more about various UTV helmet laws in Michigan.

As of 2023, nineteen states and the District of Columbia require UTV riders to wear a helmet. The Michigan UTV helmet law is no different and requires all UTV drivers and passengers to wear a helmet.

So here are the important key points for UTV helmet law in Michigan-2023.

• You must be 16 years old or older to drive a UTV.

• You need to have insurance that covers at least $20,000 for medical expenses.

• A motorcycle endorsement has been held by you for at least two years, or you have completed a motorcycle safety course.

• The same rules apply to your UTV passengers, except for completing a safety program.

Thus I decided to make this research guide on what are UTV helmet laws in Michigan and whether are they really as strict as they are written, based on my personal experience. I also tried to enlist the best UTV helmets in Michigan that I ordered when I was there.

I am still using ScorpionEXO EXO-AT950 Modular Helmet which I bought for $200 but this one-time purchase is worth it.

Along with the above points, you must also have an idea of the rules and regulations of the UTV/ORV handbook published by the state of Michigan. You can find the summarized information from the handbook in the table below.

UTV Trail Étiquettes	One should be familiarized with all the regulations governing mixed-use trails and be helpful to others to have a delightful and secure experience on Michigan Trailways.
ORV/UTV Events/ Group Rides	A notification to the state is required when there are more than 20 participants in such an event for UTVs.
Age Restriction for UTV Drivers	There are specialized restrictions for youth under 16, where they need to be accompanied by a guardian while they are controlling the wheel.
UTV Certifications	A certificate of title for your UTV is required during purchasing or selling. Safety certification is required by any child under the age of 16 for driving a UTV.
UTV operation during November firearm deer season	It is prohibited to drive your UTV this season in the public hunting areas from 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
Driving a UTV on snowmobile trails	If you own a UTV or any ORV you are prohibited to drive this vehicle on designated snowmobile trails.

Along with the above laws, you must also be aware of the UTV helmet category that should be worn by all UTV riders and the gear requirements for driving a UTV in the state of Michigan.

Michigan ATV Laws By County 2024

here is UTV Michigan Helmet Laws Well with the recent change in UTV helmet laws in michigan some confusion has come up surrounding off-road vehicles the department of natural resources is reminding orv riders that the helmet laws for those vehicles have not changed the no helmet laws is for motorcyclists on highway in michigan.

The orv laws have been in place since 1994 and are designed to keep riders safe. You want to wear a helmet because if the speed you’re travelling they don’t handle like a car you don’t have bumpers you don’t have windshield you don’t have padded dashes you don’t have the weight.

Michigan ORV Flags Laws

We’re going to go over what it takes UTV Michigan Helmet Laws your side by side first thing is not have headlight that have turn signals front and rear, need brake light, also need bright light indicators, windshield wipers, Windshield washers, brakes, parking brakes, windshield needs to be safety glass, you need to have at least a drivers side mirror it does not required to have both sides.

Also to have a rear bumper and you need to have DOT approved tires you also need to have an exhaust nothing too loud they do get a little fussy about it and differential gear is also essential.

Michigan ORV Age Laws

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Michigan UTV law ATV and side by side drivers can now use their vehicles on both trails and the streets.  A new West Virginia law states that you have to outfit your ATV or side by side make it street legal, so it can pass inspection in order to pass.

ATVs need to have headlights, turns signals and even a windshield, or a pair of protective lenses along with others specifications ATVs are legal on roads without a yellow line, and in certain areas you can travel up to ten miles away from the trails head on any road.

Michigan UTV Street Legel Requirements

The UTV Michigan Helmet Laws use on ATVs and side by side and tmate they different on one of the ages they are different so in the state of Utah you’re required to put a helmet on if you’re under the age of 18 if you’re on an ATV period if they’re on the ATV they need a lot of great elements in a side by side it like a jeep.

When I was in michigan, I got to know about its legal requirements to drive UTV. I was with my friend, in Kawasaki mule and we both had helmet.

But the people who were just near us got caught and charged fine because one of the under 18 member from four members was not wearing helmet.

So, if you’re side by side the law does not require you to put a helmet on somebody that’s in a seatbelt just like in a jeep.

Do You Need A Helmet For A UTV?

No, if you’re side by side the law does not require you to put a helmet on somebody that’s in a seatbelt just like in a jeep.

Are UTVS Legal In Michigan?

Yes, ATV and side by side drivers can now use their vehicles on both trails and the streets.  A new West Virginia law states that you have to outfit your ATV or side by side make it street legal, so it can pass inspection in order to pass.

I have my friends who have the ATVs and drive on a regular basis. Three months ago, I went to virginia for some official work, and I decided to have a nice offroading trip with friends.

Are Helmets Required In Michigan?

In Michigan Helmet rules apply on the motorcyclists for both rider and passenger for their safety.

UTV Helmet Laws In Michigan

I have provided a point-wise snippet so that you can get a comprehensive idea of the UTV Michigan Helmet Laws and the gear requirements.

You can also watch this youtube video to get more idea about the legality and rules for UTV Michigan Helmet Laws

https://youtu.be/PtPuaI-3dh0

Is UTV Legal in Michigan?

Yes, for Michigan UTV law it is legal for you to operate a UTV in the state boundaries of Michigan. Michigan State not only legalized UTV but also promotes its use through an annual Free ORV weekend- where you will not require any license to drive your UTV on a trail pass on the weekend in June.

There was high crowd up there this june weekend. Still I had a great fun doing trail riding in michigan.

UTV Laws in Michigan

Rules and Regulations for Driving a UTV in Michigan- ORV Michigan Handbook

Although legal, you must follow certain rules and regulations while riding a UTV to ensure your safety and compliance with the Michigan State UTV laws.

• Making a UTV street legal If you own a UTV in the state you must register it with the Michigan Secretary of State. This process will include you getting a valid UTV registration sticker skin that you must stick to your UTV body at all times.

I did not register for the UTV in michigan, but I had tried once. It is a simple process, but later I decided not to do registration because I live elsewhere and only sometimes I come here to meet my friends.

• for Making an ATV  street legal You must also possess a valid driver’s license or a learner’s permit to operate your UTV within the state borders legally unless it’s the ORV weekend.

• The minimum age required to drive a UTV on a trail or a public road is 16 years though it is legal for 12 years to ride a UTV under adult supervision.

Though I think that 18 years should be age to drive the UTV. Because I see lots of news about the accidents caused by UTVs. I drove my first UTV at age of 19. That too for the farming.

• for Making an ATV  street legal The UTV riders must comply with the UTV helmet regulation of the state where they are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet while riding a UTV.

• for Making a UTV street legal UTV must be equipped with certain safety equipment like headlamps, taillights, brake lights, rearview mirror, and muffler in good condition to be road legal.

• You must operate your UTV within the adhered speed limit mentioned on the trail or the road you are driving it on to ensure the safety protocols of the trail or the roadway.

I think I have shared a incedent of why I care much about the speed. I had an accident where I was lucky enough to get alive.

That day I just raced too much and UTV got out of control. There was no one it was a open area like someones farm. At the end moment I got control over the speed.

• There is a vast range of off-roading trails in Michigan specially created for UTV driving in the state. If you are unsure about a particular trail you must contact your local operator before entering the trail.

So are you still confused with the Michigan side-by-side laws? Worry not! I have a well-researched, updated guide of all the laws that you must keep in mind while owning a UTV in the table below.

UTV Title Requirements	Michigan residents who own ATVs or UTVs must get a certificate of title for their UTV from the Secretary of State. If you buy a UTV from a dealer, it should already have a certificate of origin.
UTV License and Permits	If you plan to use your UTV on public lands in Michigan, you need to get an ORV license from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and pay an annual fee of $26.25. The license should be visible on your UTV at all times.
Youth UTV Requirements	Youth under 16 who ride must complete a safety course, and those under 10 can only ride on private land for farm work. Kids aged 12-15 can ride with an adult present and a safety certificate.
Legal Trails where you can operate your UTV	You can only ride on private land if the owner allows it. In Michigan’s State Forest Land, UTV use is allowed on many roads but requires a valid ORV license. UTV use is usually allowed on designated trails and forest roads in both the Upper and Lower Peninsula unless marked as closed.
UTV Gear Requirement	Your UTV must be equipped with a braking system, throttle, headlamps, taillights, brake lights, rearview mirror, spark arrestor, muffler, seating for everyone on the vehicle, and functioning lights to be street-legal in the state of Michigan.

UTV Helmet Law:

All UTV drivers and passengers must wear a US D.O.T.-approved crash helmet. (You should not confuse this requirement with Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law, which allows for certain motorcyclists meeting particular requirements to ride without a helmet.) No matter what, people riding in a UTV must wear a helmet.

I have bunch of UTV helmets. Not just for Michigan, I always try to wear the helmet because it is an essential safety gear in the UTV.

How much penalties in Michigan for not using a Helmet?

By now, I hope it is quite clear to you that driving a UTV, or sitting inside a UTV without wearing a D.O.T or Snell-certified helmet can be quite a big penalty if caught Michigan law does not require helmet in action by any Law Enforcement Officer on the road or the trails follow Michigan ATV rules and regulations while riding UTV or ATV.

Well, according to my personal experience, I have seen many UTV drivers who were careless enough to get their Michigan law does not require helmet out on the road without wearing a helmet were suddenly stopped by an officer while they were out on the trails having fun with the UTV.

You may feel this might be nonsense that motorcyclists do not have to wear helmets in regular conditions in Michigan ATV law where it is a mandatory law for any UTV rider to wear a helmet while out with their UTV. Well, the state Government had to take this step to reduce the cases of UTV-related accidents in their state.

Many cases where UTVs had rolled over, and the passengers were ejected out of their vehicles were reported thus the DMV had started fining the riders for their safety. Here is what can happen if you fail to wear a helmet while riding Michigan ATV rules and regulations.

Fines:

As Michigan vehicles rules and regulations The most common type of penalty that you would be charged if you drive your UTV without wearing a helmet is the monetary penalty fine. The amount might vary depending on certain circumstances based on the jurisdiction and the type of violation encountered. The range of fines in Michigan for not wearing a UTV helmet may vary from $100 to $700 or more. It mostly depends on the severity of the offense committed.

I must say, except one incident I never had a fine for breaking UTV driving rules. The first fine I got was huge for me at that time which was $125.

Points on your Driving Record:

In many cases, I have seen that not wearing a helmet while driving your UTV can cause points to be added to your driving records. These points typically depend on the type of traffic violation and can cause an increase in the insurance rates and can also cause your license to be suspended if too many points are collected.

Your license might be suspended:

Though it is a very rare case where the license has been suspended for not operating a UTV with a proper helmet, there are possibilities. As stated above, along with fines some points are collected on your driver’s license, and if too many points are collected, it might result in the license suspension.

You might have to appear in court:

For Michigan vehicles rules and regulations Depending on the type, circumstance, and severity of the violation, if you are caught operating a UTV without wearing a helmet you might have to visit the court to address the violation. It may add to the legal expenses and other hassles that you can dodge by wearing a helmet.

You can watch this youtube video to understand why such penalties and fines have been imposed on UTV Michigan Helmet Laws.

https://youtu.be/PtPuaI-3dh0

Best Helmet for UTV Riding in Michigan

Whenever someone asks me about what is the best UTV helmet, then my first answer is always like “That protects your head and lets you breathe”. I have tried several helmets and I found many similarities in the helmets. Every Helmet is marketed as it has the best features, but a real UTV rider knows which feels right. That premium feeling in the hand is really important. But we are not born billionaires, so it should be affordable to our pocket.

Here this collection of the best UTV helmets in Michigan is based on three factors.

• Premium Quality
• Affordability
• Availability in Michigan

My first choice is ScorpionEXO EXO-AT950 Modular Helmet, which I am still using and it looks perfect. Especially the matte black color suits my style. Here is a detailed list.

#1- ScorpionEXO EXO-AT950 Modular Helmet

Editors Choice

Being Made of polycarbonate material, it feels premium in touch. Parallelly it is 5 pounds in weight which is easily bearable, and feels pretty solid and protective. Various sizes from 3X to XX are available.

I am just enlisting the features here, you can make your choice based on that. I can’t resist saying that this is my favorite UTV helmet and it is available in Michigan too. This helmet offers an impressive array of features at an affordable price.

• It boasts a removable external peak visor and Everclear face shield, as well as meeting or exceeding safety standards set by DOT and FMVSS 218.

• You can also opt to use a visor for full face protection or an internal drop-down sun visor to combat glare.

Given its exceptional value and extensive features, it is no wonder the ScorpionEXO EXO-AT950 tops our list. ScorpionEXO is a well-reputed brand in the helmets section and I recommend if you have the required budget then you can definitely give a try to this UTV helmet.

I have linked to a page where you can see pricing and more details, just click the below button and you will be redirected.

#2. RaceQuip Side Air Full Face Helmet PRO20 Series

These competition-inspired helmets are available in both top and side air hose mounts and boast a SNELL SA2020 rating, making them compatible with most aftermarket air systems.

Although some may view it as excessive for casual riders, the superior fit and comfort of this helmet can enhance long rides by reducing fatigue and increasing enjoyment. I prefer this combination of polycarbonate and fiberglass.

Some features that make me recommend this helmet are

• Kevlar chin strap
• Fire retardant paint and interior
• Aluminum pivot kit

You can check the price points by clicking the below button and exploring additional features. The price value keeps updating but in general, this helmet is around $300.

#3. Fox Racing Unisex-Child V1 Motocross Youth Helmet

For Michigan UTV rules and regulations The Fox Racing V1 Youth helmet is crafted to meet all safety standards, providing peace of mind for parents and guardians. Along with that What I find impressive in this UTV helmet is that it is lightweight and still so much protective.

Additionally, it has

• Magnetic Visor Release System (MVRS)
• Lightweight Injection molded polycarbonate
• ABS shell construction which disperses energy in the event of a crash
• 1 shell and 1 EPS size for a precise fit

Moreover, Fox helmets possess a stylish design, which makes children feel like a superhero. You can absolutely check out the button below to know more about the details and price.

BTW I love fox racing products. The way they craft it, and the quality really feels premium.

I should say that my last trip in virginia and also in all the trips in the cities such as wisconsin, california, I used the fox racing helmet and gloves most of the times.

#4. Fly Racing 2022 Adult Formula Carbon Vector Helmet

For Michigan UTV rules and regulations The Fly Formula helmets are equipped with the highly advanced RHEON impact system, which not only offers a lightweight and comfortable fit but also provides crucial protection from impacts coming from various angles.

These helmets have undergone rigorous testing on a wide range of terrains and UTV-specific scenarios, and their unique liner design ensures safety in even the most extreme circumstances.

I have this one and wear occasionally and I feel it super fantastic. Definately check out this button below to know more about its features and if you resonate with it, you can add it to your list.

If you have any type of question related to UTV Michigan Helmet Laws then you can just put it in the comment section.

Conclusion

I hope that through this article, you get a substantial amount of information on the UTV Helmet laws in Michigan. It is a very crucial law (unlike the Michigan state motorcycle law) that the UTV drivers and the passengers have to wear a D.O.T and Snell-certified helmet while riding the vehicle, either on designated trails or roadways.

Failure to comply with the designed laws can cause severe fines and penalties along with points being added to your driver’s license that can severely affect your insurance rates and cause suspension of the license in extreme scenarios. Not only that, but a UTV helmet can also protect you and your passengers from many unforeseen situations like accidents and collisions.

If you found this comprehensive guide on ‘UTV Michigan Helmet Laws helpful, please let me know in the comments. Also, please go through our FAQs for quick answers to your questions.

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