Wayne County Sheriff Department ORV/ATV Safety Courses

The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit will be conducting Off-Road Vehicle Safety Courses [ORV/ATV] on the dates indicated below. The course will be held at the Trenton Westfield Activity Center - 2700 Westfield Road. The Trenton Westfield Activity Center is located approximately 2 miles East of I-75 and approximately 1/2 block North of West Road. There is ample parking at the center. Once inside the center, students will go to the “East Room” where the course will be conducted. A map and directions are detailed below. All classes will begin at 7:00 p.m. each night and will conclude at 10:00 p.m.

Each “class” consists of two [2] nights as indicated below. To complete the course, students must attend both class nights. Students must pre-register for this course. The first evening a student attends they will receive materials for the course, complete registration forms and receive instruction in off-road [ORV/ATV] vehicle safety. The second evening students attend, they will be completing the final exam and receive certificates when successfully completed. Students must attend both class nights. When you are attending your second evening [test night], students must arrive no later than 7:00 pm. For additional information and registration please contact the Wayne County Sheriff Marine Unit at (734) 675-2660.

*Additional classes will be scheduled if necessary due to interest and when accommodations are available.
Please call for information on additional classes.

Directions and map to westfield activity center

Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Regulations

A person who operates an off-road vehicle within this state while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance or with an unlawful blood alcohol content and by that operation causes a serious impairment of a body function of another person is guilty of a felony.

If your license to operate an automobile has been suspended [regardless of in which state the suspension originated], you may not operate an off-road vehicle in Michigan.

A person convicted of manslaughter, negligent homicide or a felony resulting from off-road vehicle operation, shall have 6 points assessed against their driver's license, A person convicted of operating an off-road vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, or with an unlawful blood alcohol content, shall have 6 points assessed against their driver's license. A person convicted of operating an off-road vehicle while visibly impaired, shall have 4 points assessed against their drivers license.

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Other Operation Regulations

An ORV operator must stop upon signal of a law enforcement officer. On private property, an ORV operator must stop upon signal of a landowner. In addition to restrictions on state-owned lands and other violations previously noted, the following acts are unlawful anywhere in the state, except as noted.

ORV operation is prohibited:

• in any forest nursery or planting area;
• on a DNR dedicated natural area;
• in any area in a manner to injure, damage or destroy crops or trees;
• in any area in a manner so as to create an erosive condition;
• within 100' of a dwelling at a speed greater than the minimum speed necessary for controlled forward movement, except:
  • on private property;
  • on designated routes, trails, areas or access routes;
• on lands of another without permission;
• within 100' of a slide, ski or skating area;
• on a DNR designated snowmobile trail located in the Lower Peninsula unless it's also designated for ORV use;
• on any operational or non-abandoned railroad right-of-way [except to cross at designated railroad crossing];
• in or upon the waters of any stream, river, bog, wetland, marsh or quagmire;
• in public hunting areas during the November firearm deer season, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, except for:
  • going to or from a residence or hunting camp that is inaccessible by a conventional vehicle [subject to state land regulations];
  • on private property, with landowner's permission;
  • passenger vehicles while being operated on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic;
  • a person holding a Permit to Hunt From a Standing Vehicle or other persons meeting disabled requirements while engaged in hunting or fishing activity.
• on any public highway, street or right-of-way, except;
  • to cross at right angles, after a complete stop [not on limited access freeways];
  • for ORVs also registered as motor vehicles under the Michigan Vehicle Code;
  • in a special event held under a government permit.
• at a rate of speed greater than that which is reasonable and proper;
• in a careless manner without due regard for existing conditions;
• in a manner to leave litter or debris;
• in hunting, pursuing or worrying any animal;
• while transporting a strung, uncased bow or an uncased or loaded firearm;
• while transporting or possessing an alcoholic beverage that is open or uncapped [seal has been broken];
• while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance;
• while visibly impaired due to alcohol or a controlled substance;
• while transporting a passenger without a seat as designed by the manufacturer;
• while under a court suspension of ORV or automobile operating rights;
• on any unlicensed ORV.

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Restrictions on Young ORV Operators

Visual supervision is defined as having direct observation with the unaided eye and the ability to come to immediate aid of another ORV operator.

Restrictions are in effect on the operation of ORVs by children under the age of 16. There are also specific obligations that fall upon the parents or legal guardians of ORV riders under the age of 16, and upon the owners of ORVs.

1. No person under the age of 16 may operate any 3-wheeled ATV.
2. No child under the age of 10 may operate any 4-wheeled ATV, EXCEPT on private land while performing farm related work operations.
3. Children who are 10 and 11 years old may operate 4.wheel A1Vs only when ALL of the following conditions exist:
   1. must be on land owned by the child's parent or guardian;
   2. must be under visual supervision (see definition) of an adult;
   3. must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
4. Children who are 12- 15 years old may operate 4-wheeled ATVs only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
   1. must be under visual supervision of an adult;
   2. must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
5. Children under 16 may operate other ORVs [trail bikes, for example] only when BOTH of the following conditions exist:
   1. must be under visual supervision of an adult;
   2. must possess a valid ORV safety certificate.
6. No child under the age of 12 may cross any street, highway or county road while operating any ORV.
7. Children who are at least 12 years old may cross streets and roads [only at right angles]. The parents and legal guardians of a child under the age of 16 are legally responsible if they permit the child under their care to violate any of the above. The owner [or person in control] of an ORV is also responsible if his or her ORV is operated by a youngster.

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Operation of ORVs By Children

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