Wisconsin’s New ATV/UTV Rules Call for Rear License Plate as of July 1
OutdoorHub 05.29.12
A mandatory rear license plate for all ATVs and UTVs is among the new rules slated to take effect on July 1 [pdf]as part of a regulation package passed earlier this year by the Wisconsin Legislature.
Since first notice of these rule changes was issued in April by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there has been some public confusion and questions.
Warden Gary Eddy, also the ATV Administrator for the DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement, says he has often been asked why the new state law requires the plate and what it is supposed to accomplish.
“The legislation had strong support from the ATV/UTV community and land managers, it is the DNR responsibility to implement the change” Eddy said. “The rules are modeled after similar rules in place in Minnesota.”
Like on a car the plates will help with identification when it comes to theft prevention, complaints and questions about trail use or operation, Eddy said.
Some of the major changes kicking in on July 1 include:
- ATVs and UTVs are required to display a registration ID number on a rear plate. Obtaining the plate is the owner’s responsibility. Plates are not provided by the department. Plates must be a minimum of 4 inches high and a 7 1/2 inches wide. The plate has to be white and the letters and numbers black and a minimum of 1 1/2 inches high.
- UTVs will follow nearly all the ATV laws, except where specifically referenced.
- UTVs will have a specific UTV registration decal and non-resident trail pass.
- A new five-day ATV and UTV non-resident trail pass
- Registrations and annual trail passes will expire March 31.
- A late fee will be assessed for customers renewing their registration after the expiration date.
- UTV passengers may not ride in the vehicle’s bed.
- A downloadable pamphlet detailing these changes [PDF] is available on the DNR website.
For more information search “ATV” on the DNR website.
