New DNR off-road vehicle safety laws take effect

NEW LONDON — Sweeping new safety rules for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) operators officially went into effect across Wisconsin this summer, bringing stricter regulations for seatbelts, youth passengers, and equipment safety.
The rule updates, enacted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), aim to tighten safety compliance on all public trails, routes, and riding areas.

New restraints and seating rules
Among the most significant changes is the closure of a legal loophole regarding seatbelts in UTVs. Moving forward, all occupants inside a UTV—including both the driver and all passengers—are strictly required to wear a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion. Previous state policy left ambiguity regarding whether operators themselves were required to buckle up. Violations of the updated seatbelt law carry a $295 fine.
Additionally, passengers are now strictly limited to riding in factory-installed seating. Improvised aftermarket seating or allowing passengers to ride unrestrained in rear cargo boxes is now completely illegal.

The state has also expanded its youth safety laws. While all riders and passengers under the age of 18 must still wear a DOT-approved helmet, a new rule requires all riders to wear eye protection unless the machine is equipped with a functional factory windshield.

Why now?
According to the Wisconsin DNR:
•Wisconsin suffered 41 total off-road vehicle fatalities in 2025, marking the state’s second-deadliest year on record.
•Out of last year’s 41 fatalities, 32 of the victims were completely unbuckled at the time of the crash.

•The overwhelming majority of recent off-road fatalities have occurred inside UTVs rather than traditional ATVs.
•By late May of this year, the state had already recorded 15 off-road vehicle deaths, prompting state officials to finalize the updated safety guidelines ahead of the peak summer riding season.
Local DNR Conservation Warden Kaitlin Kernosky said the new rules are a high priority for obvious public safety reasons.
“We will be initiating stops, educating riders and enforcing these updated rules,” said Kernosky.
She recommends all ATV/UTV owners take a moment to review the new rules on the Wisconsin DNR website. Local law enforcement officers are also participating in the effort.

Community Safety Partnership
To help local riders stay compliant with the updated youth safety mandates, regional riding organizations are stepping in to support law enforcement.
The Northeast and Central Wisconsin ATV-UTV Association (NECW) visited New London on Tuesday, July 7, to present a supply of youth helmets to both the DNR and the New London Police Department. Founded in 2019 out of Fremont, the association works with local municipalities to open road routes and promote rider education.
According to NECW officials, law enforcement and DNR agents frequently encounter machines carrying children who do not have the legally required safety gear. The association started a donation campaign to collect helmets from community sponsors and members to help fill that gap, ensuring officers can provide a helmet directly to a family on the road or trail rather than simply issuing a citation.
“Although they may still feel the initial sting of a citation, they will at least be able to have a helmet [if available] to get home and ride safely within the law,” said Kanaman.
Sponsors for the local helmet drive include Cindy Much Royal Health Solutions, Sell Family Chiropractic, Caroline Motorsports, Team Winnebagoland, Sherwood Automotive, and Demming-Noel Insurance.