We are an all volunteer organization that works very hard to provide safe and well signed trails for your enjoyment!
MI-TRALE encourages all riders to stay on the trails and obey the posted signs. Many of our trails are on private, State, and Federal land by special land use permits; we do not want to lose these trails from irresponsible use of the land.
Be an ambassador of our sport always, Ride Right, Ride Safe, Tread Lightly and PLEASE carry out what you carry in!
Safety First: ATVs and UTVs can be hazardous to operate. MI-TRALE strongly recommends that for your safety: Always wear your approved helmet and eye protection as required by Michigan law and appropriate clothing. Never carry a passenger, except on a vehicle manufactured to do so. Never drive or ride an ATV or UTV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always ride within your capability. Obey all local and state laws.
Your safety is our number one concern. Ride safely and enjoy your ride!
All laws are subject to change it is up to the user to have current information
Report illegal riding – call 1-800-292-7800
Helmets – All ORV operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation–approved crash helmet and protective eyewear or goggles, except when the ORV is equipped with a roof that meets or exceeds the standards for a crash helmet and the operator and passengers are wearing properly adjusted and fastened safety belts.
In 2012, Michigan passed a law giving some street-legal motorcycle operators the option of not wearing a helmet when operating on roadways. This law does not apply to ORVs, and helmets are still legally required to be worn by operators and passengers on ORVs in Michigan.
Michigan ORV license – All ORV’s must display a decal license to operate on any public land and an additional “trail permit” to operate on any state designated trail. Licenses/permits are available at many retail locations. Michigan DNR offices or www.mdnr-elicense.com
License is $26.25 Trail permit is an additional $10.00 MI-TRALE recommends purchasing both license and trail permit for our trail system.
Children under the age of 16 are required to pass and carry an ORV Safety Certificate
ORV Highway Right of Ways (ROW) Traveling on the shoulder of a State & Federal Highways is not open to ORV’s. Michigan law only allows ORV’s to use the ROW on federal and state highways where it is specifically approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and signed open to ORV travel. MI-TRALE was granted 4 ROW segments in our trail system. Please use them safely between May 1 – November 30. Always travel in the same direction as the highway traffic
ORV Road Travel – 25mph unless posted otherwise, headlights always on for Safety
Multi-Use Trail Etiquette – The “Right of Way Rule” is that ORVs and other motorized sports will yield to all other trail users. Non-motorized bikes will yield to hikers, runners, walkers and equestrians (those riding or driving horses). Hikers, runners, and walkers will yield to equestrians. Communication between riders is important for mutual safety. Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail enthusiasts. Build a trail community. Get to know others. Respect and support each other. An encounter on the trails can be a pleasant experience for everyone.
Ottawa National Forest Closures– March 15 to May 15 some roads and trails are restricted from motorized use. Please check with the USFS for more information on these closures.
MICHIGAN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE LAWS AND RIDING BASICS
Come ride and explore the MI-TRALE trail system!
FAQs
A two-, three-, or four-wheeled vehicle that has a motor and is designed for riding on unpaved surfaces. OHVs are also commonly known as ORVs. ATV: All-Terrain Vehicle. A type of OHV with low-pressure, knobby tires designed for riding on unpaved surfaces.
What does OHV mean on a ATV? ›
An off-highway vehicle (OHV) is a motor vehicle capable of off-highway travel during winter or summer. OHV's include all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), four-wheelers, three- wheelers, dirt bikes, motorcycles, trail bikes, and snowmobiles.
What is the meaning of ORV? ›
An ORV is a motor-driven, off-road recreational vehicle capable of cross-country travel without benefit of a road or trail. It may travel on land, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain.
What is considered an ORV in Michigan? ›
Michigan law defines an off-road vehicle (ORV) as any motor vehicle that can be operated cross-country (without benefit of a road or trail) over land, snow, and other natural terrain.
Which is safer, ATV or UTV? ›
Safety. If you have safety at the top of mind, then a SxS/UTV is what you want. Compared to an ATV's open design, side-by-side vehicles are more closed with a barrier. SxS/UTV are also commonly known to have features like a roll cage, seat belts and windscreen that protect riders and passengers from the elements.
Is a side-by-side an ATV or ORV? ›
Quick Definitions
An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) is also known as “quad” or “four wheeler” and is meant for single-riders. A UTV (utility task vehicle) tends to be beefier and allows for “side-by-side” riding, which is why some simply call it a “side by side” or “SXS” for short.
What is the disadvantage of OHV? ›
Limited engine speeds: Although OHV engines have simpler drive systems for the camshaft, there are a greater number of moving parts in the valvetrain (i.e., the lifters, pushrods, and rockers). Inertia from these valvetrain parts makes OHV engines more susceptible to valve float at high engine speeds (RPM).
What is the difference between OHV and non OHV engines? ›
OHV costs more but provides more power, better fuel economy, and runs a little cleaner. It means 'Overhead Valve' - the valves are in the cylinder head and operated by pushrod from the camshaft that us located in the cylinder block.
Is a Jeep considered an off-road vehicle? ›
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles or dirt bikes, Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs or side-by-side vehicles), snowmobiles, and four-wheel-drive vehicles (such as jeeps and trucks) can all be defined as OHVs.
What are the characteristics of an ORV? ›
These vehicles are generally characterized by having large tyres with deep, open treads, a flexible suspension (high articulation), or even caterpillar tracks.
ORV trail means a multiple-use corridor designated by the managing authority and maintained for recreational use by motorized vehicles.
What personal risk do you take when traveling into ORV terrain? ›
These risks include, but are not limited to, injuries to persons or property that can result from variations in terrain; surface or subsurface snow or ice conditions; bare spots; rocks, trees, and other forms of natural growth or debris; collisions with signs, fences, other ORVs, or trail maintenance equipment; and ...
Can I ride my ATV on the road in Michigan? ›
In Michigan, UTVs and other off-highway vehicles not registered as street legal cannot use any public road or shoulder unless it has been specifically approved for OHV use. This includes the statewide network of Off-Road Vehicle Connector Routes linking sections of official trails.
Do you need to wear a helmet on an ATV in Michigan? ›
Important. Michigan law gives some street-legal motorcycle operators the option of not wearing a helmet when operating on roadways. This law does not apply to ORVs, and helmets are still legally required to be worn by operators and passengers on ORVs.
Do I need to register my ATV in Michigan? ›
On Free ORV Weekend, you do not need to purchase a license for your ORV or a trail pass. Every other day in Michigan, ORV operators are normally required to license their vehicles and purchase trail passes.
Which vehicle is not considered an ORV in Michigan law? ›
ORV or vehicle does not include a registered snowmobile, a farm vehicle being used for farming, a vehicle used for military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement purposes, a vehicle owned and operated by a utility company or an oil or gas company when performing maintenance on its facilities or on property over which it ...
Is an all-terrain vehicle an ATV or four wheeler? ›
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is defined as a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four low-pressure or non-pneumatic tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.
What is another name for an ATV? ›
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV), also known as a light utility vehicle (LUV), a quad bike or quad (if having four wheels), as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, has a seat that is straddled by the operator, and has handlebars.
