At the present time there are only four legal regulations involving the operation of ATVs by youth under the age of 16. The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Chapter 77 states:
(Section 7725.a) No person under the age of 16 shall drive an ATV across any highway unless he (or she) has a valid safety certificate and is under the supervision of a person 18 years of age or older.
(Section 7725.b) No one under the age of 8 years may operate an ATV on any state-owned property.
(Section 7725.b.1) A person 8 or 9 years of age shall only operate an ATV with an engine size of 70 cc or less.
(Section 7725.c) No person from age 8 to their 16th birthday shall operate an ATV except on lands owned or leased by a parent or legal guardian, unless he or she is under the supervision of a certified ATV safety instructor or has completed a prescribed safety training course and received an ATV safety training certificate.
Age and size recommendation for ATV operation supported by all manufacturers.
Age of Operator | ATV Engine Size |
Under 6 years of age | not recommended |
Age 6-11 | Under 70cc |
Age 12-15 | 70-90cc |
16 years and older | Over 90cc |
More information:
Operation of ATVS By Youth
Children under the age of 16 are prohibited from:
Operating an ATV anywhere other than land owned or leased by a parent or guardian unless the child has a valid safety certificate or is under the direct supervision of a certified instructor during a certified safety training course
Operating an ATV across highways or connecting streets or operate on state forest or park roads designated for joint use (use by both motor vehicles and snowmobiles or ATVs) unless the child has a valid safety certificate and is under the direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older
Driving an ATV on state or local highways, roads, or streets designated for joint use
A child under 8 is not eligible for a safety certificate and is prohibited from operating anywhere except on private property.
Age 8 and 9 year-old operators are restricted to an engine size of 70cc or less.
These regulations are not guidelines set by us, but rather laws established by DCNR and the Pennsylvania State vehicle code.
Even though 8 and 9 year-old operators are limited to an engine size of 70cc or less, you can still take part in and complete the ATV Safety Course. Nevertheless, you must still adhere to these rules and regulations.
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