ORV Laws
As ORV recreation in Michigan becomes more popular, land use restrictions increase. Every ORV user has the duty and responsibility to operate in a manner that will provide countless hours of pleasure, for themselves and other outdoors users.
Sheriff Terry D. Flewelling urges residents and visitors alike to follow proper safety procedures and to avoid trespassing and reckless driving complaints while operating an ORV. Off road vehicle operators must operate legally and respectfully, obeying all the rules of the State of Michigan and the off-road vehicle ordinance adopted by the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners on December 30, 1986.
- An ORV may not be operated on the roadway of any highway, and may not be operated on the shoulder, or right-of-way of highways US-23, M-68, M-65, M-33 or M-211, except in a life threatening emergency, or for the purpose of getting from one area to another, an operator may cross such highways at right angles. The operator must bring the ORV to a complete stop prior to crossing a highway, and shall yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.
- ORV operators must respect the property of others and shall not operate their ORVs upon the lands of another without written consent of the owner. If caught trespassing on another persons private property, ORV operators are liable for damage they may have inflicted on trees, shrubs, growing crops or injury to living creatures or damages caused through vehicle operation in a manner so as to create erosive or other ecological damage to private property. As Sheriff, I urge ORV operators to pick your route with care, as ORV tires can damage wet or soft soil and plant seeds may be destroyed.
- A valid ORV safety certificate issued by the State of Michigan, another state, or a province of Canada, is required for 12 to 16 year olds, to cross a street or highway, or to operate on access rights designated for operation by a county, city, village or township.
- A person shall not operate an ORV unless that person and any passenger on the vehicle is wearing a crash helmet and protective eyeware, and may not operate during the hours of one half hour before sunset to one half hour before sunrise without displaying a lighted headlight and taillight.
Alcohol use is discouraged when operating an ORV and Michigan has tough laws regarding this. The Presque Isle County Sheriff's Office does conduct ORV enforcement patrols and will be on designated trails and roads throughout the county.
If you follow the rules, both written and common sense, you can make the most of your ORV experience in Presque Isle County.
ORV Ordinance
