Question: I read your article about tractors going to down the highway to move snow at a neighbors. This got me wondering if I am able to take my four-wheeler with my snow blade down the road to help a neighbor or two?
Answer: First we need to know what kind of ATV you have:
Class 1 ATVs are motorized flotation-tired vehicles with at least three but no more than six low pressure tires that have an engine displacement of less than 1000 cubic centimeters and total dry weight of less than 1000 pounds.
Class 2 ATVs are motorized flotation-tired vehicles with at least three, but no more than six, low pressure tires that have an engine displacement of less than 1000 cubic centimeters and total dry weight of 1000 to 1800 pounds.
Here’s what is allowed if the ATV is properly registered and doesn’t have restrictions related to agricultural zone, road type or other posted items. Public use registration allows for operation of:
– Class 1 ATVs in the ditch bottom; on the outer slope of roadside ditches along state and county roads; on the right side of township roads and city streets, if not prohibited by the road authority or other local laws.- Class 2 ATVs on the shoulder or extreme right side of county roads and on the right side of township roads and city streets, if not prohibited by the road authority or other local laws. Class 2 ATVs may not be operated in the ditch unless part of a designated Class 2 trail.
Class 1 and 2 ATVs are not allowed on state highways. The only exception is for crossing those public roads. When making a direct crossing of a street or road:
– come to a complete stop and look both ways.
– yield to all traffic.
– cross the road at a 90 degree angle.
– cross a divided road only at an intersection.
A valid driver’s license is required to operate anywhere it is legal on road rights-of-way including ditches, inside and outside slopes, and crossing roads. The only exception would be on portions of a designated trail for that vehicle-type that specifically includes a road right-of-way.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us)