All-Terrain Vehicles

The Sheriff's Office would like to remind owners and operators of all terrain vehicles (ATV's) of a few facts concerning the laws of operation. Over the past several years the number of complaints to the Sheriff's Office has increased regarding ATV's, otherwise known as three and four wheelers.

 In the past the Putnam County Sheriff's Office has exercised discretion and rarely cited ATV operators for minor violations.  If you own, ride, or allow someone to ride your ATV please be aware that ATV's are considered under Florida Statute (316.003 (21) to be motor vehicles. As with any motor vehicle, an operator of an ATV must comply with all state statutes governing the operation of motor vehicles on the public highways.  Likewise, a driver of an ATV must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle. (Florida Statute (322.03).  The public right of way and swale area adjoining the paved road is considered part of a public highway and must therefore comply with all traffic laws. (This means it is illegal to ride an ATV along the shoulder or ditch of any road).  If an ATV is driven on the sidewalk or bike path, this is also a violation.  (FS 316.1995).  Furthermore, if an ATV is operated on a public highway, then it must comply with all the equipment requirements for vehicles.  (FS 316.610).

 When an unsupervised juvenile is operating an ATV it may not always be effective to cite the minor, but instead the parent or adult who allowed them to ride it.  (FS 322.35)

 Operating any motor vehicle, (including an ATV) on a road designated by a numbered sign in the Ocala National Forest without a valid registration is a violation of Forest Service Regulations (36 CFR 261.54 D).

 The Sheriff's Office wishes everyone a safe outdoors experience and would like everyone to be mindful of the laws concerning the operation of ATV's, as deputies will be enforcing laws related to all terrain vehicles.