MARQUETTE COUNTY — The Upper Peninsula is full of trails for ORV and ATV riders to enjoy the wilderness, but sometimes ORV’s are spotted in more populated areas.

It is important for ORV riders to remember rules of the road while traveling on non–designated trails.  In Marquette County, all county roads and public two-track roads are open to ORV use.  But state, U.S. highways, and interstates are off limits.

“Remember when operating an ATV on a public roadway that’s open that you cannot operate in the lane of traffic, you have to be as far to the right as possible,” DNR conservation officer Elton Luce said. “If there’s a shoulder or if there’s an area right way you need to be over there and not in the lane of traffic.”

ORV riders must obey all traffic regulations, including stop and yield signs.  Riders also have to wear helmets and eye protection.

“When operating an ATV, you need to wear a DOT [Department of Transportation] approved helmet, eye protection is required,” Luce said. “The legislation did recently change and it mirrors the snowmobile regulation to now where if you’re operating on your own lands you no longer need a helmet on an ATV.”

“The difference between a regular ATV–a three-wheeler, four-wheeler or dirt bike–and a side-by-side is side-by-sides are manufactured with roll cages and seatbelts. If your side-by-side has a roll cage and if you’re wearing your seatbelt then helmets are exempt at that point.”

Later this week, ABC 10 will take a look what precautions ORV riders have to follow while transporting firearms during hunting season.

More information on ORV safety can be found by contacting your local DNR office or visiting the DNR’s website.