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A father helps his daugther with their helmet while they sit on a Polaris Outlaw 110 EFI ATV. The mother stands next to another ATV in a wooded area with her son sitting on a Polaris Phoenix 200 ATV.

Off-Road Vehicle Safety Guide

A Safer Ride Starts Here

Rider safety starts before you get behind the wheel. Education is key to minimizing risk on your first and every ride. Set yourself up for a safer ride with these tips and resources. 

Gear Up for a Safe Ride

Wearing the right safety equipment is important for your safety and reduces the chance of injury. Be sure to gear up.

Make Sure ORVs are Age Appropriate

Make sure kids are the appropate age to ride and have fulfilled the necessary requirements. Learn more about age and fit guidelines. 

Never Mix ORVs and Alcohol

Just like driving your car, you never want to drive or ride after consuming alcohol or drugs.

Always Plan for Fuel Stops

As you plan your ride, be sure to plan for fuel stops. Check your owner's manual to find out if your vehicle is approved to carry extra fuel with the Polaris-approved fuel carry solution. 

Designed for Off-Road Riding

Operate only on approved ORV routes and use caution to avoid trail debris.

Before You Start Riding

Know Your Local Laws and Regulations

Be sure to check your state's local regulations (check its DNR site) on where you can ride safely. Only ride on ORV-approved routes.

Take a Training Course

Learn the rules of the off road. Check out our list of training organizations and resources.

Youth Safety

Discover essential tips, training and gear for kids.

Riders Guide

Explore our resource hub for every rider. Whether you’re a beginner seeking essential tips or an expert looking to elevate your ride, we’ve got you covered.

Plan A Safer Ride

Review our comprehensive pre-ride safety checklist before hitting the trails.

Be Aware of Trail Debris

While designed and engineered to operate in the off-road environment, know that the undercarriage of any off-road vehicle can be penetrated by large debris or obstacles such as branches, stumps, logs and rocks. Penetrating debris might pose the risk of serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants.


To reduce this risk, observe the following behaviors:

  • Understand the capabilities of your vehicle and do not attempt to traverse trail debris or large obstacles that exceed the vehicle ground clearance. 
  • Scan the path ahead for obstacles and hazards, then choose the safest route. 
  • Travel at speeds appropriate for the terrain, visibility, operating conditions and your experience level.
  • Exercise caution when operating in unfamiliar terrain, on slopes, driving through water, or driving over large obstacles. This includes obstacles that may be obscured by water or other features of the terrain. 

Owner's Manuals

Your owner's manual is an excellent safety and maintenance guide. It provides detailed information on vehicle warnings, protective gear and operating procedures.

Additional Resources

Like other powersports and outdoor recreation activities, off-roading has many organizations dedicated to safer riding. These groups provide training, tips and more. Here are a few to check out.

Age & Fit Guidelines

All of-road vehicles have fit and age requirements, overviewed below. Check out your owner's manual for specific guidelines. 

A woman smiling from the driver's seat of a black Polaris GENERAL XP 1000 SxS/UTV while 3 men grab gear from the cargo box.

SXS, UTV & ATV

All drivers must be 16 years old with a valid driver's license. It is strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate ROHVA training for SxS or ASI training for ATVs. All riders must also be able to reach handleholds and place feet flat on the floor while their back is against the seatback with seatbelt on.

A woman smiling while standing near a teenager seated on a Polaris Phoenix 200 youth ATV.

Youth SXS, UTV & ATV

All drivers under 16 years old should never operate full-size off-road vehicles. Polaris offers youth ATV models for ages 6+ and youth SxS and UTV models for ages 10+. Some models have height requirements; refer to the owner's manual for specifics. All young riders should have adult supervision at all times.

Outside Responsibility

Being a safer rider also means being a good steward of where you ride. Learn more about how you can make an impact by leaving less impact.