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.
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.
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.
Protective Clothing & Gear
Gear up for a safer ride with a helmet and eye protection, and check your owner's manual for other protective gear requirements.
Emergency Essentials
Ride prepared for whatever the trail throws your way with emergency essentials, including a first-aid kit, snacks and more. Check out our article on must haves for every ride.
Fuel Stops and Route Planning
Plan your route before you go, including stops for fuel. Discover over a million miles of verified trails using RIDE COMMAND off-road mapping system.
Vehicle Health & Maintenance
Make sure your vehicle's routine maintenance is up to date before riding. Remotely and effortlessy monitor vehicle health with RIDE COMMAND+, our advanced off-road technology.
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.
Off-Road Safety Videos
Get an in-depth overview of riding tips and vehicle features that can help you stay safer. Explore our youth, side-by-side and ATV safety videos below.
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.
Age & Fit Guidelines
All of-road vehicles have fit and age requirements, overviewed below. Check out your owner's manual for specific guidelines.
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.
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.