Maine's Oversized ATV Law

Oversized ATVs Are Generally Prohibited in Maine

Maine law prohibits the registration of oversized ATVs. This law has been in effect since 2021 and was developed to help protect Maine's trail infrastructure, preserve relationships with private landowners, and maintain long-term access to ATV riding opportunities statewide.

What Is Considered an Oversized ATV?

An ATV is considered oversized in Maine if it exceeds 65 inches in width or weighs more than 2,000 pounds according to the manufacturer's specifications.

These machines cannot be registered for recreational ATV use in Maine.

Why Maine Adopted This Law

Maine's ATV trail system exists largely because private landowners allow public access across their property. Oversized machines raised significant concerns related to:

  • Maintaining landowner permission for public trail access
  • Trail damage
  • Bridge and infrastructure limitations
  • Rider safety
  • Environmental impacts

The law was recommended by Maine's 2019 ATV Task Force as part of a broader effort to protect long-term ATV access in the state.

Important Reminders

Many newer utility side-by-sides exceed Maine's legal ATV size and weight limits. Before purchasing a machine for recreational use in Maine, review the manufacturer specifications carefully.

A machine can be legally sold by a dealer and still be ineligible for ATV registration in Maine. Manufacturer marketing materials, accessory classifications, or descriptions used in sales materials do not override Maine law. Maine ATV compliance is determined by the vehicle's size and weight as manufactured and sold.

Owners are responsible for confirming that an ATV meets Maine's legal size and weight requirements before purchasing and registering the machine.

To determine whether a specific model is oversized, review the manufacturer specifications provided with the original sale paperwork. You may also contact the manufacturer or dealership for assistance using the VIN. If you still cannot determine whether the machine is oversized, contact the Department at 207-287-8000 or info.ifw@maine.gov.

Limited Exceptions Under Maine Law

A narrow exception exists only for certain oversized ATVs that were already registered in Maine prior to January 1, 2022.

Those grandfathered machines:

  • May continue to be registered by Maine residents.
  • May only operate where specifically allowed by law
  • May only use trails that explicitly permit oversized ATVs
  • Remain subject to all landowner restrictions and trail closures

This exception does not create a general right to ride oversized ATVs on Maine trails.

ATV Dealer and Registration Agent Obligations

As of July 29, 2026, ATV dealers are legally required to notify purchasers of oversized ATVs (new and used) of this law at the time of purchase. Dealers must complete an Oversized ATV Dealership Form (PDF) and return a copy to the Department.

If you purchase an oversized ATV from a dealer, you must keep a copy of the Oversized ATV Dealership Form. Registration agents are required to ask for this form when you register the ATV so they can determine whether it can be legally registered.

Frequently Asked Questions

My ATV is legal in another state. Can I ride it in Maine?
No. An oversized ATV that is legal or registered elsewhere may still be prohibited under Maine law.

My dealer sold me the machine, so it must be legal.
Not necessarily. Dealers are required to inform buyers about Maine's oversized ATV law, but owners are ultimately responsible for ensuring their ATV complies with Maine law.

Can I operate an oversized ATV on my own property?
Yes. An unregistered ATV, including an oversized ATV, may be operated on land that you own or lease.

Can I operate an oversized ATV on someone else's private property?
Only in very limited circumstances. An unregistered oversized ATV may be operated on land owned or leased by another person only if you have written permission from the landowner or lessee and the operation is solely for a business activity. Recreational use of an oversized ATV on someone else's property is not allowed under this exception.

Why are some side-by-sides allowed but others are not?
The law is based on manufacturer width and weight specifications, not vehicle style or appearance.

Can accessories be excluded from an ATV's weight calculation?
If a component or feature is included as part of the ATV as manufactured and sold, it is considered part of the vehicle for purposes of determining compliance with Maine's oversized ATV law. Some manufacturers may separately identify certain components in product specifications or marketing materials. This does not exempt the vehicle from Maine's statutory weight limits if the complete vehicle configuration exceeds the legal threshold.