Madawaska ATV Club
Madawaska, ME.          

BEST TRAILS IN THE NORTHEAST

 
Frequently Asked Questions

We try to anticipate questions you might have about our club and State of Maine laws how they pertain to you, the rider, and provide the answers here. If you need additional information send us an email at our address listed below.

 

 

TRAIL INFORMATION
1.   Are there official opening and closing dates for trails?
      No, but the law does provide for a mud season closure.  Actual closure dates will vary across the state  based on local conditions.  Landowner or clubs have the right to close trails at anytime due to trail conditions.
2.   Can I ride my ATV on the snowmobile trails?
      No, unless it is either a designated as a duel use trail or you have landowner permisiion.  Just because a trail is authorized for snowbobiles does not mean you ride ATVs on it.
3.   How can I find out where to ride?
      The easiest way is to join a local club.  You can contact us on this site and print our local trail map. You can also visit www.ATVMaine.org for more information.
4.   Can I ride on state owned lands?
      Yes, you can ride on signed shared use roads or designated ATV trails.  There are many locations and proper ties where this is allowed.  Check locally.
5.   Some towns have approved ATVs on town roads.  Is there a list of these towns?
      The ATV access routes are authorized in conjuction with a local club and traiil system.  Check with local clubs and obey the posted signs.  Generally there is only a section of road that is open.
6.   What guidelines apply to ATV access routes on public roads?
      Routes will be opened by local ordinances, and will be posted conspicuously at regular intervals for travel on the extreme right of the public way.
7.   How can I tell if a trail is a designated ATV trail?
      It will have a green and white ATV sign with the ATV symbol on it.  See signing guidelines at our front page link to Maine Conservation Dept.
8.   Are there any park and ride locations for ATVs?
      Most clubs have locations to unload and access their trail systems, as do the trails on state lands.  Check locally.
      

1.

Law Clarification   
1.  Are Off-Road motorcycles considered ATV?
     Yes, under Maine Law they are considered an ATV and must be registered as one in order to ride off your own land.
2.  Is it true that I will lose my hunting, trapping, guiding, and fishing licenses for certain ATV violations?
     Yes.
3.  Who should landowners call if they have a problem with an ATV on their property?
     For issues in progress, call the nearest local enformcement agency. 
4.  I am from another state and my ATV is regestered there, so do I have to register it in Maine?
     Yes, everyone is required to register his or her ATV in Maine to ride in Maine.
5.  Are you allowed to ride an ATV on a road right-of-way?
     You can travel up to 500 yards to cross a road on the extreme right travel way.  You can travel further on the extreme right travel way if it is an authorized ATV access route.
6.  Can I register my jeep, dune buggy or pickup as an ATV?
     No.
7.  Do the ATV laws apply to my dual sport motorcycle?
     Yes, when used off road.
8.  Do I have to register my Dual Sport Motorcycle as an ATV?
     Not if it is registered as a motorcycle.
9.  Is a tree farm considered cropland?
     No.  However, damaging trees in a nursery or tree farm will be considered abuse of property and carries the same penalties in law.
10. Are landowners liable if they allow ATV use on their property?
      No.  Maine's recreational liability law protects them and if it's a designated ATV trail the state also provides liability insurance for the club maintaining the trail and the landowner.
11. Are helmets required?
      Yes, if you are under 18 years of age including passengers but we encourage everone to wear a helmet. 
12. What is the fine for riding a closed trail?
      $100 to $500 plus possible revocation of all IF&W licenses.
13. Can we ride along active railroad tracks?
      No.  Any use except for crossing at approved locations is prohibited.
14. Who has to take an ATV safety course before operating?
      A person over 9 years old and under 16 years old.
15. Do I have to belong to a club to ride?
      No, but we encourage it because the clubs are taking the lead obtaining permission and maintaining the trails, creating good will by addressing landowner problems, and they need your support.
16. Can joining a club potentially give me more access?
      Yes.  Clubs are the backbone to the sport.  They are obtaining permission and building trails and they know what is open and what isn't.

 

 

 

 

1.

FAQs
1. Do you need landowner permission to ride an ATV?
  Yes
2. Do ATVers need to carry written permission for every trail?

   No.
3. Does any landowner permission have to be in writing?

    Yes. If you are on cropland, pastureland or an orchard and are not on a designated ATV trail.
4. Do I need permission if I am on a trail?

    No. If you are on a designated (signed) ATV trail or on a landowner's property which has an open land policy.
    Yes, if it is not posted as an ATV trail.
5. Can a landowner have an open land policy?

   Yes, any landowner, including farmers, can have an open land policy.
6. Where can I ride my ATV?

    On designated ATV trails, land opened by landowner policy or where you have landowner permission.
7.  If I have ridden somewhere all my life, do I still need to get permission?
     Yes, unless it is already a designated ATV trail or the landowner has an open land policy.
8.  If I am stopped and asked about permission, how do I prove I have verbal permission?
     Give them the landowner's name that gave you permission.
9.  Have all the large landowners closed their property to ATVs?
     No, many landowners are authorizing ATV use through clubs on designated trails.
10. What is the fine for riding on land without permission?
      $100 to $500 plus automatic loss of all other licenses issued by Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
11. Can I ride on power lines and pipelines?
      They are privately owned and you must have landowner permission unless it is a designated ATV trail