MO Missouri Porch

Off-roading

Kids & safety

Missouri's off-road safety laws in plain English — and the smart habits that aren't laws but keep everyone in one piece.

Off-roading is a blast — and it's also how people get hurt when they skip the basics. Missouri has a short set of safety laws you have to follow, and a longer list of smart habits that aren't laws but keep everyone in one piece. Here's both, kept clearly apart so you know which is which.

The law

Rules you have to follow

Kids under 16 need a grown-up

Anyone under 16 may not operate an ATV without adult supervision.

Helmets

State law requires a securely fastened helmet for anyone under 18 operating or being towed by an ATV. The state parks require helmets for everyone, and local road ordinances may be stricter — there is no blanket statewide helmet law for everyone on public roads.

Passengers

No passenger on an ATV unless it's for farm work or the ATV has a seat built for more than one person.

No impaired or reckless riding

No impaired riding — DWI laws apply off-road too — and no careless or reckless operation.

Good sense

Smart habits (not laws, just good sense)

None of these are required by Missouri law — they're just how experienced riders stay safe and keep the fun going.

  • Match the rider to the machine (youth-size machines for kids).
  • Take the ATV Safety Institute RiderCourse.
  • Wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, and boots.
  • Ride within your limits on steep, rocky terrain.
  • Don't ride alone in the backcountry without a plan.

Before you ride

Missouri Porch explains; the state, your county, and the land manager decide.

Last checked: 2026-06-18. ORV rules change and depend on where you ride and what you ride — always confirm with the Highway Patrol, your city or county, and the land manager before you ride.

This is a plain-English summary, not the law. This is legal information, not legal advice. Off-road rules depend on what you ride, where you ride, and which town or county you're in — always confirm with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, your city or county, and the land manager before you ride.

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