As summer approaches, thoughts of getting out on open land for some ATV or OHV riding fills some heads. They may want to introduce or share the experience with their children or younger friends. However, before you go enjoy the great outdoors, first you need to know the rules and regulations regarding young riders today. Almost every state has their own laws regarding ATV use, although some have none.

The most recent of new laws has nothing to do with the riding or operating of ATVs or OHVs, but rather the sales. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has banned the sale of ATVs or OHVs marketed for children under the age of 12. Although they have enacted a stay of enforcement of that ban, it is still illegal to sell them.

Oregon recently established a new law stating that, as of January 2009, all operators 15 years and under must pass an ATV safety education course and get certified as well as be under the supervision of an adult of least 18 years of age that has also passed the course. Each year, they will be raising the age level until 2014, when all operators of ATVs will need to complete the course. Although it takes a couple hours to complete, it is online, so it is relatively easy to access.

California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Datoka, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin all have rules regarding a ATV safety education course for either the rider under 18 or having an adult supervising the youth. Several states also have helmet laws for all riders under 18 years. Some require adult supervision for most under 16 years, and in other states, the age is lower. Your best bet is to look up your state's laws and regulations.