Recreational Vehicle Requirements

Summer is fast approaching, and as the weather continues to improve in the Chicago area, outdoor enthusiasts will head outside to participate in various activities. In fact, there are several ATV tracks around the Chicago area, all of which are beginning to open up for the season.

However, as of September last year, the state of Illinois announced a new mandatory registration fee for ATV owners. According to Watchdog.org, the $15 fee is meant to maintain state parks, and pertains not only to ATV drivers but to golf cart and UTV owners as well. Critics of the law insist that ATV owners will not obtain the registration “until they are caught without one.” But as of January 2014, all Off-Highway vehicle owners are required to have one.

Also, when operating a recreational vehicle, safety is a great concern. ATVSafety.gov reports there were an approximate 259 ATV deaths in Illinois between 1982 and 2011. One recent death came at the end of 2013, when a man from Shannon, Illinois was killed in an accident about 70 miles northeast of Quad-Cities, according to Quad Cities Online. It is essential to remember that such off-road vehicles are only permitted to be used on designated backcountry roads—never on paved roads or highways, according to ATVSafety.gov.

Liability for ATV accidents in Illinois, as noted by DMV.org, works similarly to liability for car accidents, and is the same requirement as that for motorcycle operators. The state standards require that all ATV drivers carry liability insurance that covers:

• $20,000 for the death or injury of one person, or;
• $40,000 for the death or injury of more than one person, and;
• $15,000 of coverage for property damage.

Obtaining insurance for your off-road vehicle is as simple as finding insurance for a car. In Illinois, DMV.org reports that riders are not required to wear a helmet, and cannot be found liable for failing to do so. If, however, you are responsible for an ATV accident and have not registered your vehicle or purchased the proper vehicle insurance, you will be responsible for damages.

If you or someone you know has been affected by an ATV accident, the most important step is to seek legal counsel. Contact an Illinois recreational vehicle accident attorney today.