Wisconsin Utv Auto Insurance Requirements: What You Need To Know

Utility task vehicle (UTV) laws in Wisconsin require drivers to take a safety certification course and register their vehicle. You must be at least 16 years old to drive a UTV in Wisconsin, even if you have a safety identification card. While UTV insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended in case of accidents.

UTV insurance is not mandatory in Wisconsin

UTV Insurance in Wisconsin

In the state of Wisconsin, UTV insurance is not mandatory. However, there are certain requirements that UTV owners and operators must meet. These include:

• Registering the UTV with the state's Department of Natural Resources. This involves obtaining two decals that must be displayed on the front and back of the UTV, as well as a license plate that must be attached to the rear of the vehicle.
• Obtaining a safety certification card. All UTV operators born on or after January 1, 1988, who are at least 16 years old, must complete a UTV safety certification course to operate on public UTV trails and areas in Wisconsin. This is recommended for all UTV operators, regardless of age.

While insurance is not compulsory, it is worth considering as it can provide financial protection in the event of an accident. UTVs can be expensive to repair or replace, and insurance can help cover these costs. When considering UTV insurance, it is important to shop around and ask questions to find the policy that best suits your needs.

In contrast to UTVs, some other vehicles in Wisconsin do require insurance. For example, moped and motorcycle drivers are legally required to have insurance and must carry liability coverage to protect other drivers in case of an accident. Additionally, all vehicles in Wisconsin must meet the minimum insurance requirements, which include bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage.

UTV drivers must have a safety certification card

In the state of Wisconsin, UTV drivers are required to have a safety certification card if they were born on or after January 1, 1988, and are at least 16 years old. This safety certification is mandatory for those who wish to operate a UTV on public riding areas, such as trails, frozen waters, routes, permitted county lands, and forest lands. Obtaining this certification involves completing an approved ATV safety certification course, which can be done through traditional classroom instruction or online web courses.

The requirement for UTV drivers to possess a safety certification card is part of Wisconsin's efforts to promote safe and responsible use of recreational vehicles. The safety certification course covers important topics such as laws and regulations, ethics, personal safety, and the proper use of UTVs. By completing the course, operators can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce the potential for incidents, injuries, and fatalities associated with UTV operation.

It is important to note that while UTV insurance is not mandatory in Wisconsin, it is strongly recommended. UTVs can be expensive, and repairing or replacing them in the event of an accident can result in significant financial burden. By insuring your UTV, you can protect yourself from these unexpected costs.

To obtain a safety certification card, UTV drivers must first enroll in and complete an approved safety education course. These courses are offered through the Wisconsin DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and can be found on their website. The cost of the course varies depending on the format, with traditional classroom instruction costing $10 and internet courses ranging from $34.95 to $35.95.

Once an individual has completed the required safety certification course, they will receive their safety certification card. This card must be carried with them while operating a UTV and presented to law enforcement officers upon request. It serves as proof of the operator's successful completion of the safety course and their understanding of safe UTV operation.

UTVs must be registered with the state

In Wisconsin, UTVs must be registered with the state if they are to be operated within the state and meet the statutory definitions. The Wisconsin DNR provides registration services for UTVs, and only those that meet the statutory definitions can be registered and used on public trails.

Registration Requirements

UTVs operating within the state that meet the statutory definitions need to be registered as public use, private use-agricultural, or private use-nonagricultural. Registration decals must be properly displayed, and proof of sales tax payment is required for all sales transactions. Sales tax paid to another state on the UTV may be claimed as a credit to reduce the sales tax payable.

Exemptions to Registration

There are several exemptions to the registration requirement for UTVs in Wisconsin. These include:

• A person may operate a UTV in Wisconsin during the first full weekend in June of each year without registering the vehicle.
• The UTV is brought into Wisconsin by a nonresident for use on public trails, and it either has a nonresident annual UTV trail pass or the operator has a 5-day trail use receipt. Nonresidents who keep their UTV in Wisconsin must register it in the state.
• The UTV is owned or leased by a government agency, and the name of the agency is displayed visibly on the vehicle.
• The UTV displays a registration decal required by a tribe or band.
• The UTV is in the state for not more than 15 days and is used exclusively as part of an advertisement for the vehicle's manufacture.

How to Register Your UTV

There are several ways to register your UTV in Wisconsin:

• Visit GoWild.WI.Gov to complete your UTV registration online. You can print a temporary operating receipt valid for 21 days that you can use until you receive your decals and registration card in the mail.
• Go to a DNR service location to renew the registration of a UTV already listed in your name or register a recently purchased UTV. They will provide a 21-day temporary operating receipt that you can use before receiving your registration decals.
• Complete the UTV Registration Application Form 9400-376 and mail the application with the appropriate fees to the address provided on the form. If the decals have expired, you must wait to receive the new certificate of registration and decals in the mail before operating your UTV.
• If you purchased your UTV from a commercial UTV Wisconsin dealer, they will complete and submit a UTV registration application on your behalf. You must carry your copy of the application form or a temporary operating receipt while operating the UTV until your decals and registration certificate arrive. Dealers have five days from the date of sale to submit the registration.

UTV drivers must be at least 16 years old

In Wisconsin, UTV drivers must be at least 16 years old to operate the vehicle on a roadway for agricultural purposes. This is the case even if they have completed a safety course and obtained a safety certificate.

Wisconsin law requires all UTV operators who are at least 12 years old and were born on or after 1 January 1988 to complete a safety education course and obtain certification. This requirement also applies to ATV operators. However, the minimum age to drive an ATV is 12 years, while for a UTV, it is 16 years.

Safety certification can be obtained by successfully completing a safety course sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Alternatively, safety certification from another state or a province of Canada will be accepted.

It is important to note that the minimum age requirements for UTV drivers may vary depending on the municipality within Wisconsin. While state law sets the minimum age at 16 years, some municipalities may have different age requirements, specific hours of operation, and even mandatory insurance requirements. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the owner or rider to be aware of and comply with the local laws and ordinances that may differ from the state-level regulations.

In addition to age requirements, there are other important safety considerations for UTV drivers in Wisconsin. All occupants of a UTV must wear seatbelts, and helmets are mandatory for those under 18 years of age. UTVs must also display current registration stickers on both sides of the vehicle and have functioning headlights and taillights, regardless of the time of day.

UTV insurance can cover damage to your vehicle and other property

UTV insurance is a specialized type of insurance that covers off-road vehicles like UTVs or utility task vehicles. While UTV insurance is not mandated by law in most states, it can provide financial protection in the event of accidents or collisions. The cost of UTV insurance varies depending on factors such as the age and driving record of the driver, the make and model of the UTV, and the chosen insurance provider.

UTV insurance typically includes liability coverage, which protects against property damage or injuries caused while riding. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and damage to property for those affected by an accident. Additionally, collision coverage is available to repair or replace a UTV if it collides with another vehicle or object, while comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or fire.

In Wisconsin, UTV insurance is not required by law. However, insuring your UTV can be beneficial to cover the cost of repairs or replacement in case of an accident. The decision to purchase UTV insurance depends on individual needs and the level of financial protection desired.

UTV insurance can provide valuable coverage for damages to your vehicle and other property. It offers liability protection, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage, ensuring financial assistance in the event of accidents, property damage, or vehicle repairs.

Liability coverage is a standard component of UTV insurance. It provides protection in the event that you cause property damage or injuries while operating your UTV. This coverage extends to both your passengers and other individuals involved in an accident. Liability insurance can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage repairs, ensuring that you are not held financially responsible for the full cost of these expenses.

Collision coverage is another important aspect of UTV insurance. If your UTV collides with another vehicle or object, or if it is damaged in a rollover accident, collision coverage will help pay for the necessary repairs or replacement. This type of coverage is often required by lenders if you have financed the purchase of your UTV. By including collision coverage in your policy, you can have peace of mind knowing that the costs associated with accidental damage to your vehicle will be covered.

In addition to collision coverage, UTV insurance also offers comprehensive coverage. This type of coverage protects your UTV from non-collision incidents, such as fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Comprehensive coverage ensures that you are financially protected in a wide range of scenarios, giving you confidence that your vehicle is covered regardless of the nature of the incident.

Overall, UTV insurance provides valuable protection for your vehicle and property. By including liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage, you can rest assured that you will have financial assistance in the event of accidents, property damage, or repairs to your UTV. It is important to review the specific details of your insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage and make informed decisions about your financial protection.

Frequently asked questions