Snowmobiles and off-road vehicles must be
registered through the DNR.
I need some clarification on ATV/ORV registration regulations and driving privileges on county roads.
My husband and father-in-law have purchased off-road vehicles from Kubota. If these ORVs are being used for farming purposes — transporting feed, mending fences, and driving to and from farmed areas -— does the DNR require that the vehicles be registered?
Also, if the ORV is registered through the DNR, and a “slow-moving vehicle” sign is placed on it, does Indiana law allow for driving it on county roads?
Do different counties have different rules for ORV road operation? If so, what are those rules?
Off-road vehicles (ORVs) and snowmobiles purchased after December 31, 2003 must be registered. ORVs and snowmobiles purchased prior to that date may not be operated on public property unless they are registered (call 317-232-4200).
Operation of an ORV or snowmobile on a state roadway is prohibited. A vehicle may be operated on the public right-of-way adjacent to the traveled part of the public highway, except a limited access highway, if there is sufficient width to operate at a reasonable distance off and away from the traveled part (as long as it can be done safely).
You may also cross a public highway, except a limited access highway, at right angles for the purpose of getting from one area to another when the operation can be done in safety. The operator shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding across a public highway and shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic.
An ORV may be operated on a highway in a county road system outside the corporate limits of a city or town if the highway is designated for this purpose by the county highway department having jurisdiction. Be sure to check with your county highway department for regulations in your area.
In addition, a person without a valid driver’s license may not operate an ORV on a public roadway.
My son has expressed an interest in ice fishing. What are the safety concerns?
Ice thickness! To test it, drill a hole near shore with an ice auger, available at most sporting goods stores and bait shops. The test hole should show at least a four-inch thickness of clear ice, like the kind in your freezer. Be sure to keep the protective cover on the blade of the auger when not in use, since they’re razor-sharp.
Be aware of varying ice strengths and qualities. One area of a pond may be a foot thick, while another spot of ice may only be an inch thick. Ice strength can also change. Thick ice is rotten after rain. Old honey-combed ice, slush ice or ice with current under it is also dangerous. New ice is almost always stronger than old ice. Wind, waterfowl and beavers can keep areas of ice thin.
Slush is a danger sign. Slush indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom. Slush also indicates weak or deteriorated ice.
Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong. It can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. When ice is covered by snow, take great precautions to determine ice thickness before starting any activity. Snow can also hide cracked, weak ice and open water areas.
A life jacket is a wise addition to your regular ice fishing equipment. Ice is deceptive, so you need to be prepared, even on thick ice. A comfortable life vest fits well under large, warm coats, and it can be the difference between life and death if you fall through the ice.
To judge fresh, solid ice:
• Less than four inches — stay off.
• Four inches of ice required for safe ice fishing.
• Five inches of ice required for snowmobiling.
• Eight inches of ice required to support the weight of a car or light truck.
• Ten inches of ice required to support a medium-weight truck.
And most importantly, “When in doubt, don’t go out.”
To submit a question to Ask a CO, email OI@dnr.IN.gov or write to Outdoor Indiana, Ask a Conservation Officer, 402 W. Washington Street, Suite W255B, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
