An all - terrain vehicle ATV is any self - propelled vehicle with two or more wheels that is manufactured for sale to be used primarily off - highway or in off - road competitions , and that is no wider than 70 inches and weighs no more than 1,000 pounds. This does not include vehicles manufactured for off - highway use and designed exclusively for travel on snow or ice, and supported by one or more skis, belts or cleats that utilize an endless belt tread. Those vehicles, which include snowmobiles, are subject to other laws and regulations. 

ATV REGISTRATION AND DATE OF EXPIRATION 
An ATV must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles DMV if it is operated anywhere in New York State, including on the owner's property. When you register a new or used ATV for the first time , your registration will expire each year on August 31. Registrations for ATVs originally registered before April 1 , 2005, will continue to expire each year on April 30. ATV dealers are required by law to register every ATV they sell to New York State residents or to non - residents before the purchaser takes delivery; unless the purchaser qualifies for an exemption from registration. A purchaser is exempt from registration when the ATV will be used exclusively: outside of New York State; at special events; for agricultural purposes; or for snow plowing other than for - hire. Dealers must have the purchaser complete and sign a " Declaration of Exemption From Snowmobile or All - Terrain Vehicle Registration " RV-6. Unless you qualify for an exemption from registration , you cannot take delivery from an authorized dealer until after the ATV is registered. If you buy an ATV from a person who is not a New York State registered ATV dealer , you must register the ATV with the DMV. To register the ATV ; you must complete an " Vehicle Registration / Title Application [1] " MV-82 and submit it to a motor vehicle issuing office. To register an ATV ; you must provide proofs of ownership, sales tax

user: What are rules for ATVs on private land?

assistant: Will you be operating on your own private land or someone else's?

user: On someone else's land.

assistant: You must have permission of the land owner or lessee.

user: What else do I need from the land owner?

assistant: You must know the boundaries of the property and respect any special restrictions or request of the land owner or lessee.

user: How old do you have o be to operate an ATV?

assistant: A parent or guardian may not knowingly permit or authorize his or her child under age 16 to operate a ATV. 

user: What are rules for operating an ATV?

assistant: You may not operate an ATV other than while seated on the permanent, regular seat and only carry passengers if the ATV is designed to carry a passenger.

user: What documentation do I need to have when operating an ATV?

assistant: You should carry your ATV safety training course certificate when operating any ATV.

user: Is there a law about who can operate an ATV?

assistant: Yes, no one inn possession of an ATV can allow any one under the age of 16 to operate an ATV.

user: What do I do if I have an accident and damage property but the owner is not around?

assistant: You must provide the name and address of the ATV owner as well as the plate number as well as proof of insurance to the police as soon as possible.