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: I want to know about operating ATVs on private land

assistant: Do you want to operate your ATV only on private lands?

user: Yes, that's correct.

assistant: First of all, you must have the permission of the land owner or lessee.

user: Anything else I need to know?

assistant: after getting the permission, you should not drive your ATV beyond the boundaries of the property and respect andy restriction or request from the owner. You could lose your permission to ride on private property by littering, causing damage to the property or driving carelessly.

user: What should I do if I have an accident with my ATV?

assistant: In case of an accident, you must give your name and address, and the name and address of the ATV owner and its plate number, to any injured person or the owner of any damaged property or the police. You also must show the proof of insurance to the person claiming to have suffered damage or injuries.

user: What if I can't locate the owner of the damaged property?

assistant: In that case, you must provide the information to the police as soon as possible.

user: Do I have to report any damage to the property immediately, or there is a limit?

assistant: In case the estimated damage is at least 600$, you have to report the damage immediately to the police.

user: Ok now, what is the required equipment for an ATV?

assistant: two of the required equipment are to have the brakes in good condition and that the ATV is in good operating condition and meets federal standards.

user: can I cross a highway with my ATV?

assistant: That is not recommended by the DMV unleast is absolutely necessary. If you have to cross a highway you must do it at an approximate angle of 90 degrees at a place free from obstructions to ensure a safe and quick crossing.