MADISON, Wis. — ATV and UTV riders in Wisconsin can expect to see more patrols on trails and routes as the Department of Natural Resources works to reduce crashes.
The DNR says conservation wardens and county recreation deputies will be monitoring riders as part of the Think Smart Before You Start safety campaign. The effort focuses on accident prevention and discouraging risky behavior, including speeding and operating while intoxicated.
According to the DNR, Wisconsin has recorded 15 ATV/UTV fatalities so far in 2026.
Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, the DNR’s off-highway vehicle administrator, said Wisconsin continues to see a rising number of injury and fatal ATV and UTV crashes. He said the agency is asking wardens and law enforcement partners to increase patrols while also urging riders to make safe decisions before they turn the key.
The DNR says seatbelts, helmets and sober operation are key safety measures for riders and passengers.
New ATV/UTV regulations took effect June 1. The DNR says updates include a requirement that UTV operators and passengers wear seatbelts, restrictions on towing people on trails or routes, limits on towing people on ice, and new UTV window tint restrictions.
The DNR also reminds riders to review safety course requirements. Wisconsin requires certain ATV and UTV operators born on or after January 1, 1988, to complete an approved safety certification course before operating on public riding areas.
Riders can find regulations and safety course information through the Wisconsin DNR.
