PORTLAND, Ore. - Before hitting the dunes, forests or desert in 2009, ATVers, quad users or off-road motorcyclists age 15 or younger (or an adult who supervises those riders) must now complete an Oregon All-Terrain Vehicle safety education course.

The course requirement is one of several new ATV regulations that were signed into law by Gov. Ted Kulongoski in 2007.

The legislation requires that the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department phase in safety education requirements for ATV riders.  Each year after 2009, older age groups will be required to pass the safety course and by 2014, all riders (regardless of age) will be required to carry an ATV Safety Education Card while riding.

The idea behind the new regulations is to keep people safe, especially kids. According to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, ATV-related accidents rose 78 percent from 2001-2003, with more than 20 percent of ATV injuries occurring to children younger than 15.

“This program is aimed at saving people’s lives,” said John Lane, Oregon Parks and Recreation ATV Safety Education Coordinator. “Accidents and deaths from ATV-related activities are tragic, but even more alarming is the number of children involved in these accidents.”

Important Information To Know

• The new law affects all riders using public lands in Oregon.
• Out-of-state visitors riding their own ATVs on public lands in Oregon are also required to carry an ATV Safety Education Card.
• Riders renting ATVs will go through a safety checklist with the rental company and will be issued a temporary safety education card.
• The safety course is not required if the vehicles are being used on land owned or leased by the owner of the vehicle, including farming, agricultural or forestry operations, or, are used exclusively for nursery or Christmas tree growing operations.

Another rule you should already be aware of is the one that went into effect on January 1, 2008. Children under 18 are required to ride with their helmet chin-straps fastened and they must be supervised by someone who is at least 18 years old, has received accredited ATV training and can provide immediate assistance to the child.