Outside a handful of signed trail connectors in Buchanan County and Tazewell County, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not street legal on any public highway, city street, or county road in Virginia. State law treats ATVs as off-highway vehicles, restricting them to private property, purpose-built trails, farming activities, or very limited circumstances such as crossing the road at a direct route.
Table of Contents
1. How Virginia Law Classifies ATVs
| Vehicle categories under § 46.2-100 | Key points |
|---|---|
| All-terrain vehicle | Motor-powered vehicle with three or more low-pressure tires, seat straddled by the operator, designed for off-highway use. |
| Off-road motorcycle / dirt bikes | Two-wheeled road motorcycles built for unpaved terrain. |
| Low-Speed Vehicles | Four-wheeled road vehicles topping out at 25 miles per hour and meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. |
Knowing these vehicle categories matters because only Low-Speed Vehicles can be registered as legal vehicles for neighborhood roads; ATVs and dirt bikes cannot.
2. Statewide Rules That Keep ATVs off Public Roads
2.1 The Core Prohibition
Virginia Code § 46.2-915.1 flatly bars ATV operation on public highways or other public property. Exemptions are narrow:
- Crossing a public highway by the shortest direct route.
- Use by law-enforcement officers, firefighters, or medical services responding to an emergency.
- Board-approved trail links in specific counties (see § 3).
Violations bring civil penalties up to $500.
2.2 Age & Safety Laws
- Operators under 16 may ride only age-appropriate machines (≤ 90 cc for 12-15 yrs; ≤ 70 cc for < 12 yrs).
- A DOT-approved protective helmet is compulsory for every rider.
- Carrying passengers is forbidden unless the ATV is factory-built for two.
2.3 Where You Can Ride State-Wide
- Private property with the owner’s written permission.
- Farming activities on land you own, lease, or manage.
- Designated Forest Service or state park trail sections open to off-highway use (check local trail rules for unusual noise limits).
3. County-By-County Exceptions
Virginia allows counties to open select county roads to ATVs when they border an established trail system. As of 2025 only two counties have done so:
3.1 Buchanan County
The Board of Supervisors authorises ATVs to travel one mile or less on posted roads that link the Spearhead Trails “Pocahontas Trail” network. Conditions include:
- Daylight riding only.
- 25 miles per hour speed cap.
- Trail permit decal plus an ATV-specific license plate issued through the Spearhead system.
- Compliance with all rules that apply to other motor vehicles.
3.2 Tazewell County
Tazewell mirrors Buchanan with signed connectors near the Town of Pocahontas and Boissevain. Requirements match Buchanan (helmet, 25 mph, daylight, signage) and apply only to listed route numbers 644, 663, 659, 627, 734 & 747.
Important: These ordinances do not turn your quad into a fully street legal vehicle. Riding beyond the signed mileage or after dark risks tickets and tow-away.
4. Minimum Equipment When a County Lets You Use the Road
The county rules above waive normal lighting requirements, but equipping your ATV makes you more visible (and friendlier to insurance adjusters). Consider:
| Safety item | Virginia Code reference | Keyword tick-box |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamp casting a white light 500 ft | § 46.2-1012 | white light |
| Rear tail light / brake lights illuminating the license plate light | § 46.2-1013-1014 | tail light, brake lights, license plate light |
| Orange triangle or amber light for slow vehicles | § 46.2-1017 | amber light |
| Good tyres—mud, snow tire, or all-terrain tire on rear tires | Best practice | rear tires |
Lights keep you legal if an officer decides the county connector counts as “highway lighting conditions.” law.lis.virginia.gov
5. Titling, Insurance & Paperwork
Virginia DMV titles ATVs so you can record liens and prove proof of ownership. Titling is voluntary for off-road machines, but mandatory if you plan to finance, insure, or transform the unit into another vehicle code class.
| DMV requirement | Form / Proof |
|---|---|
| Electronic title or paper Certificate of Title (VSA-17A) | Original bill of sale or dealer MSO |
| Proof of address | Virginia driver’s licence, utility bill |
| Proof of insurance (if riding on a county connector) | ATV liability policy or homeowner’s endorsement |
Without a title you cannot convert the quad into a Low-Speed Vehicle later. dmv.virginia.gov
6. Converting an ATV to a Low-Speed Vehicle – Myth vs Reality
Online forums tout “dune buggies” and kit parts that promise to make any four-wheeled ATV street legal. In Virginia that only works if:
- The completed build meets all Federal LSV standards (seat belts, windshield, wipers, turn signals, mirrors, DOT tyres, parking brake, 17-digit VIN, ≤ 25 mph certified by the manufacturer).
- The center of gravity and stability match FMVSS 500 tests.
- DMV inspects the vehicle and assigns a new VIN under the reconstructed-vehicle rules.
A trail quad rarely passes those hurdles, so most owners choose a purpose-built side-by-side LSV instead. Skipping the process and driving an ATV on blacktop can lead to towing, fines, and higher insurance premiums than road motorcycles.
7. Penalties for Ignoring the Rules
- Up to $500 civil penalties per offense plus court costs.
- Possible seizure of the machine inside city limits.
- Liability for property damage and injury—even your health-plan may deny claims if you broke applicable motor vehicle laws.
If your exhaust causes unusual noise on a public highway, expect an extra ticket under the muffler statute.
8. Border Riders: How Does North Carolina Compare?
Just across the state line, North Carolina also bans ATVs from public pavement; however, it does not offer the county-by-county allowances you find in Buchanan or Tazewell. Plan to trailer your quad before you cross Big Walker Mountain or the I-77 corridor.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride my ATV on public roads to reach gas or food?
No. Unless you are inside the signed trail corridor in Buchanan or Tazewell, an ATV on any public property that is maintained for road vehicles is illegal. Use a trailer instead.
Do I need a license to cross a highway?
Virginia does not require an operator’s licence for ATVs on private land, but you must obey traffic controls when crossing. Any traffic stop during a crossing still falls under motor-powered vehicle enforcement, so carry ID.
What about farm quads?
The farm exemption lets you operate on your own fields or move between farming activities on contiguous tracts you control. It does not legalise travel on a public highway between distant parcels.
Are UTVs or side-by-sides treated the same?
Yes—side-by-sides fall under the same all-terrain vehicles definition when intended for recreation. Utility models that meet LSV or farm equipment rules may differ, but the vast majority remain off-highway only.
10. Key Takeaways
- Are ATV street legal in Virginia? Almost never, and only for short, posted stretches in two southwest counties.
- State safety laws demand helmets, daylight riding, 25 mph limits, and trail permits where connectors exist.
- You still need titling paperwork and insurance proof to protect yourself on private land or during transport.
- Conversions to Low-Speed Vehicle status are possible but costly and rarely practical.
- Treat your quad as an off-highway vehicle. Trailer it, ride responsibly, and the Blue Ridge will stay open for years of fun.
Stay informed—county ordinances can change quicker than the seasons. Before every ride, confirm current rules with the local city council or sheriff, and respect the land you cross. Safe riding!