Ind. Code ch. 14-16-1

in effect

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-1 Legislative intent

Sec. 1. It is the general intent and purpose of the general assembly in enacting this chapter to promote: (1) safety for persons and property; (2) responsible enjoyment in and connected with the use and operation of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles; and (3) understanding consistent with the rights of all the citizens of Indiana. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-16(c).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.35.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-1.5 "Alcoholic beverage" defined

Sec. 1.5. As used in this chapter, "alcoholic beverage" has the meaning set forth in IC 7.1-1-3-5. As added by P.L.219-2005, SEC.16.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-1.8 Expired

As added by P.L.86-2010, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.259-2013, SEC.30. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.30.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-2 "Dealer"

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "dealer" means a person engaged in the commercial sale of off-road vehicles or snowmobiles. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-1(h).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.36.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-3 Repealed

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-1(f).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.14-1998, SEC.1; P.L.186-2003, SEC.37. Repealed by P.L.225-2005, SEC.25.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-4 "Operate"

Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "operate" means to: (1) ride in or on; and (2) be in actual physical control of the operation of; a vehicle. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-1(c).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.225-2005, SEC.11.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-5 "Operator"

Sec. 5. As used in this chapter, "operator" means an individual who: (1) operates; or (2) is in actual physical control of; an off-road vehicle or a snowmobile. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-1(a).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.38.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-6 "Owner"

Sec. 6. As used in this chapter, "owner" means a person, other than a lienholder, who: (1) has the property in or title to; and (2) is entitled to the use or possession of; an off-road vehicle or a snowmobile. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-1(b).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.39.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-7 "Vehicle"

Sec. 7. As used in this chapter, "vehicle" refers to an off-road vehicle or a snowmobile. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-1(g).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.40.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-8 Expired

[Pre-1995 Title 14 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-2; Pre-2016 Title 9 Revision Citation: subsection (a)(2) formerly 14-16-1-19.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.41; P.L.225-2005, SEC.12; P.L.86-2010, SEC.6; P.L.25-2011, SEC.1; P.L.259-2013, SEC.31; P.L.198-2016, SEC.639. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.198-2016, SEC.639.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-9 Expired

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-3.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.42; P.L.25-2011, SEC.2; P.L.259-2013, SEC.32. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.32.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-9.5 Expired

As added by P.L.219-2005, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.259-2013, SEC.33. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.33.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-10 Expired

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-4.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.43; P.L.259-2013, SEC.34. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.34.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-11 Expired

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citations: 14-1-3-5(a), (b), (c), (d) part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.44; P.L.259-2013, SEC.35. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.35.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-11.5 Expired

As added by P.L.186-2003, SEC.45. Amended by P.L.259-2013, SEC.36. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.36.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-12 Public records

Sec. 12. Records of the department made or kept under this chapter are public records except as otherwise provided. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-5(d) part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-13 Expired

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-5(e).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.259-2013, SEC.37. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.37.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-14 Expired

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-6(a), (b).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.46; P.L.246-2005, SEC.117; P.L.259-2013, SEC.38. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.38.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-15 Expired

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-6(c).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.47; P.L.246-2005, SEC.118; P.L.259-2013, SEC.39. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.39.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-16 Expired

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-7.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.48; P.L.246-2005, SEC.119; P.L.259-2013, SEC.40. Expired 1-1-2017 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.40.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-17 Expired

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-8.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.259-2013, SEC.41. Expired 1-1-2014 by P.L.259-2013, SEC.41.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-18 Duties of dealers

Sec. 18. (a) A dealer shall maintain in safe operating condition all vehicles rented, leased, or furnished by the dealer. The dealer or the dealer's agents or employees shall explain the operation of a vehicle being rented, leased, or furnished. If the dealer or the dealer's agent or employee believes the person to whom the vehicle is to be rented, leased, or furnished is not competent to operate the vehicle with safety to the person or others, the dealer or the dealer's agent or employee shall refuse to rent, lease, or furnish the vehicle. (b) A dealer renting, leasing, or furnishing a vehicle shall carry a policy of liability insurance subject to minimum limits, exclusive of interest and costs, with respect to the vehicle as follows: (1) Twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for bodily injury to or death of one (1) person in any one (1) accident. (2) Subject to the limit for one (1) person, forty thousand dollars ($40,000) for bodily injury to or death of at least two (2) persons in any one (1) accident. (3) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one (1) accident. (c) In the alternative, a dealer may demand and must be shown proof that the person renting, leasing, or being furnished a vehicle carries a liability policy of at least the type and coverage specified in subsection (b). (d) A dealer: (1) shall prepare an application for a certificate of title as required by IC 9-17-2-1 for a purchaser of an off-road vehicle and shall submit the application for the certificate of title in the format required by IC 9-17-2-2 to the bureau of motor vehicles; and (2) may charge a processing fee for this service that may not exceed ten dollars ($10). (e) This subsection does not apply to an off-road vehicle that is at least five (5) model years old. After January 1, 2008, a dealer may not have on its premises an off-road vehicle that does not have a certificate of: (1) origin from its manufacturer; or (2) title issued by; (A) the bureau of motor vehicles or its equivalent in another state; or (B) a foreign country. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-9.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.219-2005, SEC.18; P.L.198-2016, SEC.640; P.L.85-2017, SEC.68.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-19 Repealed

[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-10.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Repealed by P.L.198-2016, SEC.641.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-20 Operation on highways and roads

Sec. 20. (a) Except as provided in IC 9-21-1-3(a)(14) and IC 9-21-1-3.3, an individual may not operate a vehicle required to be registered under this chapter, under IC 9-18-2.5 (before its expiration), or under IC 9-18.1-14 upon a public highway, street, or rights-of-way thereof or on a public or private parking lot not specifically designated for the use of vehicles, except under the following conditions: (1) A vehicle may be operated on the public right-of-way adjacent to the traveled part of the public highway, except a limited access highway, if there is sufficient width to operate at a reasonable distance off and away from the traveled part and in a manner so as not to endanger life or property. (2) The operator of a vehicle may cross a public highway, other than a limited access highway, at right angles for the purpose of getting from one (1) area to another when the operation can be done in safety. The operator shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop before proceeding across a public highway and shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic. (3) Notwithstanding this section, a vehicle may be operated on a highway in a county road system outside the corporate limits of a city or town if the highway is designated for this purpose by the county highway department having jurisdiction. (4) A law enforcement officer of a city, town, or county or the state may authorize use of a vehicle on the public highways, streets, and rights-of-way within the officer's jurisdiction during emergencies when conventional motor vehicles cannot be used for transportation due to snow or other extreme highway conditions. (5) A vehicle may be operated on a street or highway for a special event of limited duration conducted according to a prearranged schedule only under permit from the governmental unit having jurisdiction. The event may be conducted on the frozen surface of public waters only under permit from the department. (b) An individual less than fourteen (14) years of age may not operate a vehicle without immediate supervision of an individual at least eighteen (18) years of age, except on land owned or under the control of the individual or the individual's parent or legal guardian. (c) Except as provided in IC 9-21-1-3(a)(14) and IC 9-21-1-3.3, an individual may not operate a vehicle on a public highway without a valid motor vehicle driver's license. (d) A vehicle may not be used to hunt, pursue, worry, or kill a wild bird or a domestic or wild animal. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-11.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.259-2013, SEC.42; P.L.198-2016, SEC.642; P.L.256-2017, SEC.184.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-21 Lights and brakes

Sec. 21. (a) A vehicle may not be operated between sunset and sunrise unless the vehicle has at least one (1) headlight and one (1) taillight. (b) A vehicle may not be operated at any time unless the vehicle has adequate brakes capable of producing deceleration at fourteen (14) feet a second on level ground at a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-12.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.14-1998, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-22 Local ordinances

Sec. 22. A county, city, or town may pass an ordinance regulating the operation of vehicles if the ordinance meets substantially the minimum requirements of this chapter. However, a county, city, or town may not adopt an ordinance that does any of the following: (1) Imposes a fee for a license. (2) Specifies accessory equipment to be carried on the vehicles. (3) Requires a vehicle operator to possess a driver's license issued under IC 9-24-11 while operating an off-road vehicle or snowmobile. (4) Imposes a dry weight limitation of less than two thousand (2,000) pounds. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-13.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.49; P.L.86-2010, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-23 Restrictions on operation; exceptions

Sec. 23. (a) An individual shall not operate a vehicle under any of the following conditions: (1) At a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper having due regard for existing conditions or in a manner that unnecessarily endangers the person or property of another. (2) While: (A) under the influence of an alcoholic beverage; or (B) unlawfully under the influence of a narcotic or other habit forming or dangerous depressant or stimulant drug. (3) During the hours from thirty (30) minutes after sunset to thirty (30) minutes before sunrise without displaying a lighted headlight and a lighted taillight. (4) In a forest nursery, a planting area, or public land posted or reasonably identified as an area of forest or plant reproduction and when growing stock may be damaged. (5) On the frozen surface of public waters within: (A) one hundred (100) feet of an individual not in or upon a vehicle; or (B) one hundred (100) feet of a fishing shanty or shelter; except at a speed of not more than five (5) miles per hour. (6) Unless the vehicle is equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. (7) Within one hundred (100) feet of a dwelling between midnight and 6:00 a.m., except on the individual's own property or property under the individual's control or as an invited guest. (8) On any property without the consent of the landowner or tenant. (9) While transporting on or in the vehicle a firearm, unless the firearm is: (A) unloaded; and (B) securely encased or equipped with and made inoperative by a manufactured keylocked trigger housing mechanism. (10) On or across a cemetery or burial ground. (11) Within one hundred (100) feet of a slide, ski, or skating area, except for the purpose of servicing the area. (12) On a railroad track or railroad right-of-way, except railroad personnel in the performance of duties. (13) In or upon a flowing river, stream, or creek, except for the purpose of crossing by the shortest possible route, unless the river, stream, or creek is of sufficient water depth to permit movement by flotation of the vehicle at all times. (14) An individual shall not operate a vehicle while a bow is present in or on the vehicle if the nock of an arrow is in position on the string of the bow. (b) Subsection (a)(9) does not apply to a person who is carrying a firearm: (1) if: (A) the firearm is a handgun; and (B) the person is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law; or (2) if the person carrying the firearm is operating the vehicle on property that the person: (A) owns; (B) has a contractual interest in; (C) otherwise legally possesses; or (D) has permission from a person described in clauses (A) through (C) to possess a firearm on. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-14.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.181-1995, SEC.2; P.L.186-2003, SEC.50; P.L.219-2005, SEC.19; P.L.35-2011, SEC.1; P.L.175-2022, SEC.3.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-24 Duties in case of accident

Sec. 24. (a) The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in serious bodily injury to or death of an individual or property damage in an estimated amount of at least two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, notify at least one (1) of the following: (1) A state police officer or conservation officer. (2) The sheriff's office of the county where the accident occurred. (3) The office of the police department of the municipality where the accident occurred. (b) The police agency receiving the notice shall do the following: (1) Complete a report of the accident on forms prescribed by the director. (2) Forward the report to the director. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-15.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.51; P.L.123-2026, SEC.27.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-25 Enforcement powers

Sec. 25. (a) All law enforcement officers in Indiana shall enforce this chapter. (b) The attorney general and prosecuting attorneys have concurrent power to approve, file, and prosecute an affidavit charging a violation of this chapter. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-16(a) part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.52.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-26 Duties of department; trail land purchases

Sec. 26. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the department may purchase land for off-road vehicle and snowmobile trails only from a willing seller of the land. (b) The department shall do the following: (1) Prescribe the form of accident reports. (2) Conduct a campaign of education with respect to safety in the operation of vehicles in connection with the use and enjoyment of the public and private land of Indiana and with respect to Indiana laws relating to vehicles. (3) Construct and maintain off-road vehicle trails on public and private land consistent with the intent of this chapter. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-16(a) part.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.186-2003, SEC.53; P.L.259-2013, SEC.43; P.L.5-2015, SEC.41.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-27 Operation on public property

Sec. 27. An individual may not operate a vehicle: (1) on public property without the consent of the state or an agency of the state; or (2) in a United States forest without the consent of the United States Forest Service. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-16(b).] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-28 Duties of landowners and tenants

Sec. 28. (a) Except as provided in subsection (e), landowners and tenants of land do not owe a duty of care to do any of the following: (1) Keep their premises safe for entry or use by persons operating, using, or riding in vehicles for recreational purposes. (2) Give a warning of a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity on their premises to such persons. (b) Except as provided in subsection (d), a landowner or tenant who invites or permits a person to operate, use, or ride in a vehicle for recreational purposes on the landowner's or tenant's property does not do any of the following: (1) Make any representation or extend any assurances that the premises are safe for any purpose. (2) Confer upon the person the legal status of invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed. (3) Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to a person or property caused by an act or omission of the person. (c) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, this section is considered applicable to the duties and liabilities of: (1) an owner of land leased to; or (2) the owner of an interest or a right in land transferred to or the subject of an agreement with; the United States or an agency or a subdivision of the United States or the state or an agency or a subdivision of the state. (d) This section does not do the following: (1) Limit in any way any liability that otherwise exists. (2) Apply to the following: (A) Willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity. (B) Deliberate, willful, or malicious injury to a person or property. (C) Injury suffered in any case where the owner of land or tenant charges a fee or admission charge or other valuable consideration to a person who enters or uses the land with a vehicle for the purpose of using the vehicle for recreational purposes. However, if land or an interest or a right in land is leased or transferred to or the subject of an agreement with the United States or an agency or a subdivision of the United States or to the state or an agency or subdivision of the state, any consideration received by the holder of the lease, interest, right, or agreement is not considered a charge under this section. (e) This section does not do any of the following: (1) Create or increase a duty of care or ground of liability for injury to a person or property. (2) Relieve a person using a vehicle for recreational purposes upon the land of another from an obligation that the person may have in the absence of this section to exercise care in the use of the land and the person's activities on the land or from the legal consequences of failure to employ care. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-18.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-29 Violations

Sec. 29. (a) A person who violates section 20, 21, 23(a)(3) through 23(a)(14), 27, or 33 of this chapter commits a Class C infraction. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates section 18(a), 18(b), 18(c), 23(a)(1), 23(a)(2), or 24 of this chapter commits a Class B misdemeanor. (c) A person who violates section 18(d) or 18(e) of this chapter commits a Class A infraction. [Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-3-17.] As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.181-1995, SEC.3; P.L.155-2002, SEC.5 and P.L.158-2002, SEC.4; P.L.186-2003, SEC.54; P.L.225-2005, SEC.13; P.L.219-2005, SEC.20; P.L.1-2006, SEC.210; P.L.195-2014, SEC.12; P.L.141-2017, SEC.2; P.L.86-2018, SEC.163.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-30 Off-road vehicle and snowmobile fund

Sec. 30. (a) As used in this section, "fund" refers to the off-road vehicle and snowmobile fund established by subsection (b). (b) The off-road vehicle and snowmobile fund is established. The fund shall be administered by the department. (c) The fund consists of the revenues obtained under this chapter, IC 9-18-2.5 (before its expiration), and IC 9-18.1-14, appropriations, and donations. Money in the fund shall be used for the following purposes: (1) Enforcement and administration of this chapter. (2) Constructing and maintaining off-road vehicle trails. (3) Constructing and maintaining snowmobile trails. (4) Paying the operational expenses of properties: (A) that are managed by the department; and (B) on which are located off-road vehicle or snowmobile trails. (5) Costs incurred by the bureau of motor vehicles to operate and maintain the off-road vehicle and snowmobile registration program established under IC 9-18-2.5 (before its expiration) or IC 9-18.1-14. (d) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the fund not currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same manner as other public money may be invested. (e) Money in the fund at the end of the state fiscal year does not revert to the state general fund. As added by P.L.186-2003, SEC.55. Amended by P.L.25-2011, SEC.3; P.L.259-2013, SEC.44; P.L.198-2016, SEC.643.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-31 Dry weight limitation of less than 2,000 pounds

Sec. 31. The department may not adopt a rule, regulation, or guideline that, with respect to an off-road vehicle, imposes a dry weight limitation of less than two thousand (2,000) pounds. As added by P.L.86-2010, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-32 Annual trail use tag

Sec. 32. A vehicle that is: (1) from another state or country and is not registered in that state or country; and (2) owned by a nonresident of Indiana; may be operated on designated trails and properties owned or managed by the department if the operator of the vehicle pays a fee set by the commission for an annual trail use tag. As added by P.L.111-2016, SEC.14.

Ind. Code § 14-16-1-33 Operation of an off-road vehicle in violation of helmet requirement

Sec. 33. A person who is: (1) the owner of an off-road vehicle; (2) in possession of an off-road vehicle; or (3) entitled to the possession of an off-road vehicle, whether by reason of legal title, lease, license, rental arrangement, lease with option to purchase, contract of conditional sale, or otherwise; may not knowingly authorize or permit an individual less than eighteen (18) years of age to operate or ride on the off-road vehicle in violation of IC 9-18.1-14-11. As added by P.L.141-2017, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.38-2024, SEC.2.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/14Fetched: 10/17/2026