LAND USE - LEADERSHIP - LIFESTYLE
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CLASS IV

Side-by-Sides.

Have a steering wheel, non-straddle seat and roll cage. 

The industry produces Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) and Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) and they both are considered Class IV ATVs.

  • ROVs have a max speed of 30mph.
  • The single seat Polaris Ace is also a Class IV. 
  • Land managers may designate trails by width and limit side-by-sides by 50 or 65 inches due to narrow bridges or tight trees.

COOHVA - CLASS IV Board Member Representative:

Brent Jenkins - brent@coohva.org 

Defined: ORS 801.194

  • Is 80 inches wide or less at its widest point.
  • Has a dry weight of 2,500 pounds or less
  • Has non-straddle seating
  • Has a steering wheel for steering control
  • Travels on four or more pneumatic tires that are six inches or more in width and has wheels with a rim diameter 14" or less. 

Vehicle requirements:

  • ATV Sticker. An ATV Operating Permit is required for your machine if you are operating it on lands open to ATV use. The price is $10 and is valid for two years. Purchase through our online store.
  • Insurance. Liability insurance is not required by for Class IV vehicles but strongly encouraged to protect you from a lawsuit if you have an accident.
  • Titles. Titles are not required for Class IV ATVs, but a title is often required by the bank or insurance company, to finance or insure a vehicle. Contact Driver and Motor Vehicle Services for vehicle titling information. A title also helps prove ownership if the vehicle is stolen. Class IV ATVs cannot be registered to get a license plate.
  • Equipment. Meet the safety equipment standards for off-road vehicles. Including: 2lbs. fire extinguisher, roll bar or enclosed cab, seats and seat belts for operator and all passengers, and windshield wipers, if equipped with a windshield. Must also have working brakes, a secure fuel tank and floor pan which protects rider's feet. Must have a flag when operating on sand and headlights and taillights when operating after dark.
  • Mufflers. Adequate  muffler to limit sound emissions to 97 db. Spark arrester during fire season.
  • Fire Season. During fire season, there may be extra restrictions on equipment and where you can drive. This depends on the land owner and the timing of the year. As a general rule, during fire season you should have a shovel and fire extinguisher for every vehicle when in the forest. You will also need a muffler and an exhaust system in good working order, which prevents sparks. Some areas will restrict use to improved roads free for vegetation. Oregon Department of Forestry. US Forest Service, check with each forest.

Operator requirements (applies only to public OHV riding areas):

  • License. Must have a valid Driver License or Instruction Driver Permit. If under age of 16, may operate a youth machine, with ATV Safety Education Card and adult supervision. Operators with a suspended or revoked Driver License may not operate any Class of ATV.
  • Example: the Polaris RZR 170 manufacturer recommendation is for riders 10 years old and older. A youth 10 and older is allowed to operate this vehicle if that youth has been trained and has a valid ATV Safety Education Card
  • Helmets. Youth under 18 must wear a DOT approved helmet with the chin strap fastened. ORS 821.202
  • Seat Belts. Youth under 16 must wear safety restraints in accordance with ORS 821.202, including child seats for children weighing less than 40lbs.
Youth under 16: (unless has an Instructional Driver Permit)
  1. Must be supervised by an adult who is at least 18 years old and  holds a valid ATV Safety Education Card and can provide immediate assistance and direction to the children.
  2. Can only operate a machine that has a manufacturer recommendation for their age.
  3. Must also successfully complete a hands-on training course