The following is an overview of the rules of the road for ATV use on the Oregon dunes. A complete list of rules are found in ORS. Chapter 821, and CFR Title 36, Chapter 2 Part 261.

For more information on riding your ATV in Oregon, please visit the Forest Service Web Site. For permit information, visit the Oregon State Web Site.

Class I: Quad or three wheelers
Class II: anything bigger than a Quad
Class III: Dirtbikes

1. Equipment. In general, ATVs and dirt bikes must have a red flag 8"X12" displayed 9 feet above the ground when operated on sand. Each vehicle must also be equipped with a headlight and red taillight when operated in poor visibility (not limited to night). A muffler in good condition is required. Mufflers must be maintained at 93 decibels on National Forest Lands or The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Class II ATVs must have a fire extinguisher on board. ATVs must have footrests for all riders. Persons under the age of 18 are required to wear motorcycle helmets while riding on or operating class I or III ATVs. Adults can be issued citations for allowing children to not wear a helmet.
   
2. ATV / OHV permits and decals: The ATV vehicle permit is the piece of paper with the vehicle information received with the decal. Keep the permit with the vehicle and attach the decal to the ATV on the right side in plain view. Decals are required on all classes of ATVs. Out-of-state permits will be honored in Oregon if the other state will honor Oregon permits. If the other state does not require or issue permits, an Oregon permit will be required. Any vehicle on the sand with an unloaded weight of less than 8,000 lbs is an ATV that is subject to these requirements. Serial numbers are required on all ATVs. An ATV not displaying a vehicle ID number will be subject to impound.
   
3. Class I: ATV operator's permit, driver's license, adult (over 18) required. Each person riding must have either an operator's permit, a driver's license or an adult who is in possession of one of the above when riding on a class I ATV. An ATV operator's permit is obtained by attending an approved safety course. A person as young as 6 years old can obtain this permit, and with the permit the child can ride a Class I ATV without the required adult riding with them. The license, permit or safety course completion card must be in each person's possession.

 
4. Class II: ATV operators are required to have a valid driver's license in their possession.
   
   
5. Class III: ATV operators must be at least 7 years old. Operators 7 - 11 years of age must possess a class III ATV operator’s permit or safety course completion card obtained by attending an approved safety course and have an adult riding with them on a class III ATV. Operators age 12 and over must have either a class III ATV operator's permit, safety course completion card, a valid driver's license, or an adult riding with them.
   
   Adults can be issued citations for allowing the unlawful operation of these ATVs if the children are allowed to ride in violation of the above. Class III operators less than 7 years old, and persons with suspended driving privileges, may not operate any motor vehicle anywhere except private property not open to the public.
   
   
6. Insurance: Class II ATVs are required to carry liability insurance. DMV accident reports are no longer required.
   
   
7. Dangerous operation: Any operation that could cause injury to people or damage to property. Examples are, but not limited to, giving rides to persons on ATVs built for one, or going through a camping area at high speeds. ATVs should be operated at 5 mph within 200 feet of any park, parking lot, camp site, loading zone, accident location or any other place of congestion.