Charlotte Mecklenburg Safe Kids

Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg recommends that ATV riders abide by all NC ATV laws. Safe Kids Worldwide further recommends that no children under age 16 be allowed to ride an ATV under any circumstances.

Never ride a three-wheeled ATV. Although banned in 1982 and no longer manufactured, many are still in use.
Do not allow anyone under 16 to operate an adult-sized ATV. Adult ATVs are designed for operators over 16 years of age who are physically bigger, have well-developed cognitive abilities and have received proper training.
Any operator under 16 should use an ATV made for his or her age group. Many manufacturers now make smaller ATVs to be used by children under 16.
All operators should take a safety course in proper ATV handling and use. ATV courses teach potential operators how to shift their weight to handle riding on uneven surfaces and prepare them for situations they might encounter off-road.
ATVs should only carry passengers if specifically designed to do so. Except for a few new models, ATVs are designed to carry only an operator. Passengers throw off the balance and movement of the vehicle, making it harder to control.
An identification flag should be placed on every ATV. Red or orange in color and a minimum of six by 12 inches in size, the flag should be attached to the ATV so that it is at least eight feet above ground level. Flags alert other operators to the ATV’s presence.
Proper safety gear, including boots, helmet, gloves, goggles, pants, and a shirt, should be worn at all times. All equipment should be durable and fully protect the part of the body that it covers.
ATVs should be used only at certified parks and on courses, and should never be used on paved roads, especially highways. ATVs have suspensions and tires designed for off-road use, and they often do not function well on highways. They are also much smaller than the average car, offering little protection to the operator in the event of a crash.
Throttle limiters should be installed on all youth- and child-sized ATVs. A throttle limiter is a screw placed on the throttle that limits the top speed of the vehicle.

NC ATV Laws