Permits & Reciprocity

Riding with a child in a West Virginia side-by-side requires checking age and fit, using proper restraints and gear, and confirming trail permits.

Direct supervision on West Virginia trails means staying close, watching continuously, and checking the system’s age, machine, and safety rules before riding.

Age rules for Hatfield-McCoy passengers include a minimum age of six and adult supervision for riders under 16; check machine fit and safety too.

A 6-year-old can ride at Hatfield-McCoy, but age alone is not enough: match the machine, supervision, trail and safety gear to the child.

A West Virginia ATV safety certificate may not satisfy every destination’s rules. Verify the document, rider age, and trail requirements before traveling.

Out-of-state ATV safety certificates may not automatically meet West Virginia rules; verify recognition and trail exceptions before riding.

West Virginia managed trails may exempt riders from the state ATV safety course, but age, supervision, permits and trail rules still apply.

West Virginia ATV safety course rules for a 17-year-old depend on the riding area; verify managed-trail exemptions and keep course proof separate from permits.

Replacing a lost West Virginia ATV safety card starts with verifying the course record; a trail permit, title, or photo may not replace the card.

West Virginia ATV safety cards generally do not expire, but they are separate from trail permits and out-of-state course acceptance.