ATVs and side-by-sides are among the riskiest things a landowner or rental host can let guests use. Rollovers cause most serious injuries, and children on adult-size machines are a well known danger. If guests ride on your land, put your riding rules in writing.
Copy the terms below into the property-specific section of a full release, such as our free liability waiver template. Insurance matters a great deal here, so check your coverage before letting anyone ride.
How to use this template
- Start with a full release of liability. Simple Waivers includes one, and you can read it on the free liability waiver template page.
- Copy the atv and utv terms below and edit them to match your property and rules.
- Add them as the property-specific section, then send guests one link or QR code to sign before they arrive.
ATV and UTV waiver terms (free to copy)
ATV and UTV Terms. I understand that riding or driving an ATV, UTV, side-by-side or similar off-road vehicle involves serious risks including rollovers, being thrown from the vehicle, collisions with trees, rocks, fences, animals and other vehicles, hidden hazards on trails and open ground, mechanical failure, and injuries that can be permanent or fatal. I and every person in my group ride at our own risk. I agree that every rider will wear a helmet and eye protection, long pants and closed-toe shoes, and will use any seat belts and doors the vehicle has. No one will carry more passengers than the vehicle is designed for, and no one will ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs. I agree that no child will drive or ride on a vehicle that is not the right size and age rating for them, and that minors may ride only with my permission and under adult supervision. I accept responsibility for supervising any minors in my group. I will stay on trails and areas the Organizer approves, will ride at a safe speed, will not ride on public roads unless that is legal and allowed, and will report any damage or mechanical problem before riding again.
This is sample wording to start from, not legal advice and not a guarantee of protection. Edit it to fit your property, and have an attorney licensed where your property is located review it before you rely on it.
What these terms cover
- Rollover and ejection risks, the main causes of serious ATV injuries.
- Helmets, eye protection and proper clothing.
- Passenger limits matched to the vehicle's design.
- Children only on machines rated for their age.
- Approved trails only and no impaired riding.
Tips before you use it
- Federal safety guidance warns against children under 16 on adult-size ATVs. Check the age label on each machine.
- Many homeowner policies exclude off-road vehicles. Ask your insurer about guest use.
- Mark approved trails and close off steep slopes, water crossings and property lines.
- Some states have recreational use statutes that limit a landowner's liability when access is free. Charging a fee can change that, so ask a local attorney.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a waiver to let friends ride ATVs on my land?
That is a decision for you, ideally with your insurer and an attorney. Many landowners use one so every rider agrees to the safety rules. Insurance and your state's recreational use laws matter just as much.
Can kids ride ATVs if their parent signs a waiver?
A parent can sign for a child, but how much legal effect that has depends on the state, and a waiver does not make an adult-size ATV safe for a child. Match machines to the age label.
Does a waiver protect me if I rent ATVs to guests?
Renting vehicles can bring commercial insurance, licensing and rental rules into play that a waiver does not cover. Talk to your insurer and a local attorney first.
More free waiver templates
More on this use case: waivers for landowners and choosing a waiver app for your rental.
Have guests sign it on their phone
Create a waiver in Simple Waivers, tick Property-Specific Terms, paste this text, and share one link or QR code. Every signature is saved as a PDF. Free for 10 waivers a month, no card required.
This template is general information, not legal advice, and is provided as a starting point only. Waiver enforceability depends on the law where your activity takes place, and some states and provinces limit waivers or waivers signed for minors. Edit it to match your property and have a licensed attorney in your area review it before you rely on it. Simple Waivers is a software provider and is not a party to any waiver you collect.