non-licesed ATVS

[Andy]

Does anybody know for sure if you need insurance on an ATV that is only rode in the ditch?  I got a ticket for no insurance and no plate riding in the ditch.  I know I don't need a plate but can't find a solid answer on insurance.

[Grumpy 1]

I'm not sure but why would one need insurance if one doesn't need a license plate.  I'm not positive but it doesn't make since to require one to have insurance and not have a to have a plate.   I'd have to have the codified law shown to me that would require one to have to have insurance for driving in a ditch.  I guess I'd help defend that one.

[Andy]

You can look up the law it is 32-35-113. 

[Thumper700]

Sounds like a gray area to me.  It's legal for farmers to ride their unlicensed ATV in the ditch, and they can also cross the highway to go to the next field, if I'm not mistaken.  The only time there would be an issue is if the ATV struck a vehicle crossing the highway, maybe that's where the insurance is needed?

[redrzr]

I have never been asked for any insurance when in a ditch so dont really know but maybe since its considered a public right of way its needed

[Nelly]

I've been stopped by the sheriff many times around here. They tried getting me for that once and I asked the states attorney about it and he just took it took care of it saying thats a bunch of bull. They have never asked me for it since. Maybe talk to an attorney or something and ask them.

[Andy]

My lawyer thinks it is a grey area and the SA is the one who pushed the sheriff to charge me with all this BS.

[Gunner]

I think as long as your in the right away insurance is needed.  No different tha if a car hit you in the ditch.  You would still need to be insured to be covered by their ins. company.  It's a bs law.  I had a buddy that got hurt in basically the same way and their ins. comp. wouldn't pay cause he didn't have insurance on his vehicle ans so therefore wasn't "legal" to be in the public right of way.

Andy, I'm not trying to be a dick but I would bet for your Honda Insurance is less than $100 a year.  Why the hell wouldn't you have it?

[toodeep]

Is the Rubby insurable? I would consider it a piece of farm machinery just like a tractor. I have never been pulled over driving a tractor down the road and asked for proof of insurance. It's either in the farm policy or it's not, I would say you could get out of that one.

[Jake H]

riding in the ditch is like riding a snowmobile, you are in the public right of way.  I think its BS and have never bothered anyone about it.  The only time I have stopped an ATV was in town and because they needed to be stopped (Kids tearing around).

Also I have insurance on my 09 honda, $41.00 for 6 mos. with DeSmet Ins

[stumper]

My rappy costs me 4 bcks a month for liability. BUT its not insured for the street. My Brutes 38 a month  and is insured for the street. ATV's are excempt from being licenced in a right of way, not sure how it will play out about insurance. Im betting your farm liabilty would cover you.

[Jake H]

I think the exempt part comes if you are using it for work, like a farmer or rancher.  I never even bothered to look up the law because I don't care if someone rides their wheeler in the ditch or on the road, as long as they behave themselves.  There are places for screwing around and the highway and town aren't them.  Out of sight, out of mind.  Then no one bitches.  LOL

Dang it, now I am curious and have to check it out.  I

[Gunner]

riding in the ditch is like riding a snowmobile, you are in the public right of way.  I think its BS and have never bothered anyone about it.  The only time I have stopped an ATV was in town and because they needed to be stopped (Kids tearing around).

Also I have insurance on my 09 honda, $41.00 for 6 mos. with DeSmet Ins

You might want to reconsider your ins. Comp.  Delt with them twice now and they suck to deal with.  They are the worst for paying out.  If they can weasel out of something they will. Still fighting them over an accident from last May when one of their drivers hit us.