State Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) testifies in the House Committee on Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure in Lansing on May 9, 2023.
LANSING, Mich., June 14, 2023 — The Michigan House voted overwhelmingly in favor of House Bill 4515, which would eliminate the sunset of Michigan’s off-road vehicle (ORV) licensing program. The ORV licensing program allows owners to enjoy a valuable outdoor recreational opportunity while supporting the maintenance of the trails and infrastructure that make these experiences possible. The program is scheduled to sunset at the end of this year.
“I’m happy to see this bill one step closer to becoming law,” said state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), the sponsor of the bill. “Our state has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and the rapid expansion of the off-road vehicle industry has given people of all ages new opportunities to enjoy them. The funding from this program helps support our unparalleled ORV trails and the infrastructure necessary for Michiganders to enjoy these exhilarating off-road experiences.”
Michigan has more than 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV trails and routes and six scramble areas. Drivers can also enjoy eligible county roads, frozen surfaces of public waters, and certain state and national forest roads. ORV license and trail permits are valid for one year, which begins April 1 and ends March 31 of the following year. You can find more information about the ORV licensing program here.