What Wisconsin Riders Need to Know About AB329:
New Rules for Off-Highway Motorcycles
In July 2025, Wisconsin introduced Assembly Bill 329 (AB329)—a sweeping proposal to modernize the legal landscape for off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and snowmobiles. It’s the most comprehensive update to recreational vehicle law in years.
For riders, trail managers, landowners, and anyone who’s been injured in an off-road crash, AB329 isn’t just a legislative tweak—it’s a big deal. It changes how we ride, how accidents are handled, and how access is granted across public and private lands. Whether you’re cruising county trails on the weekend or running your OHM as part of a search-and-rescue team, this bill affects you.
Here’s what’s changing, how it could impact your rights, and what you should do now to stay compliant—and protected.
1. Why AB329 Matters
AB329 is a clear push to modernize Wisconsin’s off-road vehicle laws. It reflects changes in how we ride, how we respond to emergencies, and how we manage shared land. It’s also a direct response to growing safety concerns and a need for more consistent rules across cities, towns, and counties.
While it’s still under review in the Committee on Sporting Heritage as of July 2025, the bill is already shaping policy discussions across the state. Law enforcement, rider advocacy groups, and legal professionals are all paying attention—and so should you.
2. Big Changes Riders Should Know
A. Updated Definitions and Expanded Coverage
AB329 starts by updating key definitions in the law. This isn’t just legal housekeeping—these changes open the door for new types of use and enforcement.
Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHMs): The bill gives OHMs a clearer legal identity, separate from street-legal motorcycles.
Patrol Vehicles: AB329 creates new categories like “patrol OHMs,” “patrol ATVs,” and “patrol snowmobiles.” These vehicles can be equipped with lights and sirens and used by law enforcement, fire, or EMS.
Authorized Emergency Vehicles: OHMs, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles used for emergency response are now included in this expanded definition.
Bottom line? If you’re involved in public safety—or if you’re injured and need help on the trail—this bill makes it easier to get a fast, appropriate response.
B. Equipment Requirements Tighten Up
AB329 adds new safety rules for riders. Under the new law:
Brake lights are required on ATVs and UTVs.
Headlamps and tail lamps must be working and on during operation—no more riding in the dark with a dead bulb.
Brakes must be functional, not just present.
These requirements apply even if you’re just riding on private land or local trails. If your vehicle isn’t up to spec, you could be cited—or worse, put yourself or someone else at risk.
C. Crackdown on Reckless Riding
Wisconsin law used to prohibit only “careless” riding of ATVs and UTVs. AB329 raises the standard. It bans operation that is:
“Careless, reckless, or negligent in a manner that impairs the life, person, or property of another.”
Translation: If you damage someone’s fence, field, or equipment—or worse, injure someone—you could be on the hook for triple the cost of the damage, plus repair or replacement.
If you’re a landowner who allows trail access, this is a win. If you’re a rider, it’s a warning: know where you are and ride responsibly.
D. New Duty to Render Aid After a Crash
If you’re involved in a crash while riding an ATV, UTV, or OHM, you now have a legal duty to:
Stop and provide your name, address, and vehicle info
Give reasonable assistance to anyone who’s hurt
Failure to do this could result in civil or even criminal charges. And yes, this applies even if you’re not “at fault.” Leaving the scene is no longer just a bad look—it could ruin your case or land you in court.
E. Emergency Use and Patrol Exemptions
During declared emergencies (think wildfires, floods, or search and rescue operations), ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, and snowmobiles may be operated on any public roadway—so long as they’re used for emergency purposes.
Public safety agencies also get exemptions when responding to emergencies: they can ignore some operational restrictions like highway proximity or speed limits. This helps responders get where they need to go—fast.
F. Better Trail Connectivity: Bridges, Culverts, and Railroads
Under existing law, riders can only cross bridges under 1,000 feet long—and must stop before crossing.
AB329 changes that:
Eliminates the 1,000-foot limit
Expands crossing rights to culverts and railroad rights-of-way
Still requires riders to follow local ordinances
This makes it easier for riders to stay on trail systems without backtracking or trespassing. It’s good for safety, and it’s good for the trail economy.
G. Highway Maintenance Manual (HMM) Revisions
Here’s one most riders won’t see—but it matters.
The Wisconsin DOT’s Highway Maintenance Manual currently discourages using short segments of state highways as connectors between trails and local businesses. AB329 tells the DOT to revise that stance.
That could open up more access to fuel stations, restaurants, and other rider-friendly businesses—especially in rural areas where every mile matters.
3. What This Means for OHM Riders
If you ride an off-highway motorcycle in Wisconsin, here’s what you need to know:
You may now qualify as an emergency vehicle if you're part of a law enforcement or rescue team.
You’ll likely see expanded access to crossings like bridges and culverts (pending local approval).
You’re subject to the same equipment and safety requirements as other off-road riders—including the new brake light rule.
AB329 doesn’t treat OHMs as an afterthought—it brings them fully into the legal conversation. That’s a welcome change.
4. What You Should Do Now
A. Stay Informed
The bill isn’t law—yet. Stay in the loop by:
Following updates from the Committee on Sporting Heritage
Reading alerts from the Wisconsin DNR
Joining local chapters of groups like ABATE of Wisconsin
B. Check Your Bike
Now’s the time to do a safety check. Make sure your OHM, ATV, or UTV is up to code:
Brake light installed and working
Headlamp and tail lamp operational
Brakes actually stop you—not just squeak
A quick check today could save you a citation (or a crash) later.
C. Know the New Rules After a Crash
If you’re in an accident, here’s your checklist:
Stop and stay at the scene
Provide your info
Help anyone who’s hurt
Take photos if you can safely do so
If you’re injured and someone else’s negligence caused it, these steps will also help protect your legal rights.
D. Get Involved Locally
Many of AB329’s provisions will only matter if local ordinances support them. That means:
Showing up at town and county meetings
Asking your reps to adopt the new state standards
Advocating for connected, safe, and rider-friendly trails
You don’t have to be loud. Just be present. Your voice matters.
5. Legal Implications for Riders, Landowners, and Crash Victims
As a motorcycle injury law firm, we’ve seen too many riders get caught in gray areas. AB329 helps clear some of that up:
Clarifies who’s responsible when a rider causes damage or injury
Establishes clear duties of care for riders and landowners
Strengthens the case for riders and property owners seeking compensation
If you’re hurt in an off-road crash—or if someone’s injured while riding on your land—these rules could affect your ability to recover damages or defend yourself.
The key is documentation. Get medical care, take photos, and contact an attorney early.
6. Final Thoughts: Progress on the Trails
AB329 isn’t perfect, but it’s progress.
It recognizes that off-road vehicles aren’t just recreational toys—they’re essential tools for first responders, community connectors for small towns, and a huge part of Wisconsin’s outdoor culture.
The bill promotes safety without punishing responsible riders. It protects landowners without overregulating the trail system. And it gives off-highway motorcycles the attention they’ve long deserved.
We’ll keep watching AB329 as it moves through the legislature and provide updates when it becomes law. In the meantime, if you’ve been in an off-road crash or want help understanding your rights under Wisconsin law, give us a call.
We ride. We get it. And we’re here to help.
Want help after an off-road motorcycle crash? Reach out for a free, confidential case evaluation. At Wisconsin’s Motorcycle Law Firm, we fight for riders—and we don’t back down.