Wisconsin DNR Proposes Statewide ATV and UTV Open Container Ban

Drivers and passengers riding all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles across Wisconsin would face strict statewide prohibitions against carrying open containers of alcohol or other intoxicants under a rule package currently moving through the state’s natural resources agency.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has advanced the proposal to close a regulatory gap that currently bans operating these off-highway vehicles while intoxicated without specifically outlawing open containers.

The restriction covers public roads, trails, frozen waterways, and any other terrain open to public ATV and UTV use, though private property remains exempt if the rider has the owner’s permission and the land is not open to the public.

Under the draft language, empty containers qualify for an exception only if they are kept strictly as trash and hold no remaining intoxicants. Additional intoxicants, including controlled substances, fall under the same prohibition for both operators and passengers.

Alcohol Contributes to Many Fatal ATV and UTV Crashes

During an October public hearing, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator Jacob Holsclaw explained the core motivation behind the draft changes.

“Alcohol over the last several years has been a top contributing factor in ATV and UTV fatal crashes and serious injury crashes,” Holsclaw said.

Vehicle Administrator Jacob Holsclaw

Agency data indicates that alcohol was a contributing factor in 43 percent of fatal ATV and UTV crashes recorded between 2021 and 2025.

New UTV Window Tint Exemptions and Signaling Rules

Beyond the alcohol restrictions, the DNR rule proposal addresses vehicle equipment standards. The agency outlined new window-tint regulations for UTVs that grant exemptions for verified medical reasons. Factory-installed windows on UTVs manufactured before March 1, 2027, would receive exemptions from current tint limitations.

The package also establishes uniform statewide signaling rules. Drivers would gain clear authorization to use either vehicle turn signals or hand and arm signals when turning or stopping on public roads and trails.