Do Passengers Need a Wisconsin Pass?
A passenger riding on an ATV or UTV in Wisconsin does not need a separate trail pass. The pass applies to the machine, not each person aboard. The detail that can trip people up is that requirements depend on where the machine is ridden and how it is registered, so check the vehicle’s paperwork before heading onto public trails.
The pass is for the machine, not the passenger
Wisconsin’s non-resident ATV trail pass is tied to the ATV or UTV being operated on public trails. It is not a ticket for each person in the seat. If a machine needs a pass, one valid pass for that machine covers its use; carrying a passenger does not mean buying another.
That distinction matters most for visitors bringing an out-of-state machine. A rider travelling with one two-person ATV or UTV generally needs to check the pass status of that vehicle, not count the people riding in it. If the passenger later drives a different machine that requires a pass, that second machine needs its own coverage.
| Situation | Does the passenger need a separate pass? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger rides on the same ATV or UTV as the operator | No | Whether the machine has the registration or pass needed for that trail |
| Passenger rides a separate ATV or UTV | The person does not need a personal pass, but the separate machine may need one | Registration and pass status for each machine |
| Passenger takes a turn driving the same machine | No additional pass just for the passenger | That the machine’s pass is valid and the driver is legally allowed to operate it |
| Passenger rides on a route or road instead of a public trail | Not a separate passenger pass | Route rules, local ordinances, and machine registration requirements |
For a more detailed explanation of which machines need a non-resident pass, see Wisconsin’s Non-Resident Trail Pass and Which Wisconsin Trails Require a Pass. Pass requirements are about operating a particular vehicle in a particular place, not about the number of riders in that vehicle.
A pass also does not replace the machine’s registration or satisfy every other riding requirement. A passenger may still be subject to age-related helmet rules, and an operator must meet the applicable age and safety requirements. Those are separate questions from whether the passenger needs a pass.
What changes with Wisconsin registration, rentals, and borrowed machines
The easiest way to answer the pass question is to identify the machine’s registration status first. A Wisconsin-registered machine used on public trails generally does not need a separate non-resident trail pass, but registration type matters. In particular, do not assume every Wisconsin registration category gives the same permission to ride public trails. Check Machines Registered in Wisconsin and the Pass if you are unsure whether the machine’s registration is suitable for trail use.
For an out-of-state machine, check whether the required Wisconsin trail pass is already attached and valid before riding. The passenger does not need to buy a pass in their own name, but the machine may need one. Details about display and purchasing options are covered in Displaying a Wisconsin Trail Pass and Buying a Wisconsin Trail Pass Online.
Rentals and borrowed machines can make this less obvious. A rental operator or owner may have already handled the registration or pass, but do not rely on an assumption. Ask which documents or decals cover the machine, and check that they apply to the riding area you plan to use. A pass associated with another machine should not be assumed to cover the one you are about to ride.
Before leaving the staging area, confirm:
- The machine’s registration category and issuing state.
- Whether that registration covers the intended public trail use.
- Whether a pass is required for that machine and, if so, whether it is valid and properly displayed.
- Whether the trail is open to that type of machine.
- Whether the operator and passenger meet the applicable safety and age rules.
If you are borrowing a machine, Passes for a Borrowed Machine Up North explains why it is worth checking coverage rather than treating the owner’s pass or registration as automatically transferable. For a rental, see Wisconsin Pass Rules for a Rented Machine. The important point is the same in both cases: verify the machine’s status before riding, even when the passenger is not responsible for purchasing a separate pass.
Trails, routes, and other places passengers ride
A trail pass is not a universal permission slip for every place an ATV or UTV can travel. Public trails, road routes, private land, and other riding areas can have different rules. A passenger does not need a pass just for being aboard, but the operator still needs to make sure the machine is permitted where it is going.
Routes are a common source of confusion. A marked ATV route may use roads, while a trail is a designated off-road path. Requirements can differ by location and by the machine’s registration status. A passenger joining a ride that moves between trails and routes does not need to buy a personal pass each time the surface changes, but the group should confirm the requirements for each segment. See Riding a Route Without a Trail Pass for the route-specific distinction.
Do not assume that a trail pass gives permission to ride on a closed trail, a road that is not open to ATVs or UTVs, or private property without permission. Check posted signs and current local information before setting out. If the ride crosses more than one jurisdiction or combines trail and route sections, check the rules for the full planned route rather than relying on what was allowed at the starting point.
A pass also does not make an otherwise unsuitable passenger setup legal or safe. The vehicle must be designed and equipped for the number of people riding on it. Do not carry a passenger on a machine that has no proper passenger seat or restraint system for that use. On a UTV, use the seating and restraints provided by the manufacturer; on an ATV, follow the machine’s passenger-design limits and operating instructions. If a passenger cannot sit securely, the ride should not go ahead.
Passenger safety and the final check before riding
Although passengers do not need their own pass, they are not exempt from safety rules. Age can affect helmet requirements, and a passenger’s age may also affect what machine or seating arrangement is appropriate. Review Wisconsin Helmet Requirements Under 18 and Wisconsin Age Rules for ATVs and UTVs when a young person is riding.
Operators should explain basic expectations before starting: stay seated, keep hands and feet where they belong, use the available restraints, and tell the driver if something feels wrong. Passengers should not assume they can safely ride on any machine simply because another person is operating it. A two-up ATV and a multi-seat UTV have different seating arrangements; use only the positions intended for occupants.
For families or groups, a practical departure check keeps the paperwork question simple:
- Confirm which machine each person will ride.
- Check that every machine has the correct registration and any required pass.
- Confirm that the intended trail or route is open to that machine.
- Make sure each passenger has an appropriate seat and required safety gear.
- Review any age-specific operator or helmet requirements before assigning drivers.
If a passenger takes over as operator, the pass does not change just because the driver changes. The machine’s pass status remains the relevant question, while the new operator must independently meet the rules for operating it. Likewise, if the group swaps vehicles, check the status of the vehicle being used rather than assuming the first machine’s pass covers the whole group.
In short, a passenger riding on the same ATV or UTV does not need a personal Wisconsin trail pass. The machine may need one, depending on its registration and where it will be operated. Check the vehicle’s paperwork and the rules for the planned riding area before leaving.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
