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What ATV safety gear should you be wearing?
Updated June 8, 2026 . AmFam Team
There's nothing like the freedom of hitting the trail on an ATV. But before you take off, make sure you're protected from head to toe with the right safety gear. It’s best to start with the basics: A helmet, eye protection, gloves, and full-length clothing can help reduce your risk of injury and keep you comfortable so you can stay focused on the ride.
Learn more about how to suit up for an ATV ride with our practical tips on what to wear and help keep every rider in your group safe on the trail.
Protective gear for your ATV
From over-the-ankle boots to a sturdy jacket, protective gear is key to ATV safety—even on warm, sunny days. Think of it like your safety belt on the trail. You hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if something unexpected happens.
A simple rule of thumb is gear up the same way every time you ride. Consistency builds safer habits.
Use a safety checklist for all ATV riders
A pre-ride safety checklist helps set the tone that ATV riding is serious business. And that helps everyone, especially young riders, remember the essentials.
Consider adding these checkpoints to your routine:
- Helmet on and fastened
- Eye protection in place
- Gloves on
- Long sleeves and long pants
- Boots secured and over the ankle
- Any added protection (pads/plates) fitted properly
Develop safe riding habits with protective gear
As each rider gears up, talk through why safety equipment matters. With younger riders, it can help to connect the protective gear to real-life scenarios, like getting dust in your eyes, encountering branches and rough terrain on the trail, or dealing with hot engine parts.
Then do a quick comfort check before riding:
- Practice mounting and dismounting
- Test turning and breaking at low speed
- Make sure gear doesn’t limit movement or visibility
The goal is simple: Riders should feel protected and able to operate the ATV safely.
Review correct riding posture with protective gear
Helmets and protective clothing can feel a bit awkward at first. Once everyone is geared up, take a minute to review safe posture and positioning. It can improve control, awareness, and reaction time.
Include these reminders:
- Keep your head up.
- Look straight ahead.
- Bend your elbows out and slightly away from your body.
- Keep your shoulders down and relaxed.
- Keep your knees in and tight to the frame.
- Point your toes forward and keep feet planted on the middle of the footrests.
Get the right protective gear for your ATV
If you ride in cooler weather, dress in layers to help manage wind chill. Make sure your outer gear still fits comfortably over those layers. When shopping for protective clothing, look for jackets with adjustable sizing and helmets that fit properly even if you wear a thin liner underneath.
DOT-approved helmets are a must
A helmet is one of the most important pieces of ATV safety equipment. A full-face helmet typically offers the best protection and comfort.
Have a plan for eye protection
If you’re not wearing a full-face helmet, wear goggles or other impact-rated eye protection to block wind, dust, and debris. Look for eyewear with a V-8, VESC-8, or Z87.1 rating.
Choose gloves designed for ATV riding
Gloves can help protect your hands, keep them warm in cold weather, and reduce fatigue. ATV-specific gloves may include features like padded knuckles, grip support, and pockets for heat-pad inserts.
Minimize direct skin exposure
Exposed skin is more vulnerable to scrapes, burns, and impacts. Even on hot days, long sleeves and long pants can help reduce injuries from trail debris and contact with hot or moving parts.
Level up with pads and plates
For added protection, consider gear with built-in knee and shoulder padding, as well as additional protective equipment including:
- Chest and back plates
- Neck-protecting helmets
- ATV-specific shin guards
Invest in the right boots
Over-the-ankle boots can help keep your feet more stable on the footrests and provide extra protection. If you ride across multiple seasons, you may want separate warm-weather and cold-weather boots, so you stay comfortable and less distracted on the trail.
Find the right coverage for your ATV
Safety gear helps protect you. The right insurance can help protect your ATV and the investment you’ve put into it. Talk to your American Family Insurance agent about coverage options and how you can customize a policy for your ATV.
This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.
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