Age requirements for operation of an off-highway vehicle

Except as otherwise provided in this section, an individual under sixteen years of age who is not in possession of a valid operator's license or permit to operate an off-highway vehicle may not operate an off-highway vehicle, except upon the lands of the individual's parent or guardian or as a participant in an organized sporting event that involves the use of off-highway vehicles. An individual at least twelve years of age may operate an off-highway vehicle if the individual has completed an off-highway vehicle safety training course prescribed by the director of the parks and recreation department and has received the appropriate off-highway vehicle safety certificate issued by the director of the department of transportation. The failure of an operator to exhibit an off-highway vehicle safety certificate on demand to any official authorized to enforce this chapter is presumptive evidence that that person does not hold a certificate. Fees collected from each individual receiving certification must be deposited in the off-highway vehicle trail tax fund for off-highway vehicle safety education and training programs. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a class 3 noncriminal offense.