Allegan, MI – A free Off-Road Vehicle safety and certification course is being offered in Allegan County next month, giving young riders and families an opportunity to learn safe riding practices before heading out on Michigan’s trails this season.
According to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, the ORV Safety & Certification course will take place Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Allegan County Snowmobile & ORV Association, 1697 36th Street in Allegan. The class will be instructed by Deputy Long of the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department and is offered at no cost to participants.
Officials say the course is designed to educate and develop safe, knowledgeable and responsible ORV riders. Topics covered during the class include riding techniques, required protective equipment, trail and terrain awareness, and Michigan laws regulating off-road vehicle use. The training also addresses crash prevention, environmental concerns, and reporting responsibilities when incidents occur on trails.
Michigan law requires ORV Safety Certificates for riders age 16 and younger who plan to operate off-road vehicles on public land or trails. Organizers say the class helps young riders meet that requirement while also promoting responsible recreation across the region.
Parents are encouraged to attend with their children, and adults interested in learning more about ORV safety are also welcome to participate.
Participants must pre-register through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources registration system before attending the course. Seating is limited and organizers recommend signing up early to secure a spot.
The training is part of ongoing public safety efforts in Allegan County aimed at reducing off-road vehicle crashes and ensuring riders understand proper trail etiquette and state regulations before operating on Michigan’s public lands.
For questions about the course, organizers encourage participants to contact the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office for additional details.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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