Amusement Ride FAQs
See frequently asked questions about the program. Use Ctrl + F to search the page for specific word(s).
General
What is considered an amusement ride?
“Amusement Ride" means a device or animal that carries, transports, or supports passengers in unusual, entertaining, or thrilling modes of motion and any vehicle providing entertainment or transportation in conjunction with an amusement ride, including rider-powered and power-driven thrill rides, mild rides and ride-throughs, walk-throughs, air pillows, giant slides, and animal rides. Vehicles include parking lot trams, old fire engines, stagecoaches, and trains.
“Amusement Ride" does not include any of the following: Aircraft under the jurisdiction of the federal aviation administration; railroad trains under the jurisdiction of the federal railroad administration; boats used on navigable waters; animal rides where the animal is under the control of the passenger; hang gliders and parachutes; climbing walls that do not involve a mechanical take-up or release system; or ropes, courses, or trampolines used for either recreation or fitness.
Which code applies to amusement rides?
Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 334
Do I need to register my amusement rides to operate in Wisconsin?
Yes, you must register all amusement rides annually. The registration is valid from January 1 to December 31 regardless of when you register the ride.
Do I need to register my amusement ride if I am only in Wisconsin for one day?
Yes.
I have three ponies I use to give rides to paying customers at local carnivals and fairs. Do I need to register them as amusement rides?
Yes. SPS 334 classifies live animal rides as Class 1 amusement rides. Note that a paying/not paying customer is not relevant to the registration requirement. “Open to the public” is the standard for registration requirements.
How do I register amusement rides in Wisconsin?
Register rides via esla.wi.gov.
Where can I find additional information on amusement ride inspections?
Wisconsin Administrative Code Section SPS 334.08.
Am I required to report accidents?
Yes. Injuries to frequenters caused by amusement rides that require more than first aid treatment must be reported by the owner to DSPS on form SBD-211, Accident Report for Amusement Ride and Ski Lift/Tow within 2 business days of the injury. A copy of the owner's report to the insurance carrier may be submitted in place of form SBD-211 if the report includes the same information as the form.
How do I report a death?
Deaths caused by amusement rides must be reported to DSPS or the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management within 24 hours of occurrence. See the Report an Accident section of the Amusement Ride program webpage for current phone numbers.
What training do operators or attendants need?
Amusement ride owners shall provide training for ride operators and attendants. The owner shall maintain a record of the training and make it available to DSPS upon request. See SPS 334.31.
What is an Operating Fact Sheet?
Amusement ride owners shall prepare an Operating Fact Sheet for each ride regarding operating policies and procedures. The fact sheet shall be made available to each ride or device operator and attendant. See SPS 334.18.
Do the daily preoperational inspections need to be recorded?
Yes. Prior to public operation, daily preoperational inspections need to be performed and documented. See SPS 334.15.
Do inspections during assembly need to be recorded?
Yes. Visual inspections during assembly should be performed and documented. See SPS 334.15.
What records am I required to keep?
The following records are required to be kept with the amusement ride:
Inspections at time of assembly, as specified in SPS 334.15(2).
Daily inspections and operational tests, as specified in SPS 334.15(3).
Nondestructive tests as specified in SPS 334.16.
The hours of operation since the last nondestructive test.
Records must be signed by an authorized person.
How long should I keep records?
Keep records with the amusement ride for at least the 30 previous days of operation as specified in SPS 334.18. Also, keep records from the most recent nondestructive tests as specified in SPS 334.16 with the amusement ride. All records shall be kept for at least 7 years.
I am contracting or leasing the use of an amusement ride. What are my responsibilities?
See SPS 334.43, Responsibility of Sponsors. (1) Any person, group, or business contracting or leasing for the installation and use of amusement rides shall carry a condition in a contract or agreement that the amusement ride owner meets the conditions of this chapter prior to the opening for use by frequenters. (2) Before any amusement ride is operated, the owner of the amusement ride shall provide a copy of the insurance contract required under SPS 334.035 to the person, group, or business contracting or leasing the installation and use of the amusement ride.