Observing OHV Laws in Utah

Avoiding Prohibited Uses

It is illegal for anyone to operate an OHV to:

• Commit acts of vandalism.
• Harass wildlife or domestic animals.
• Commit burglary or another crime.
• Damage the environment, including causing excessive pollution of the air, land, or water.
• Abuse the watershed.
• Impair plant or animal life.
• Create excessive noise.

Operating Your OHV Legally

Most federal and state agencies provide travel maps that indicate where OHV use is allowed. Before riding your OHV, always contact the local land managing authority for current trail maps and riding information. A list of various land managing agencies can be found at stateparks.utah.gov/stateparks/ohv/where-to-ride.html.

• Currently registered OHVs may be operated only on public lands, roads, or trails that are signed or designated for OHV use. Exceptions exist if you are:
  • Crossing a public road at a right angle after coming to a complete stop and yielding to oncoming traffic or …
  • Loading or unloading the OHV from a trailer or vehicle or …
  • Experiencing an emergency.
• OHVs may be operated on private property with the consent of the owner or person in charge. Always obtain permission before entering any private property.
• The U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and other federal and state land managing agencies determine where OHV use is permitted on their lands. The operator is responsible for knowing which routes are open to OHVs.
• Designated wilderness areas are off-limits to all mechanized travel.

Obtaining Riding Maps

A free CD showing statewide riding maps is available from:

• The local retailers listed at www.atyourleisure.info or …
• The Utah OHV education office at 800-OHV-RIDE.

For maps showing where snowmobiling is allowed:

• Call the Utah OHV education office at 800-OHV-RIDE or …
• Visit the Utah State Parks and Recreation Department website at stateparks.utah.gov/stateparks/ohv/snow-trails.html

Driving Under the Influence

OHVs are motor vehicles. As such, drug and alcohol restrictions apply to OHV operation. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Utah will result in:

• Fines from $1,300 to $2,000 and …
• Driver’s license restrictions, suspensions, or penalties and …
• Impoundment of the OHV.

Operating Street-Legal ATVs

As of October 1, 2008, you may modify an ATV to make it street legal and then operate it on designated public highways. For information on the requirements for an ATV to be street legal, contact the Utah State Parks and Recreation Department at 800-OHV-RIDE.

Obeying Law Enforcement Officers

All Utah peace officers enforce the OHV laws and regulations.

Responding After an Accident

If you are involved in an accident, you must:

• Stop and render aid.
• Give the other party your name, address, and the registration number and owner’s name of the snowmobile you’re riding.
• Immediately notify a law enforcement officer and file a report within 15 days with the Division of Parks and Recreation if the injury or damage is significant.