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Regulations for ATVs, UTVs, motorbikes clarified 9/8/2008 View article on original page (PDF format) The article “Unhappy Trails” which appeared in the July 18 edition of the Idaho State Journal prompted numerous questions and concerns regarding off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in Idaho, particularly the use of the new generation utility type vehicles (UTVs) on public lands. In the article, an Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) employee misspoke when he stated that owners of UTVs have essentially no recreational opportunities on public lands. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) and IDFG recognize the growing popularity of motorized recreation and desire by motorized vehicle users for appropriate recreational opportunities. To help OHV users, the IDPR and IDFG wish to clarify where and when OHV use is legal and appropriate, and to inform OHV users of a new state law which has prompted some upcoming changes in OHV management. There are a variety of opportunities on public land for OHV use, including UTVs. OHV owners should consult the appropriate land management agency for travel restrictions in the area they plan to ride. That is because each agency has its own guidelines or regulations for travel. Currently, on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest there are trails that are open to two wheeled motorized travel and trails that limit vehicles to a maximum of 50 inches in width. All vehicles greater than 50 inches in width are limited to roads open to motorized travel and subject to licensing requirements. In the past, many UTV owners thought they could register their vehicle with an OHV sticker and legally operate their UTV on the road. It was confusing for just about everybody, but a new law passed during the 2008 legislative session will remedy this situation. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009 a restricted use license plate will be available to all OHVs, including UTVs. This new plate in combination with the OHV registration sticker will allow all OHVs to operate on forest service roads unless the land manager specifically prohibits such use. On Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands there are some motorized routes and areas like the St. Anthony sand dunes that are open to UTVs with a current OHV registration sticker. Other motorized routes are limited to 48 inches in width. Roads on BLM lands are similar to forest service roads in that you must have a license plate. After Jan. 1, 2009 the new restricted use license plate will allow use on roads unless specifically prohibited. It is the operator’s responsibility to know before they go. On federal land it is important for all OHV users to check with their local land managers to identify the legal areas of operation. In most areas maps are available to assist in the identification of legal routes. The new restricted use license plate will also allow OHVs legal access to city and county roads. These local jurisdictions may prohibit certain roads from OHV use after a public meeting is held and an ordinance passed. It is important to note that the new law does not allow OHVs to operate on any state or federal highways. In addition to vehicle type trail designations, some roads and trails may also be limited by seasonal restrictions. For example, some land managers may close roads or trails to any motorized travel during various times of the year to control big game vulnerability during the hunting season, to benefit wintering wildlife or to protect the trail surface during wet conditions. Most seasonal closures can be identified on the land managers travel map. IDFG generally limits the use of OHVs on it’s Wildlife Management Areas to established open roads (exceptions are Andrus and Craig Mountain WMAs), and also places restrictions on the use of OHVs as an aid to hunting in certain game management units. Our message to OHV recreationists is not to keep your OHVs parked in your driveways, but rather to make sure you know the rules for enjoying your OHV legally. Check with the appropriate land management agencies; acquire travel maps geared for off-road recreation, and pay attention to signage on public lands. You can also contact your nearest Idaho Parks and Recreation office for information on OHV recreation in Idaho. And, when you are out there having fun, don’t forget that permission is always necessary from a land owner for travel on private property. Contact: Troy Elmore, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at 208 514-2411 or Mark Gamblin, IDFG at 208 232-4703 |
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