Utah OHV Laws
and Rules
Definitions
Registration
Age and Education Requirements
Equipment Reguirements
Helmet Requirements
Prohibited Uses
Operating Areas
Safety Tips
Courtesy and Ethics
Protect Your Privilege
Utah Trails and Riding Areas
Know Before You Go
Trip Planning Checklist
 
Utah's off-highway vehicle laws and rules have been formulated to promote safety and protection for people, property and the environment.
The following information highlights Utah's OHV laws and rules. It answers frequently asked questions about OHV activities on public lands, roads, and trails, and provides important contact information. Riders are cautioned that additional laws and rules apply to the operation of off-highway vehicles. For more information, contact Utah State Parks and Recreation, OHV Education Office.
 
Definitions
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Off-highway vehicle (OHV) - Any snowmobile, all-terrain type I vehicle, all-terrain type II vehicle, or motorcycle.
All-terrain type I vehicle (Type I ATV) - Any motor vehicle 52 inches or less in width, having an unladen dry weight of 800 pounds or less, traveling on three or more low-pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, and designed for or capable of travel over unimproved terrain.
All-terrain type II vehicle (Type II ATV) - Any motor vehicle othern than a Type I ATV, snowmobile, or motorcycle designed for or capable of travel over unimproved terrain. Does not include golf carts, any vehicle specifically designed to carry a disabled person, any vehicle not designed specifically for recreational use, or farm trucks. (DOES include go-carts, Odyssey's, sand rails, dune buggies, etc).
Motorcycle - Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the operator and designed to travel on not more than two tires.
Snowmobile - Any motor vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice and steered and supported in whole or in part by skis, belts, cleats, runners or low-pressure tires.
Low-pressure tire - Any pneumatic tire six inches or more in width, designed for use on wheels with rim diameter of 12 inches or less and utilizing an operating pressure of 10 pounds per square inch or less as recommended by the manufacturer.
Motor vehicle - Every vehicle which is self-propelled.
Operate - To control the movement of, or otherwise use an off-highway vehicle.
Owner - A person, other than a person with a security interest, having property interest or title to an off-highway vehicle and entitled to the use and possession of that vehicle.
Public land - Land owned or administered by any federal or state agency or any political subdivision of the state.
Register - The act of assigning a registration number to an off-highway vehicle.
Street or highway - The entire width between boundary lines of every way or place of whatever nature, when any part of it is open to the use of the public for vehicular travel.
 
Registration
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Any OHV being operated or transported on public lands, roads or trails of the state of Utah must display a current OHV registration sticker. Dual sport off-highway motorcycles may be registered as street legal vehicles if they possess the proper safety equipment, have passed a state safety inspection, and carry the proper insurance, or they may be registered as off-highway vehicles. All OHV registrations are handled by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles.
Non-resident OHV operators are required to purchase a Non-resident OHV Permit for each ATV, OHM and snowmobile they bring inot the state. These permits are available from vendors located near popular OHV destinations. A complete list of vendors is available from Utah State Parks and Recreation.
OHVs used on farms and ranches, or for other agricultural purposes, may be registered as implements of husbandry, rather than as recreational vehicles. This one time registration fee is $10. If, however, the OHV is used for recreation on public lands, roads or trails, it must also be registered for that purpose.
After receiving the appropriate registration fees, the Divison of Motor Vehicles will issue registration stickers to the owner of the vehicle. These stickers must be attached to the OHV in a visible location as follows:
  • Motorcycles - On each fork.
  • ATVs - On front and rear of the vehicle.
  • Snowmobiles - On both sides of the pan, tunnel or hood.
  • All other off-highway vehicles - On the front and rear of the vehicle.
OHV registrations expire annually on the last day of the month the OHV was purchased. Annual registration fees are currently set at $14.50.
OHV registration money is dedicated money that is returned to the sport. Of the $14.50 collected from each registration, $8 is dedicated to the improvement of summer and winter OHV programs. $2 from each registration is used for safety and responsible riding education. $4 goes to the DIvision of Motor Vehicles to cover administrative costs, and $0.50 goes to fund search and rescue efforts.
For assistance with questions concerning vehicle registrations, contact:
Utah Division of Motor Vehicles
799 North Redwood Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84116-1909
801-297-7781
800-368-8824
 
Age and Education Requirements
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No one under eight years of age is allowed to operate any OHV on public lands, roads or trails in Utah. Operators eight through 15 years of age may operate an OHV provided they possess an Education Certificate issued by Utah State Parks and Recreation or equivelent from their home state. Resident operators 16 years of age or older may operate an OHV if they possess either a valid driver's license or an OHV Education Certificate.
Education Certificates are issued to anyone eight years of age or older who complete Utah State Parks and Recreation's Know Before You Go! OHV education course. Education Certificates are issued for snowmobiles, ATVs, and motorcycles. For information on this training opportunity, contact the OHV Education Office at 801-538-7433 within the Salt Lake City area or toll-free at 800-OHV-RIDE.
 
Equipment Requirements
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All OHV's are required to have certain equipment in working order while being operated in Utah, Including:
  • Brakes sufficient to stop and hold the machine;
  • A headlight and taillight while being operated between sunset and sunrise;
  • A brightly colored whip attached to the OHV and at least eight feet off the ground while being operated on designated sand dune areas; and
  • A muffler and spark arrestor (snowmobiles are exempt from the spark arrestor requirement).
 
Helmet Requirements
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Properly fastened helmet, having at least a "DOT Approved" safety rating for motorized use are required for all OHV operators and passengers under the age of 18 years.
A properly fitting, safety rated helmet is the most important pice of safety gear available to an OHV rider. Utah State Parks and Recreation stronly encourages the use of helmets by all riders.
 
Prohibited Uses
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It is illegal for any person to use an OHV in connection with acts of vandalism, harassment of wildlife or domestic animals, or in the commission of a crime. It is also illegal for anyone to operate any OHV in such a manner as to damage the environment by excessive pollution of air, land, or water, or to abuse the watershed, impair plant or animal life, or create excessive noise.
 
Operating Areas
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Currently registered off-highway vehicles may only be operated on public lands, roads and trails that are signed or designated open to OHV use, or on private property with the consent of the owner or person in charge. The USDA Forest Service, the USDI Bureau of Land Management and other federal and state land managing agencies have responsibility for designating OHV opportunities on their lands. It is the operator's responsibility to know which routes are open to OHV use. Remember that congressionally designated Wilderness areas are off limits to all mechanized travel. Respect private property by obtaining permission from the landowner before entering.
To assist riders, most agencies provide travel maps including where OHV use is allowed. Addresses and telephone numbers of various land managing agencies. Always contact the local land managing authority for current trail maps and riding information.
 
Safety Tips
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By following a few simple rules, OHV riders can make certain that every trip is a safe and enjoyable experience. Utah State Parks and Recreation recommends the following safe riding guidelines:
  • Always rider in control. Ride within your abilities and your machine's capabilities. Never attempt anything that is beyond your skill level.
  • Always wear the appropriate safety gear. At a minimum, this should include a helmet, shatter resistant eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover the ankle.
  • Only carry passengers if your OHV is specifically designed to do so. ATVs and off-road motorcycles are designed to be ridden by only one rider. Carrying passengers can alter the balance of the machine, cuasing a loss of control.
  • Riders under the age of 16 should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Riders should be able to straddle the machine with a slight bend to the knees while both feet are on the footrests. Riding a machine that is too big is a major cause of injuries to young riders.
  • Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Provide them with a map of your intended riding area.
  • Be prepared for any emergency. Always cary a tool kit and spare parts, a first aid kit, and survival equipment when you ride. Carry plenty of extra food, water and fuel.
  • Check the weather forecast before leaving home. For winter riders, always check the avalanche forecast before venturing into the back country. Avalanche information is available from the Avalanche Forecast Center at 801-364-1581.
  • Never, ever drink and ride. Alcohol and OHVs don't mix, but create a deadly and illegal combination.
 
Courtesy and Ethics
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All riders must be good ambassadors for the sport. Generally, that means learning to share the trails with other users, as well as learning to take proper care of the environment where they ride. The following tips will help make you a more responsible rider.
  • Protect your riding privilege by staying on the trail! Avoid riding in wet meadows or on stream banks. Avoid riding on steep and erodible slopes.
  • Avoid riding over small trees and shrubs. Trampled vegetation not only looks bad, but also damages critical wildlife habitat and contributes to soil erosion.
  • Always yield the right of way to non-motorized trail users. When encountering hikers or horses on the trail, pull over and shut off your engine. Remove your helmet and let them pass out of sight before restarting.
  • Ride in the middle of the trail to avoid widening it. Trail widening is unsightly and expensive to repair.
  • Do not alter the manufacturer's muffler system. Loud exhaust systems are annoying to other users.
  • Honor seasonal and permanent trail closures.
  • When overtaking others, follow at a safe distance until they signal you to pass. Be courteous while passing. A little bump of the throttle can leave a shower of gravel or a cloud of dust and an enemy behind you.
  • Never harass wildlife or domestic animals that you may encounter while riding. Always view wildlife from a respectful distance.
  • Never litter. Always carry out what you carry in. Carry a trash bag with you to pack out other people's trash that you may come upon.
  • Always choose to TREAD Lightly® and protect the fragile environments where you recreate. For more information on the TREAD Lightly® program, please contact Tread Lightly, Inc., 298 24th Street, Suite 325, Ogden, UT 84401. 801-966-9900.
 
Protect Your Privilege - Stay on the Trail!
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Riding on public lands is a privilege, not a right. Because it is a privilege, it can be taken away if riders don't do everything they possibly can to protect it.
Responsible riders know that one way to protect their riding privilege is to stay on the designated trails. They know these routes have been developed to provide them with great riding adventures. They also know that whole riding areas and trail systems can be closed because of the careless acts of irresponsible riders.
The Utah Natural Resource Coordinating Council, a partnership involving your ferderal and state public land managing agencies, encourages all riders to: Protect Your Privilege - Stay on the Trail!
 
Utah's Trails and Riding Areas
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The following is a list of some of Utah's more popular OHV riding areas and trails. Since land use designations change, Utah State Parks and Recreation urges all riders to contact the appropriate agency for current travel opportunity guides and maps.
 

Snowmobiling Complexes
Numbers 1-9 are snowmobiling complexes.

ATM/OHM Trails/Riding Areas

10 Sinks Area (designated routes)
Elk Valley Loop
Little Bear/Worm Fence (designated routes)
Contact: Wasatch Cache National Forest

11 Monte Cristo/Curtis Creek Area (designated routes)
Willard Peak/Skyline Trail
Contact: Wasatch Cache National Forest

12 Cedar Hollow/Taylor Fork Trail
Murdock Basin (designated routes)
Soapstone Basin (designated routes)
Upper Setting/Norway Flats (designated routes)
Contact: Wasatch Cache National Forest

13 Wolverine/Lily Lake ATV Trail
Contact: Wasatch Cache National Forest		 25 White River Area (designated routes)
Monks Hollow Trail, Teat Mountain Trail, Long Hollow Trail, Knoll Hollow Trail
Contact: Uinta National Forest
14 Deadhorse ATV Trail
Contact: Wasatch Cache National Forest
26 Little Sahara Recreation Area
Contact: Bureau of Land Management
15 Stansbury Front Trail
Contact: Wasatch Cache National Forest 		27 Arapeen OHV Trail System
Contact: Manti-LaSal National Forest
16 Skyline Drive (designated routes)
Contact: Wasatch Cache National Forest 		28 White Wash/10 Mile Wash
Contact: Bureau of Land Management
17 Knolls OHV Area
Contact: Bureau of Land Management 		29 Bulldog Trail, Camp Jackson Trail, Shay Ridge ATV Trail, Wagon Wheel ATV Trail
Contact: Manti-LaSal National Forest
18 Five Mile Pass OHV Area
Contact: Bureau of Land Management 		30 San Rafael Swell
Contact: Bureau of Land Management
19 Yellowstone ATV Trail
Contact: Ashley National Forest 		31 Paiute Trail System, Great Western Trail
Contact: Fishlake National Forest
20 Reservation Ridge/Timber Canyon (designated routes)
Contact: Ashley National Forest 		32 Paunsaugunt ATV Trail, Casto Canyon Trail, Fremont ATV Trail
Contact: Dixie National Forest
21 East Park/Oaks Park Trail
Contact: Ashley National Forest		 33 Pine Lake OHV Trail, Poison Creek Trail
Contact: Dixie National Forest
22 Strawberry OHV Trail System (designated routes)
Contact: Uinta National Forest 		34 Rosebud Trail,l Boulder Mountain (designated routes)
Contact: Dixie National Forest
23 Mineral Basin/American Fork Canyon (designated routes)
Contact: Uinta National Forest 		35 Sand Hollow Recreation Area
Contact: Utah State Parks and Recreation
24 Wasatch Mountain State Park (designated routes)
Contact: Wasatch Mountain State Park 		36 Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Contact: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
 
Know Before You Go!
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Since 1987, Utah State Parks and Recreation has offered OHV education courses through its award winning Know Before You Go! program. Courses in safe and responsible ATV, motorcycle, and snowmobile operation are offered to young riders ages eight through 15 years old. Students completing the various courses earn their Education Certificates, and become legal to operate on public lands, roads, and trails open to OHV operation. Typically, ATV and motorcycle courses are offered from March through October. Climate variations in the various regions of the state may change that schedule.
Experienced riders who would like to volunteer their time teach ATV, motorcycle, or snowmobile safety to children in the Know Before You Go! program are encouraged to contact Utah Sate Parks and Recreation OHV Education office for information on becoming certified as OHV Education Instructors.
 
Trip Planning Checklist
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Like anything else, a safe and enjoyable OHV ride starts with proper planning. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Leave a map of the area you will be riding. That way, if you need help, they will know where to look! Always inspect your machine before every trip to make certain your OHV is in top mechanical condition.
The following checklist will help you remember the items you need to make every trip fun and safe:
  • Plenty of extra water and food
  • Extra fuel and oil
  • A set of basic tools that fit your mahcine
  • A basic first aid kit
  • Extra spark plugs
  • A flashlight
  • A tow strap or rope
  • Waterproof matches
  • Duct tape and electrical tape
  • A tire repair kit
  • A map of your riding area, a compass, and a GPS receiver
  • Your cell phone or two-way radios
  • Your camera
For extended trips your may want to consider adding the following:
  • Spare throttle and brake cables
  • Brake fluid
  • Master links for chain repair
  • A quality survival kit
  • A spare tire or tube