OHRVs in NH - Frequently Asked Questions

All OHRVs that are used off of the owner’s property must be registered. Motorcycles that are registered for highway use must also register as an OHRV if they are to be used off road. Conventional motor vehicles (cars and trucks) that are registered for highway use are not required to obtain an OHRV registration. Cars and trucks are not permitted on OHRV trails.

Registrations can be made in person at more than 200 OHRV Registration agencies located throughout the state. Click here for a complete listing of N.H. OHRV agents. Businesses that sell OHRV Registrations include OHRV sales and repair shops, sporting goods stores, country and general stores and some marinas. Registrations are also available by mail; call (603) 271-3422.

You cannot operate any OHRV if your driver’s license is under suspension or revocation in any state or Canadian Province. An OHRV Safety Education Certificate does not override a Motor Vehicle License Suspension. A valid motor vehicle driver's license or OHRV Safety Education Certificate is also required to cross a public way.

Any operator 12 years of age and over must show proof of an approved safety education class or possess a valid motor vehicle driver's license. Any operator under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 18. Any operator under the age of 12 cannot cross roads. Any operator under the age of 18 cannot carry a passenger on a 3 or 4-wheel ATV. Any operator under the age of 18 must wear a helmet and eye protection. Any passenger under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.

Click here for a course schedule. You can also call the N.H. Fish and Game Department in Concord, N.H., at 603-271-3129.

More than 6,900 miles of snowmobile trails may be open in the winter to most types of snowmobiles and OHRVs. Landowner permission is required to operate on property of another. You can only ride on trails designated and signed for your type of vehicle. Snowmobile trails are only open during the winter months unless written landowner permission is obtained. The NH Bureau of Trails and the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association print statewide Snowmobile Trail maps. Local trail maps are printed and distributed by local clubs.

A majority of land on which the utility companies operate are private property. The companies obtain easements for their purposes only. Written landowner permission from each individual landowner must be obtained if the trail is not specifically designated for OHRV use before you can operate your OHRV.

OHRV operation is prohibited on public roads unless specifically permitted and posted for OHRV use. Examples of permitted uses are road crossings and trail connectors. In such areas the speed limit is 10 MPH and OHRVs must stay to the extreme right side of the public way. They cannot operate from trail head to trail head.

Operating an OHRV while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Nationwide, approximately 65% of OHRV fatal crashes involve an intoxicated operator. The same laws and penalties for operating motor vehicles while under the influence apply to OHRVs to include implied consent, heft fines, jail time and loss of your driving privileges. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for operating an OHRVs is similar to motor vehicle, .08%, or attempting to operate while impaired.

Your New Hampshire snowmobile registration is valid in Vermont, but you must purchase a Non-Resident Trails Maintenance Assessment Pass and join the state association and local club. Some states and provinces require proof of insurance and payment of a trail use fee or club membership. When planning to ride in other states or provinces, call ahead for particulars and restrictions such as dates and available trails. Click here for information on the Vermont-N.H.-Maine reciprocal snowmobile weekend.

The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association is the umbrella organization that unites most of the snowmobile clubs in the state. You may automatically become an NHSA member by joining a local club. You will also receive their monthly publication that contains a listing of snowmobile-related activities. Call 603-273-0220 or visit www.nhsa.com for more information.

Wheeled-vehicle users should visit the New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association, NHOHVA, at www.nhohva.org, or call 1-888-847-1964.

An antique OHRV is defined as one that was manufactured prior to 1969 or is at least 25 years old. This registration is available to residents of the state of New Hampshire only and is available by contacting the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Contacts with individual wheeled-vehicle clubs can be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Trails or the Fish and Game Department.

Only part of the registration revenue generated by the Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Program goes to Fish and Game. The N.H. Bureau of Trails at DRED (N.H. Department of Resources and Economic Develpment) receives a majority of the funds; 82% of the snowmobile registration monies and 57% of the wheeled-vehicle registration monies go to DRED. The remainder stays at Fish and Game as dedicated funds used for the OHRV Registry Program, Snowmobile and OHRV Safety Education Program, providing Law Enforcement for Snowmobile and Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles.

Click here and download the current New Hampshire OHRV Laws Digest brochure.

Click for N.H. OHRV contacts and links