OHRVs in NH - Frequently Asked Questions
- Who has to register their OHRV?
- Where can I register?
- Do I need a driver’s license to operate an OHRV?
- Can a child legally operate an OHRV?
- How can I find out about OHRV Safety Education Courses?
- Where can I ride?
- Can I ride on power lines and other utility company rights of way?
- How far can I ride down the road?
- Is it illegal to operate while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs?
- Is my New Hampshire Registration valid in other states?
- How can I find out about OHRV events and activities?
- Can I obtain a vanity registration decal for my snowmobile?
- How do I register my OHRV as an antique?
- Safety Facts
- OHRV contacts and links (will open a new browser window)
Who has
to register their OHRV?
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. <return to top of page>
Where can I register?
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. <return
to top of page>
Do I need a driver’s license
to operate an OHRV?
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. <return to top of
page>
Can a child legally operate
an OHRV?
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. <return to top
of page>
You can call Fish and Game Headquarters at 603-271-3129 or visit www.ride.nh.gov. Click here for a course schedule. <return to top of page>
Where can I ride?
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. <return to top of page>
Can I ride on power lines and other utility company rights of way?
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. <return to top of page>
How far can I ride
down the road?
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. <return
to top of page>
Is it illegal to operate
while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs?
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. <return
to top of page>
Is my New Hampshire
Registration valid in other states?
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. <return to top of page>
How can I find out about
OHRV events and activities?
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 their website at 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. <return to top of page>
How do I register my OHRV
as an Antique?
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. <return to top of page>
How can I learn more about OHRV laws and registration fees?
Click here and download the current New Hampshire Off-Highway Recreational brochure.
Safety
Facts
ALCOHOL and riding do not
mix.
Many people believe in the myth that consuming alcohol can warm
up a chilled person. While one may get the feeling of warming up,
your body is actually cooling off faster. The alcohol opens the
blood vessels and hides the feeling of being chilled by getting
the warm blood close to the skin surface. It does nothing to increase
body heat. While they may feel warmer, the alcohol can cool them
down dangerously, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
New Hampshire has strict
rules and regulations against operating an OHRV while under the
influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
While we are concerned about your safety, we must also consider
the other rider. Alcohol increases fatigue, affects your fine and
gross motor skills, affects your judgment and ability to make rational
decisions thus making operating an OHRV dangerous. Remember if you
must drink and ride, drink Pepsi.
In the OHRV Safety Education Classes the children are taught that there are risks associated with riding an OHRV. The best way to avoid getting hurt or encountering problems is to manage the risks. Some examples of risk management are:
-
Wear Protective Clothing. The most important piece of protective clothing you can wear is an approved helmet. Make sure the helmet has been approved by either from Snell or DOT. If you have any questions about the condition of a used helmet, contact a competent dealer and ask their opinion.
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Know your abilities to ride and do not exceed those levels.
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Identify the capabilities of the machine you are riding and do not exceed those levels.
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Always ride at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the existing conditions. If you cannot control your machine you are riding too fast, no matter what the posted speed limit is.
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Know the area you are riding in. Be aware of potential hazards such as washouts and other changing trail characteristics. Get a map of the trails and talk to local riders.
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Always keep an open mind to learning. One is never too old to learn. Take a class, join a club and ride with a friend.
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Use common sense when riding. Be prepared; carry a first aid and survival kit. Take along some spare plugs and tools that may not be in the machine’s tool kit.
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Let someone know where you will be riding and when you plan on returning. If you run into problems these extra precautions can be time and lifesavers when needed most.
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