Off-highway vehicles (OHV)
The use of off-highway vehicles in North Dakota is a growing pastime for many residents and visitors. Whether you use an off-highway vehicle for work or recreation, the proper operation and safe use of these vehicles is crucial. OHVs range from off-road motorcycles, to ATVs and larger utility vehicles.
Where can I ride my OHV?
Registered OHVs literally have thousands of miles of riding opportunity in North Dakota. In general OHVs may ride on:
- A paved county or township roadway designated and posted with a speed limit not exceeding 55 miles per hour.
- A licensed driver over 16 years of age may operate a registered Class III OHV on a paved highway designated and posted at a speed not exceeding 65 miles per hour.
- The highway right of way, bottom of the ditch or along the outslope. It is illegal to operate on the shoulder or inside slope.
- A gravel, dirt, or loose surface roadway.
- Frozen waters where you have legal access. Be careful of open water and thin ice.
*An individual can operate an off-highway vehicle on a roadway only if it is equipped with the following equipment, all of which must be in working order:
- One headlamp
- One horn
- One taillamp
- Speedometer
- One brake light
- Odomoeter
- One mirror
- Motor with a minimum of 350 cubic centimeters
*If you are operating a Class I OHV, you are not required to have a headlamp, taillamp or brake light unless you are riding at night.
Riders should check with local law enforcement to verify riding regulations as cities and counties can pass more restrictive ordinances relating to where off-highway vehicles may be operated.
Additionally, some public lands are open to OHV riding. They include:
- Sheyenne National Grasslands and Little Missouri National Grasslands—Here riders find several hundred miles of riding opportunities. OHVs must stay on established road and trails. Specifically, this web site has a travel management map for the Sheyenne Grasslands.
- Roughrider National Recreational Trail (PDF 662KB map file) —16 mile trail managed by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, located 30 miles south of Mandan on Highway 1806 and begins at the Fort Rice Campground then travels north on a old railroad bed, ending at Little Heart Bottoms.
- Kimble Bottoms Recreation Area (The Desert) - 100 acre play area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and located 8 miles south of Bismarck, ND.
- North Dakota Forest Service permits limited riding in some State Forests. While many riding opportunities exist, some restrictions do apply.
NO riding is allowed ...
- On controlled access highways (interstates)
- On posted or restricted public or private property and property that is regulated by local ordinances.
- In any State Park, State Recreation Area, Historic Site or Wildlife Protection and Management area.
- In any tree nursery or planting area.
- On any frozen water in a restricted area or where there is no legal access.
- On any railroad right of way.
- On motorized trails designed and leased for snowmobiles.
How do I register my machine?
With some exceptions, OHVs operated on public land must be registered with the North Dakota Department of Transportation at any of their statewide offices. Information needed to fill out the application form includes owner's name and address, make, year and serial number.
The registration fee is $5 and covers a two-year period. In addition, each OHV owner must pay a $5 OHV trail tax.
Additional information on registration requirements can be found in the 2007-2009 North Dakota Off-Highway Vehicle Safety & Operation Guidelines booklet.
When are OHV safety courses held?
Safe riding is the key to any successful outing on an OHV. North Dakota law requires youth ages 12 to 16, who do not have a valid driver's license or permit, to be take a safety certification course in order to legally operate OHVs on land other than their parents. In order to be certified, you must—
- Attend a scheduled classroom course, hands-on course in your area or take our online certification course if you are unable to attend our classroom or hands-on courses.
- Be at least 12 years of age without a valid driver's license or OHV Safety Certification.
- Successfully complete the safety exam.
While our courses are aimed at young riders, anyone who wishes to learn more about OHV safety is encouraged to attend.
The course is appoximately four hours long and prepares the rider with the knowledge, skill, and attitude to operate OHV’s in a safe and efficient manner. This is important because 57,000 people between the ages of 15-24 are injured each year. 40% of ATV-related deaths are youngsters under the age of 16
Course Outcomes and Objectives
- Explain safety procedures for operation of an OHV, taking into account:
- Terrain
- Load limits
- Trailer requirements
- Speed restrictions
- Operation on public roads
- Explain protective gear requirements appropriate to operating conditions
- Carry out daily and weekly maintenance inspections and adjustments recommended by your OHV’s handbook
- Demonstrate positive control of the OHV in a variety of terrains
- Operate the OHV in a manner that will not harm the environment
Safety courses are held throughout the year and are posted here as they are scheduled. Pre-registration is required, and a $10 fee will be charged for certification; there is no fee for parents to observe. To register, contact:
North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department
1600 East Century Avenue, Suite 3
Bismarck, ND 58504
Ph: 701-328-5357 or email: parkrec@nd.gov
Scheduled Youth OHV Safety Courses
Date |
Location |
Time |
|---|---|---|
| . | ||
| Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | Turtle Lake City Hall | 4 - 8:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 | Century Center, 1600 E Century Ave, Bismarck | 2 - 6 p.m. |
| Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008 | Mott High School | 1 - 5 p.m. |
| Monday, Sept. 29, 2008 | Jamestown Middle School | 5:30 - 9 p.m. |
| Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008 | Oakes SE region Career & Technical Center | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
Agency, Non Profit and Private Industry OHV Safety Classes
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation offers OHV safety classes upon request, depending upon staff availability, to other government agencies, non-profit organizations and private sector businesses.
The course is approximately 4 hours long and prepares the rider with the knowledge, skill, and attitude to operate OHVs in a safe and efficient manner. Course outcomes and objectives are similar to the youth course, but geared toward an older audience
Costs are $20 per student for Government Agency/ Non-Profit & $75 per student for private industry businesses
What laws govern OHV use and ownership in North Dakota?
Off-highway vehicles are governed under Chapter 39-19 of the North Dakota Century Code.
Additional information about OHV laws and safety can be found in the North Dakota Off-Highway Vehicle Safety & Operations Guidelines booklet.
Where can I find more information about OHVs?
A wealth of information on OHVs can be found on the web or in booklets contained on this site. Here are just a few:
- 2007-2009 North Dakota Off-Highway Vehicle Safety & Operation Guidelines booklet
- 2006-2009 OHV Strategic Plan Update
- 2007 ND OHV Study Results—County Survey and Enthusiast Survey
- North Dakota Off-Road Vehicle Association
- ATV Safety Institute
- National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
OHV Dealer resources
Upon sale of an all terrain vehicle, dealers collect a $5 safety fee from the buyer. This is a one time assessment to support OHV safety education and promotion. OHV dealer fees may be paid online using a credit card or submitted with a written dealer report and check.
OHV safety tips & Code of Ethics
Before any ride there are some basic tips to follow
- Read your owner's manual – The manufacturer provided owners manual is an excellent source of information on the operation of your OHV and includes great safety information.
- Know location of controls – Take some time to familiarize yourself with your OHV’s controls, knowing their location and purpose is essential before any ride.
- Be prepared for the unexpected – Always let someone know where your riding and when you’ll return, remember to pack water and snack incase you are out longer than expected.
- Wear protective gear – This includes boots, pants, a long sleeve shirt and never ride without a DOT approved helmet.
- Inspect your OHV before riding – Your vehicle maybe low on gas, oil or tire pressure
- Practice turning, braking and parking – Can you handle the size of your vehicle
- Know the terrain – If it’s your first time riding in area go slow and expect the unexpected.
- Know the laws - The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department provides a booklet covering state OHV laws (2007-2009 North Dakota Off-Highway Vehicle Safety & Operation Guidelines) but you should always check with your local authorities in case there are any applicable local laws.
- Practice safe riding principles to protect yourself, others and the environment
- Register your OHV – In ND if your riding on public lands, trails or right of ways your are required to have registered your vehicle. More information and a list of exemptions can be found in the 2007-2009 North Dakota Off-Highway Vehicle Safety & Operation Guidelines booklet.
The OHV Riders Code of Ethics
- I will learn all the mechanical controls and safety devices of my OHV by reading the owner's manual, and I will check them each time before I ride.
- I will wear a helmet at all times and other protective clothing suitable to the environment when I ride.
- I will ask an instructor or qualified rider to teach me proper riding skills, and I will practice until my skills are well developed before entering an unfamiliar area.
- I will ride in the company of others, never alone.
- I will not carry passengers on my OHV unless the vehicle is designed by the manufacturer to do so.
- I will be courteous to other riders and persons by offering right-of-way and respecting areas that are posted closed.
- I will not modify the OHV exhaust system to create more noise, nor will I ride an OHV on the street.
- I will not use alcohol or other drugs when I ride.
- I will not litter the area nor damage plant life where I ride.
- I will only lend my OHV to someone I have personally instructed in its safe and appropriate use.
- I will not let young or inexperienced riders ride unsupervised.
- I have made this pledge because I am a thoughtful OHV rider. I accept my responsibility for preserving the sport and the safety of its enthusiasts.
