|
|
| Off Highway Riding |
|
|
Motorcyclists take a break on Chilco Pk. In the past five years, Idaho's growing population has resulted in a huge increase in the number of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) registered and/or used on public lands in Idaho. Many OHV users are confused about the requirements for registration, equipment, and where they can legally ride. Some of this confusion has resulted in illegal uses of OHV's especially on Forest Service and BLM roads within Idaho. This pamphlet is an attempt by the agencies who regulate and enforce the OHV laws in Idaho to answer your questions.
WHAT IS AN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE?
Any dune buggie, three or four wheel all terrain vehicle (ATV), and off-road motorcycle/motorbikes are considered off-highway vehicles.
DO TRAFFIC LAWS APPLY TO MY OHV?
Yes, Idaho Traffic Law applies to all motor vehicles. ATV's and motorcycles of all types are included under Idaho Traffic Law as motor vehicles and fall under Idaho Traffic Law when operating on a highway.
WHAT IS A HIGHWAY?
Idaho Traffic Law defines a highway as the entire width between the boundary lines which are publicly maintained when any part is open to the use of the public for vehicular travel. By this definition for the purposes of Idaho Traffic Law, all roads in the State of Idaho including Forest Service and BLM roads are considered to be highways, if they are maintained with public monies. A roadway is the portion of the highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel. See IDAHO CODE 49-109 (5) and IC 49-119 (18).
HOW DO I KNOW IF A ROAD IS MAINTAINED OR UNMAINTAINED?
Generally, any roadway open to the public use where automobiles and trucks are allowed is considered a maintained highway. All State and County roads as well as many Forest Service and BLM roads are maintained highways. OHV's operating on these roads must meet "on highway" requirements.
An unmaintained highway includes those roads which are closed to vehicular traffic such as cars and trucks either by rules and regulations or natural occurrence. Some Forest Service and BLM roads which are no longer maintained for automobile or truck travel may be open to OHV use under "Off Highway" requirements.
Trails and cross country routes across public lands are open to OHV's under "Off Highway" requirements unless otherwise restricted. Remember to check Forest Service and BLM Travel Plan Maps for other restrictions to all motorized vehicular traffic including cars and trucks and OHV's.
--
Riding requirements for OHV's can be broken down into these categories: 1. on highway, 2. unpaved roads on state or federal public lands which is not part of a highway system of the state or county, highway district or city, and 3. off highway.
1. ON HIGHWAY OR PAVED ROAD REQUIREMENTS: The following are only some of the requirements to operate an OHV on roads maintained for vehicular traffic including many Forest Service and BLM roads.
Valid Driver's License, IC-49-301
Valid registration as a motor vehicle, IC 49-401A IC 49-402 (4)
Display of valid license plate, IC 49-428
Valid Liability Insurance, IC 49-1229
Carry Proof of Liability Insurance in vehicle, IC 49-1232
Brake Light, IC 49-908 (1)
Headlight after dark/poor visibility, IC 49-903, 49-905 (2)
Taillight after dark/poor visibility, IC 49-903, 49-906
Helmet under age 18, IC 49-666
Muffler unaltered and in good working condition, IC 49-937
Mirror showing roadway 200 feet behind vehicle, IC 49-940
Horn must be audible at 200 feet, IC 49-956
For highway operation, motorbikes and ATV's must register as a motor vehicle and purchase a license plate, per Idaho Code 49-402. Also, a motorcycle endorsement is required when operating a motorbike on highways per Idaho Code 49-304.
You can register for highway use with the Department of Motor vehicles. Idaho has reciprocity with states that have registration laws. For non-residents living in states without registration laws, they must purchase a registration and license plate.
2. UNPAVED ROADS ON FEDERAL OR STATE PUBLIC LANDS:
Valid Driver's License, IC 49-301
Valid Liability Insurance, IC 49-1229
Carry Proof of Liability Insurance vehicle, IC 49-1232
Helmet under age eighteen (18), IC 49-666
Valid OHV sticker, IC 67-7122 (1)
Muffler requirement 96 decibels at 1/2 meter, IC 67-7125
Headlight after dark/poor visibility, IC 49-903, 49-905 (2)
Taillight after dark/poor visibility, IC 49-903, 49-906
You can register for unpaved roads use at some county courthouses, most motorcycle dealers, and the Idaho Department Of Parks and Recreation offices.
3. OFF HIGHWAY REQUIREMENTS: These are some of the requirements for OHV's which are operated strictly off road including trails, cross country and on non-maintained Forest Service and BLM road.
Valid OHV sticker, IC 67-7122 (1)
Muffler requirement 96 decibels at 1/2 meter, IC 67-7125
You can register for off highway use at some county courthouses, most motorcycle dealers, and the Idaho Department Of Parks and Recreation offices.
WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS?
On or before January 1 of each year, the owner of any all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or motorbike, as defined in section 67-7101, Idaho Code, used off-public highways must register that vehicle with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Motorbikes and ATV's used exclusively on private agricultural land are excluded. The department or its authorized vendors will issue to the owner a validation sticker and a registration stating the number assigned to the off-highway vehicle and the name and address of the owner. The registration fee is $10.00, which includes a $1.50 vendor fee. All stickers which are issued throughout the year are valid through the end of the calendar year.
WHERE SHOULD I PLACE MY OHV STICKER ON MY MOTORBIKE OR ATV?
The issued sticker shall be placed upon the off-highway vehicle (OHV) in such a manner that it is completely visible and shall be kept in a legible condition at all times.
At the time of sale from any dealer, each motorbike or all-terrain vehicle must be registered before it leaves the premises.
The purchaser of an OHV, which has been previously registered, must transfer the registration within 15 days of the sale. The department or its vendors will prepare a new registration with the name and the address of the new owner. The transfer fee is $2.50. An application for Idaho title must be filed at the nearest county assessor's office.
Idaho has reciprocity with states that have registration laws. After 30 days in Idaho, non-residents from those states are subject to Idaho registration laws. For non-residents living in states without registration laws, they must purchase a registration.
NOISE LAW
Idaho Code Section 67-7125 requires that no person may operate an off-road motor vehicle unless that vehicle is equipped with a noise supressing system or other device which limits noise emission to a base level of not more than ninety-six decibels, at the 1/2 meter test.
FIRE SEASON REQUIREMENTS (MAY 10 - OCT. 20)
During Fire Season all motorcycles or ATV's will have a Forest Service approved spark arrestor, shovel and bucket. Your helmet can take the place of a bucket.
WHERE CAN I RIDE?
The U.S. Forest Service provides TRAVEL PLAN MAPS that identify open and closed roads and trails, closure dates and other details that will help you plan an enjoyable ride. The Bureau of Land Management also has information on riding areas.
WHAT ARE THE HUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTORBIKE/ATV USERS?
It is Unlawful:
To hunt game from any motorized vehicle, EXCEPT for holders of a valid handicapped persons Motor Vehicle Permit and handicapped hunting license.
To operate a vehicle in an area designated as closed for that specific vehicle type.
To use any motorized vehicle to harass, stir up, rally or drive in any manner any of the game animals or game birds.
State and Federal agencies along with private landowners establish road closures to maintain deer and elk numbers and distribution. Please check with the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management offices for information on vehicle restrictions.
RESPONSIBILITY OR REGULATION?
The choice is yours! Visit the Boise National Forest website for an interesting discussion of the relationship between responsible use of ATVs and possible regulations.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
United States Forest Service
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
(208) 765-7223
Bureau of Land Management
Coeur d'Alene District
(208) 769-5000
County Sheriff's Departments:
Kootenai County.........(208) 664-1511
Shoshone County........(208) 556-1114
Bonner County............(208) 263-3136
Boundary County.......(208) 267-3151
Benewah County........(208) 245-2555
|
|
|
|
|
|
