Welcome to 2024-25 New Hampshire ATV & Snowmobile

New for 2024–2025:

• No OHRV registered in this state or another jurisdiction for road use, except a NH Special Commercial plate, can be registered as an OHRV for recreational use; does not affect dual sport bikes or motorcycles. Effective 10/3/2023.

Outdoor Adventures Await

Welcome to a new year of off-highway recreational vehicle and snowmobiling fun in New Hampshire. There are thousands of miles of trails to enjoy. Whether it’s snowmobiling in the winter or fair-weather riding on an ATV, with over 7,000 miles of snowmobile and 1,300 miles of OHRV trails, there is something for everyone.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) works in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), Division of Parks and Recreation, Trails Bureau to ensure an extensive, safe, and enjoyable trail system. We are continually working together on ways to improve safety as well as riders’ experience.

Even though NHFG collects the fees from the issuance of snowmobile and OHRV registrations, most of the money does not stay with Fish and Game. About 82.5% of snowmobile and 66% of wheeled-vehicle registration fees collected go to the NH Bureau of Trails, which in turn distributes grants-in-aid to local clubs for trail maintenance, equipment, and operations. The funds that stay at NHFG are dedicated resources used for OHRV and snowmobile law enforcement, safety education, and running the registration system.

Accidents can happen to anyone with no warning while driving an OHRV or snowmobile. Inexperience and excessive speed continue to be the biggest contributing factors in the state. Fish and Game strongly recommends that all riders participate in a Safety Education Class. State law requires all operators 12 or older to have successfully completed an approved OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education Class or possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.

Most trails are on private property, so please respect the rights of the landowners and obey all laws. Riding off trail can harm trees, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and crops. The illegal or irresponsible behavior of riders could and has resulted in trails on private lands being closed. OHRV laws and rules are also in place for your safety and the safety of other riders. Always wear safety equipment, and stop at all roadways and marked intersections. Also pay close attention to changing trail conditions and hazards, as storms or changing weather may have caused damage in your riding area. For the latest trail condition report, visit the NH Trails Bureau at www.nhstateparks.org/things-to-do/snowmobiling.

For more information, including how to take a safety class, how to register your OHRV, open snowmobile weekend, and the rules around riding, visit www.wildnh.com/ohrv. Rules can change mid-year, so visit the website for any updates.

Also consider joining a local snowmobile or OHRV club. These organizations and their volunteers are a valuable asset and work to obtain landowner permission, maintain trails, and educate riders. Happy riding!

Scott R. Mason
Executive Director, NH Fish and Game Department

Sarah L. Stewart
Commissioner, NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Reminders:

• Antique Snowmobile registrations are only available for snowmobiles manufactured in 1994 or prior.
• An OHRV safety education certificate does not override a motor vehicle license suspension; you cannot operate if your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked in any state or Canadian province.