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New Hampshire

ATV & Snowmobile

ATV & Snowmobile

Law Enforcement

Fines and Penalties

When a person breaks the law, they may be given a summons to appear in court or a ticket. Most laws are violation-level offenses, which may carry a penalty of up to $1,000. A few statutes are criminal misdemeanors, which are punishable by higher fines and/or one year in jail. Misdemeanors include refusing to stop for a police officer, unauthorized use (stealing), removing or defacing signs, and a second offense for operating on railroad tracks, cemeteries or airports or for offenses for operating while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Some offenses carry a requirement to attend a Responsible Rider Safety course.

Any offense that occurs within a public right-of-way can be considered a motor vehicle offense and motor vehicle laws may apply. These may impact a person’s driver’s license privileges.

If an OHRV or snowmobile is involved in an offense, the registered owner may be held liable, and the registration may be revoked. Effective 7/1/2019 some fines have been increased through legislation.

Minors: When a person under 16 years old breaks the law, the officer can have the vehicle towed and impounded for up to 24 hours. A summons may also be issued. If an adult has knowledge that a child under the age of 16 was operating the vehicle illegally, the adult may be liable for the actions of the child.

Sound Levels and Tests

Loud snowmobiles and OHRVs are a primary cause of complaints from landowners and other trail users. All operators are encouraged to ride quiet vehicles. It is illegal to modify an exhaust system in any way that increases the noise level from that of the original muffler.

Snowmobile noise levels must comply with the manufacturer specifications as contained in the requirements of the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee approval. Snowmobiles manufactured after 2/1/2007 must display “SSCC Certified” on exhaust system. Trail bikes and ATVs cannot emit noise that exceeds 96 decibels.

OHRVs designed for “closed course competition” may only be used at approved OHRV competitions, unless the OHRV is modified to meet all equipment requirements including muffler, spark arrestor and noise emissions.

Snowmobile and OHRV operators must submit to a sound level test when requested to do so by a law enforcement officer.

All motorized OHRVs (including trail bikes) operating in woodlands and that emit exhaust within 4 feet of the ground, must be equipped with a spark arrestor.

Accidents

Every year in New Hampshire, many people are injured in OHRV or snowmobile accidents and collisions; some die. More than half (58%) of all accidents involve speed and/or inexperience.

Accidents often can be avoided by practicing safe and responsible operation. Other common contributing factors include impairment (alcohol/drugs), inattention, riding on thin ice, operating in unfamiliar areas, and failing to wear protective equipment.

For information on what you need to know before renting a snowmobile go to: wildnh.com/ohrv

Accidents must be reported if:

  • Anyone is injured or killed, or
  • Property damage of over $1,000 occurs.
  • Subject to change. See wildnh.com/ohrv

A person who is involved in a reportable accident must:

  • Stop and give their name, address and registration number to others who were involved in the accident or whose property was damaged;
  • Report accident to nearest police officer or police station; and
  • File a report with Fish and Game within 5 days. Accident report form can be found at wildnh.com/ohrv

Financial Responsibility:

All provisions of the New Hampshire Financial Responsibility law shall apply to an OHRV or snowmobile operated on a public highway. Any person who fails to report an accident involving death or personal injury shall be guilty of a Class B felony.

OHRV or snowmobile insurance is not required to operate in New Hampshire, however liability insurance protection is recommended.

Signs and Trail Markers

Signs and trail markers are established for public safety. A great deal of time and money is spent to erect these signs to improve your riding experience. Please pay attention to them. It is illegal to remove, destroy, deface or obstruct signs and markers on trails or on private property. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor.

Modified Exhaust Warning

No person shall modify the manufacturer’s specified exhaust system of an OHRV or snowmobile in any manner that will increase the noise emitted above that of the original muffler.

RSA 215-C:30, 215-A:12

Share the Trail

Consider other trail users, both motorized and non-motorized, including cross-country skiers, sled dogs, snowshoers, pedestrians, horses, etc., while you are on the trails. The Bureau of Trails and N.H. Fish and Game work with state associations and member clubs to ensure that your experience is one that you will enjoy and remember for a long time.