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New Hampshire

ATV & Snowmobile

ATV & Snowmobile

Operation

Required Equipment

  • Eye protection is needed by all on an OHRV unless seated behind a windshield or screen that covers the eyes while seated.
  • A rear-facing mirror is needed on all OHRVs. Does not include Trail Bikes.
  • Brakes capable of stopping the vehicle within 40 feet at 20 MPH.
  • Safety belts in UTV for operator and passenger less than 18 years of age.

You Must

  • Display a headlight and tail light when operating between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise.
  • Adhere to the rules of the road when operating on roads open to OHRV use.
  • Yield to pedestrians, horseback riders, and other trail users.
  • Yield to the right and reduce speed when meeting vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
  • Stop when requested to do so by a police officer, conservation officer, or landowner and give your name and address.
  • Properly display both registration decals.
  • Carry valid registration certificate.
  • Carry valid driver’s license or approved Safety Certificate.

It Is Unlawful To

  • Operate with red/blue lights.
  • Operate any OHRV or snowmobile on the property of another without written landowner permission.
  • Operate so as to endanger any person or damage property.
  • Operate on railroad tracks or within the railroad right-of-way unless the area is posted as a trail.
  • Operate on airports, airport runways, or cemeteries.
  • Operate on any road or within the right-of-way except where authorized and posted.
  • Chase or harass wildlife.
  • Operate on town roads or sidewalks unless posted for OHRVs or snowmobiles.
  • Operate on or across any highway bridge unless posted as open for OHRVs or snowmobiles.
  • Tow any person or sled without a rigid hitch.
  • Operate while driver’s license is under suspension/revocation in N.H. or any other state or Canadian Province.
  • Skim across open water.
  • Have or carry a loaded rifle or shotgun or cocked crossbow in or on a snowmobile, OHRV, vehicle, or trailer towed by the same.
  • Operate on property to hunt or retrieve game without written landowner permission.

Operation Limitations

Highway Operation: OHRVs or snowmobiles are not permitted to operate on the traveled portion or within the right-of-way of any public way, including roads, streets, highways, bridges, parking lots, sidewalks or ways that are maintained by any city, town, county, state or federal agency, except when specifically allowed and posted.

Highway Crossings: Permitted crossings may be established across some roads, except interstate highways, toll roads and limited-access highways.

At all permitted highway crossings, operators must:

  • Come to a complete stop before the shoulder of the road.
  • Yield to all traffic.
  • Cross at a 90-degree angle.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license or approved Safety Certificate.
  • Be 12 years of age or older.

OHRV Operation after Sunset

Most OHRV trails are open daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Approved state-owned roads opened to OHRV travel via the Department of Transportation permitting process prohibit operation from 1/2 hour past sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise (some exceptions apply). Riding after dark is considered riding without landowner permission, and riders could be subject to fines.

Operation on Approved State-Owned OHRV Trails

On State-owned trails in Coos and Grafton Counties, OHRVs up to 65 inches wide may be operated. OHRVs over 50 inches wide are prohibited on State-owned trails in southern New Hampshire. (RSA 215-A:43IV). See OHRV Trail Map.