Safety Education

Name: eRegulations
Price range: $

Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Watch This Before You Ride!

Key safety tips every snowmobile rider should know

QR code linking to a New Hampshire OHRV safety video, scannable with a smartphone for quick access to riding safety information. — Scan this QR code to watch a New Hampshire OHRV safety video and learn important off-road vehicle safety tips and regulations.

Riding a snowmobile or wheeled vehicle can be fun and exciting for the whole family. Take a class, join a club, and ride responsibly.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department strongly recommends that all riders participate in a Safety Education Class. State law requires that all operators 12 years of age and over must possess either a valid Motor Vehicle Driver’s License or must have successfully completed an approved OHRV or Snowmobile Safety Education Class when operating off their own property. Classes are free and offered throughout the state. For schedules or more information on these requirements, contact Fish and Game at (603) 271-3129 or visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game OHRV information page.

OHRV education classes are offered online, as well as in the classroom. The online course costs $34.95. Traditional classroom courses are free. Register for online classes and view a schedule of traditional classes on the New Hampshire Fish and Game OHRV information page.

OHRV Safety Instructors: Each year, OHRV Regional Coordinators assist more than 150 volunteer OHRV safety instructors, who in turn educate some 1,000 students in snowmobile, ATV and trail bike safety.

“We strongly recommend that all riders who purchase or rent OHRVs or snowmobiles take a safety class to help reduce the risk of personal injury and property damage,” said Captain Mike Eastman, who coordinates OHRV safety education and enforcement for the N.H. Fish and Game Department.

Did You Know?

Conservation officers are responsible for patrolling the trails, accident investigations, community outreach by working with local and state user groups, and attending safety classes.

Adult helping a child put on a helmet while sitting on a yellow snowmobile, demonstrating proper snowmobile safety gear in winter conditions. — An adult assists a young rider with a helmet on a snowmobile, highlighting the importance of safety gear and supervision for safe snowmobiling in New Hampshire.

Informational graphic encouraging volunteers to teach OHRV and snowmobile education in New Hampshire, including contact phone number for instructor programs. — Call for volunteers to join New Hampshire’s OHRV and snowmobile education program, inviting experienced riders to become certified instructors and support outdoor safety.

Safety On Ice

Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., offers a “rule of thumb” on ice thickness: There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snowmachine or All-Terrain Vehicle travel. Be aware that ice can be weakened by objects frozen into it, because they hold the heat from the sun; avoid docks, large rocks and trees fallen onto the ice. Also avoid areas with springs or moving water under the ice.

N.H. Fish and Game promotes safe and responsible riding.

Find riding information, safety resources, and updates on the Ride New Hampshire website.

Logo for the New Hampshire OHRV Safety Education Program, highlighting training and safety education for off-highway recreational vehicle riders.

Safety sign showing a hand signal crossed out with a red circle, advising OHRV and snowmobile riders to keep both hands on the vehicle at all times. — “Hands On for Safety” sign reminding snowmobile and OHRV riders to avoid hand signals and keep both hands on the vehicle for better control and safer riding.