Concord, N.H.
-- All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts in New Hampshire
and Vermont
will soon be able to enjoy limited ATV reciprocity between the two states.
During 2012 and 2013, from May 23 through December 1, ATVs that are properly
registered in Vermont may be operated in New Hampshire on state
ATV trails without being required to obtain a New Hampshire Off-Highway
Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) registration.
Likewise, properly registered New Hampshire ATVs may operate in Vermont on
approved ATV trails during the May 23 to December 1 time period without the
requirement to purchase a state of Vermont registration, however a Vermont All
Terrain Vehicle Sportsmen Association (VASA) trail pass is required, on VASA
trails, as well as proof of having completed an approved ATV safety class for
operators under 18 years of age.
This rule includes a two-year sunset provision and will end on Dec. 1, 2013.
Vermont ATV enthusiasts riding in New Hampshire must follow all applicable laws
and rules governing operation, include youth operation requirements, spark
arrestors, exhaust requirements, etc. Any operator 12 years of age and over
must show proof of an approved safety education class or possess a valid motor
vehicle driver's license.
An ATV is defined as any motor-driven vehicle which has one or more
low-pressure tires (less than 10 pounds per square inch), weighing less than
1,000 lbs. and not exceeding 50 inches in width. Therefore, operation of
side-by-side utility vehicles (UTVs) and trail bikes is not included in this
new rule. These vehicles must be properly registered in New Hampshire to ride here, and may only
ride in approved areas.
For New Hampshire OHRV rules and information visit http://www.ride.nh.gov or
http://www.nhtrails.org.
In Vermont:
http://www.vtvasa.org.