Montana State Parks :: OHV General Information

Recreation Programs

Off-Highway Vehicles

From the sagebrush to high mountain lakes, Montana offers a variety of scenery and trail experiences. You will find great places for family rides as well as technical expert trails for both ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts in Montana.

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The next time you visit a state park, bring the ATVs or bikes and plan a ride nearby! You will find many designated trails that lead to cultural sites and natural destinations to enjoy while riding your OHV in Montana.

About OHVs

An off-highway vehicle (OHV) is a self-propelled vehicle used for recreation or cross-country travel on public lands, trails, easements lakes, rivers or streams. The term includes but is not limited to motorcycles, ATVs, dune buggies, amphibious vehicles, air cushion vehicles, and any other means of land transportation deriving motive power from any source other than muscle or wind. Four-wheel-drive trucks registered as motor vehicles are not considered OHVs.

Most OHV trails are on public land. For information about trail riding areas contact the local Forest Service or BLM office for a travel plan map.

The Off-Highway Vehicle program is administered by Montana State Parks.The funds that support the OHV program are derived from gas tax and decal fees related to OHV use and registrations in Montana, and are separate from all Montana State Parks revenues, camping fees and other related funding sources.

OHV Grant Program

OHV Safety Education Courses

OHV Safety

Make a Plan

Plan your trip. Obtain travel maps and regulations from public agencies.
Tell someone your plan before you go.
Take recreation skills classes.
Know how to use and operate your equipment safely.
Avoid the spread of invasive species.

Clothing

In the winter, more layers are appropriate, but NEVER wear a loose scarf when riding an OHV. Special riding gear such as chest protectors, pants with knee pads and shin guards, and jackets with special padding can provide additional protection.

The nature of off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding makes it essential that riders wear protective clothing:

Helmet —A helmet is the single most important piece of protection that can be worn.
Eye protection—Always wear goggles or a bubble visor shield.
Gloves—A good pair of gloves is essential.
Boots—It is important to have a pair of strong, over-the-ankle boots, with heels.
Shirt or jacket—You need to wear a long-sleeved shirt or jacket when riding.
Pants—You need to wear long pants to protect your legs.

Operator Responsibilities

Consider slope and trail conditions when judging your ability to navigate a particular route;
Maintain control of speed and course at all times while operating the vehicle;
Heed all posted warnings;
Refrain from acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to the injury of anyone.
Obey all OHV laws in Montana.
An OHV operator accepts all legal responsibility for injury or damage of any kind to the extent that the injury or damage results from risks inherent in the sport of off-highway vehicle use. Operators must regulate their personal conduct at all times so that injury to self or other persons or property is avoided.
Risks inherent in the sport include variations in terrain, surface or subsurface conditions, crevices, ravines, streams, poor visibility, rocks, trees, other forms of forest growth or debris, and any other natural hazard.
Montana's off-highway vehicle laws detail the operator's responsibilities, the use of public roads, and required fees and decals. Most OHV's are required to purchase and display an OHV decal and are subject to a fee in lieu of tax.

Pre-ride Checklist

Review this checklist before you ride to ensure a safe trip.

Notify someone of where you intend to ride and what time you will return. Never ride alone.
Check that your OHV is in proper working condition; all fluids are topped off; there are no loose or broken parts; and that your spark arrestor is in good condition and has not been modified.
Carry basic tools and survival gear, including plenty of drinking water.
Make sure you have proper riding gear for the route planned, including at the very least a helmet, sturdy over-the- ankle boots, gloves, and eye protection.
If riding in an unfamiliar area, make sure you have checked with the managing owner or agency to verify the area is open for OHV use. Be sure you have a current travel plan map.
Make sure your OHV is clean and free of weed seeds.
Be sober.
Be mentally and physically prepared for your ride.

OHV Ethics

OHV Permits & Laws

Laws and Regulations for Operating an OHV in Montana

MCA 23.8 Off-Highway Vehicles
MCA 61-8-401 Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs
MCA 61-9-418 Motorcycle and quadricycle noise suppression devices – motorcycle and quadricycle spark arrester.

OHVs and Public Roads

Some Forest Service roads are open for use by OHV's; Contact the appropriate land management agency for information. For roads that require a license plate, please see MCA 23-2-824. Some roads are open to children ages 12 - 16 must possess a Safety Certificate and be accompanied by a licensed adult operator.

OHVs and Trails

Most OHV trails are on public land. Trails are maintained by local clubs or government agencies with grant money provided by FWP Montana State Parks. OHV funds are derived from OHV gas tax refund and decal fees.

For information about trail riding areas contact the local Forest Service or BLM office for a travel plan map.

OHV Registration

Off-highway vehicles operating on public land for recreational purposes must be registered and display a decal placed in a conspicuous location on the machine.

Residents: OHVs must be registered at the County Treasurer's office in the county where the owner resides. This is a one-time registration and valid until the current owner sells the OHV.

Nonresidents: OHVs that are properly registered in another state may operate in Montana for up to 30 consecutive days. Nonresidents with OHVs that are not registered may purchase a Nonresident Temporary Use OHV Permit that is valid for the calendar year. The Nonresident Temporary Use OHV Permit allows OHV use on trails only. OHVs must be street legal to be ridden on roads.

Permits are $5 and available through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Online Licensing Service, or at any FWP office, ( See locations ) and from local vendors and some County Treasurer's offices. ( List of local vendors and County Treasurer's offices). ( 40 KB)

OHV Nonresident Temporary Use Permit Application ( 27 KB) - You may also print the OHV Nonresident Temporary Use Permit Application, fill it out, and mail it back to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (address is on the application).

OHV Associations & Riding Clubs