Basic OHV Laws and Rules:

• Wear Your Helmet. We advise everyone to wear a helmet. It can save your life. Properly worn, a helmet won’t reduce vision or hearing and helps cut out windblast. A helmet is mandatory on public land for riders under the age of 18.
• Gloves, abrasion-resistant clothing, and over the ankle boots are also highly recommended.
•  Be alert to oncoming traffic, especially on blind curves or in dips and crests of hills.
• It is illegal to drive an OHV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• A red or orange “whip flag” must be attached to OHVs when riding in sand dune areas.
• Lights must be used between sunset and sunrise.
• Be sure your brakes will control and stop your OHV.
• Mufflers with an approved spark arrestor are required on all OHVs. (Snowmobiles do not require spark arrestors.)

• Able to reach and operate each control necessary to safely operate the off-highway vehicle and;
• Have in their possession an OHV education certificate or a valid Driver’s License and;
• Under direct adult supervision

Adult supervision is required if:

• Under 18;
• Does not possess a valid driver’s license; and (Note: Learners permit requires licensed parent/guardian seated next to driver (adult supervision))
• Operating an OHV on a public highway that is:
• Open to motor vehicles; and
• not exclusively reserved for OHV use.

Utah’s Off-Highway Vehicle Program brochure outlines the basic responsibilities of OHV riders. The brochure covers registration, equipment, operation requirements, safety tips, courtesy practices, and ethics. Review the full list of Utah’s OHV Laws and Rules (Utah Code).

Electric Motorcycles and E-Bikes

Per Utah code 41-6a-102, an electric motorcycle is defined by its speed capacity, weight and motor power. They have powerful motors capable of 40-50 mph speeds and faster, a dedicated throttle and foot pegs or aftermarket pedal kits. Due to their potential speed and weight, they are not permitted on trails where motorized vehicles are prohibited, as they can pose significant safety risks to other trail users and the land.

E-bikes come with permanently affixed cranks used in combination with the bike’s electric assistance, have motors of 750 watts or less, and be incapable of speeds greater than 28 mph on level ground. E-bikes are categorized into three distinct classes: Class 1 E-bikes do not have a throttle and are pedal-assist up to 20 mph; Class 2 E-bikes have a throttle and pedal assist, also with a maximum speed of 20 mph; and Class 3 E-bikes do not have a throttle, and are pedal-assist up to 28 mph and require a speedometer.