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Show Be Sure You Know Rules For OHVUse Garfield County has more than 2,500 miles of ATV routes. With 5,000 square miles and 97 percent public land, Garfield County has something for everyone. every-one. The county recently published pub-lished its first Garfield County Trails brochure documenting established trails for ATV and OHV use. Simultaneously the county has set up guidelines or OHV laws by which county residents res-idents and tourists alike should conduct themselves while on these trails. The brochure invites travelers to enjoy the trails but remember to be responsible towards the land, so as to preserve continued and future recreational opportunities opportu-nities for generations to come. Some Suggestions Travel and recreate only where permitted. Honor the rights of others to enjoy their activities. Plan ahead and prepare, pre-pare, have the appropriate maps (See RULES on page 3A) Rules For OHV Use From Front Page and equipment. Consider the future and protect your opportunity opportu-nity by avoiding impacts to sensitive sen-sitive areas, wildlife, livestock and private lands. Be responsible in your use of the land. Remember riding on public lands is a privilege, not a right. For your own safety as well as the protection of the land, stay on the trail. OHV Laws Definition Off-Highway Vehicle The OHV ordinance defines "Off-highway vehicles" as meaning any snowmobile, all-terrain all-terrain type I vehicle, all-terrain type II vehicle or motorcycle. All-terrain type I vehicle means any motor vehicle 52 inches or less in width, having an unladen dry weight of 800 pounds or less, traveling on three or more low pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, and designed for or capable of travel over unimproved terrain. All-terrain type II vehicle means any other motor vehicle, not defined above, designed for or capable of travel over unimproved unim-proved terrain. This term does not include golf carts, any vehicle vehi-cle designed to carry a disabled person, any vehicle not specifically specifi-cally designed for recreational use, or farm tractors as defined. Operation of Vehicles on Highways - Limits No person may operate an off-highway vehicle upon any street or highway, not designated designat-ed as open to off-highway vehicle vehi-cle use, except: (1) when crossing a street or highway and the operator comes to a complete stop before crossing, cross-ing, proceeds only after yielding the right of way to oncoming traffic, and crosses at a right angle; (2) when loading or unloading unload-ing an off-highway vehicle from a vehicle or trailer, which shall be done with due regard for safety, and at the nearest practical practi-cal point of operation; or (3) when an emergency exists, during any period of time and at those locations when the operation of conventional motor vehicles is impractical or when the operation is directed by a peace officer or other public authority. Local Ordinances -Designating Routes -Supervision (1) A municipality or county may adopt ordinances designating designat-ing certain streets and highways as off-highway vehicle routes for the specific purpose of allowing off-highway vehicle operators to gain direct access to or from a private or public area open for off-highway use. A person may not operate an off-highway vehicle on any street or highway for any other purpose than to gain direct access to or from a private or public area open for off-highway vehicle use. Operation By Persons Under Eight Years of Age Prohibited (2) Except as provided under Subsection (3), a person under eight years of age may not operate oper-ate and an owner may not give another person who is under eight years of age, permission to operate an off-highway vehicle on any public land, trail, street, or highway of this state. (3) A child under eight years of age may participate in a sanctioned sanc-tioned race or organized practice if: (a) the child is under the immediate supervision of an adult; (b) advanced life support, personnel, as defined in Section 26-8-2, are on the premises and immediately available to provide pro-vide assistance at all times during dur-ing the sanctioned race or organized organ-ized practice; and (See RULES on page 4A) OHV Rules From Page 3 A (c) ambulance service, as defined in Section 26-8-2, is on the premises and immediately available to provide assistance for a sanctioned race. (4) Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of an infraction and shall be fined not more than $50 per offense. Supervision, Safety Certificate, Or Driver License Required - Penalty ( 1 ) A person may not operate and an owner may not give that person permission to operate an off-highway vehicle on any public pub-lic land, trail, street, or highway of this state unless the person: (a) is under the direct supervision super-vision of a certified off-highway vehicle safety instructor during a scheduled safety training course; (b) has in his possession the appropriate safety certificate issued by the division; or (c) has in his immediate possession pos-session a valid motor vehicle operator's license, as provided in Title 53, Chapter 3. Visit Garfield County Trails at utah-trails.com where you will find an interactive map, photos, and descriptions of trails in Garfield County. To access Utah OHV regulations call 1-. 800-OHV.RIDE. |