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Recreational Vehicles, ATVs, OHVs
Nothing says adventure like New Mexico’s great outdoor areas. With so much of New Mexico designated as public land administered for recreational use and hundreds of miles of backcountry trails, off-road vehicle terrain is never far away. And thanks to the New Mexico’s new Off-Road Vehicle Safety Act, one of the nation’s fastest-growing recreational pursuits has never been safer.
Our goal is to encourage responsible use of our public lands—use that leaves the land healthy and unspoiled, use that protects our wildlife and wildlife habitat, and use that allows for the continued enjoyment of these lands for our families, for our future.
We also want to help you to make the right decisions about your riding. We want to help you choose the right product for your skill level, assist you in making the right judgments on the road and determine the proper equipment that will keep you as safe as possible.
USDA Forest Service Travel Management Program
New Mexico has new requirements for off-highway vehicles. These requirements were passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Bill Richardson in 2005. They become law in January 2006. They are designed to protect the safety of all New Mexicans and to ensure responsible and sensitive OHV use. Here are some highlights.
Over the past few decades, the availability and capability of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) has increased tremendously. More Americans are enjoying access and recreational opportunities on their national forests and grasslands, in keeping with the Forest Service's multiple use mandate. However, the increase in OHV use also affects soil, water, wildlife habitat, and other recreational visitors. To mitigate the affects, the Forest Service announced final travel management regulations governing OHVs and other motor vehicle use on national forests and grasslands on November 2, 2005. The Rule requires forests to designate a system of roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use. Once the system has been designated, use of motor vehicles off the system will be prohibited.
Forests Across New Mexico are in the process of implementing the new Travel Management Rule. To find out more about the rule, contact a forest near you or visit the National Forest Service website. www.fs.fed.us
The OHV Program at the New Mexico Tourism Department
Off Highway Vehicle Act Senate Bill 0252.pdf
Go to our New Mexico Tourism Department Administrative page
Off Highway Motor Vehicle Safety Board Meeting Documents
Off Highway vehicle Final Rule (ms doc)
Off Highway Vehicles Advisory Board Members and Staff
Permits for out of state visitors can be purchased through the New Mexico Tourism Department, at State Visitor Information Centers and New Mexico Game and Fish Offices.
Please see the complete list here (ms XLS).
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