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Off‑Highway Vehicles

Off‑highway vehicles (OHVs) include motorcycles, dirt bikes, three‑wheelers, ATVs, surplus military vehicles, and dune buggies that are operated on public lands and trails in Colorado.  OHVs must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.  All OHVs owned and operated in Colorado must display current registration stickers when in an OHV staging area or operated on designated trails or routes.  OHVs from out of state must also display a current Colorado OHV use permit sticker.  The annual registration fee is $25.25, and registrations are valid from April 1 to March 31 every year. 

Local enforcement.  Under current law, local governments may enact an ordinance or resolution requiring OHV operations to:

  • have a driver license;
  • carry liability insurance;
  • use seatbelts;
  • use child restraint systems;
  • use eye protection;
  • use a helmet (for riders 18 and younger); or
  • limit the number of occupants in an OHV.

Ordinances will vary by county.  For example, on the Alpine Loop Trail in southwest Colorado, which cuts through Hinsdale, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties, all OHV operators are required to possess a valid driver license and carry liability insurance.

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