• New Mexico residents must have their OHVs registered with the state Motor Vehicle Division to legally operate their vehicles on public lands. Registration is $50 every two years.
• Nonresidents whose OHVs are not registered or have accepted use permits in their home state must obtain a use permit to legally operate on public lands in New Mexico. Permits cost $48 for two years or $18 for 90 days. They are available at www.b4uride.com, www.wildlife.state.nm.us, any Department of Game and Fish office, or by calling (505) 476-8000.

Vehicles exempt from registration or permits:

• Motorcycles registered for use on public streets.
• Vehicles used strictly for agricultural use.
• Vehicles used strictly on private land.

Safety requirements:

• Riders younger than age 6 may not operate an ATV on public land.
• Riders younger than age 18 must:
• Complete a certified OHV safety course and abtain a safety permit.
• Wear an approved, securely fastened helmet and protective eyewear.
• Never carry a passenger, even on OHVs designed for two persons.
• Be visually supervised by an adult when operating an OHV unless they are age 13 and older with a valid motorcycle license or age 15 and older with a valid driver's license.
• Approved safety courses include online and hands-on training by the ATV Safety Institute, (800) 447-4700 or www.atvsafety.org. Some training courses in other states are accepted in New Mexico, and many OHV dealers include free safety training with each OHV purchase. For more information about OHV training in New Mexico, Please call (505) 476-8140.

Prohibited Uses:

It is illegal for any person to use an OHV to:

• Travel on paved roads or highways.
• Damage or destroy signs, windmills or other property.
• Operate any OHV in a way that damages the environment, plants, animals, or creates excessive noise.
• Harass, pursue or hunt wildlife or domestic animals.
• Operate any OHV where prohibited or on private land without permission.
• Negatively affect livestock and or agricultural practies.
• Drive under the influence of dtugs or alcohol.

Helpful OHV Web sites:

• New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance
• New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
• ATV Safety Institute
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• MSF Dirt Bike School
• National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
• 4-H Youth ATV
• Tread Lightly
• U.S. Forest Service Travel Management Planning

The above information is from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. To read the full article this information was taken from in New Mexico Wildlife click here.