How do OHRV/ATV registrations work?

You need a valid Driver's License

You cannot operate any OHRV if your driver's license is under suspension or revocation in any state or Canadian province. An OHRV Safety Education Certificate does not override a Motor Vehicle License Suspension. A valid driver's license or OHRV Safety Certificate is required to cross a public way.

Can I register my OHRV for the road?

Probably not. Vehicles known as “low speed utility vehicles,” such as John Deere gators, Cushman Haulsters etc. may still qualify to be registered for use on the roadways in New Hampshire. Per the laws listed (RSA 259:2-a, and RSA 259:49-a) if a customer uses these vehicles strictly for agricultural purposes, or light industrial purposes, they may receive a Special Commercial (SCOMM) plate.

Can I ride my OHRV along power lines and other utility company right of way?

A majority of land on which the utility companies operate is private property. The companies obtain easements for their purposes only. Written landowner permission from each landowner must be obtained if the trail is not specifically designated for OHRV use before you can operate your OHRV.

Is my NH OHRV Registration valid in other states?

Reciprocity with other states is limited and subject to change. For reciprocity questions, please call the state you are interested in riding in. Some states require proof of insurance and payment of a trail use fee or club membership. when planning to ride in other states or provinces, call ahead for restrictions such as dates and available trails. Maine OHRV Registry: (207)287-8000; Vermont OHRV Registry: (802) 828-2000.

Where can I ride my OHRV?

There are more than 6,900 miles of snowmobile trails in New Hampshire. Some of these trails may be designated as open for the use of ATVs and trail bikes. If the trail is not designated as open then it is the operator's responsiblity to obtain written landowner permission to operate on the property of another. The Bureau of Trails and the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association provide maps for the State Corridor Trail system. Local trail maps are printed and distributed by local clubs.

215-C:36 Registration. - I. Registration of a snowmobile or OHRV does not constitute a license to operate the vehicle on private land. Any person operating a snowmobile upon the land of another shall stop and identify himself or herself upon the request of the landowner or a duly authorized reporesentative and, if requested, shall promptly remove the snowmobile or OHRV from the premises.

Who has to register their OHRV?

  • All OHRVs that are used off of the owner's property must be registered.
  • Motorcycles that are registered for highway use must also register as an OHRV if they are to be used off road.
  • Conventional motor vehicles (cars and trucks) that are registered for highway use are not required to obtain an OHRV registration - cars and trucks are not permitted on OHRV trails.
  • No registration is requred for a youth model trail bike, youth model ATV or youth model snowmobile when the operatior is under 12 years of age and is accompanied by a person 18 year of age or older who holds a valid license to operate an OHRV. 
    • Youth Model Trail Bike is defined as less than 95cc , Youth Model ATV is defined as less than 95cc, Youth Model Snowmobile is defined as less than 125cc.

Registrations are valid from the date of issue through April 30th; they are NOT prorated. 

Can a child legally operate an OHRV?

Any person 12 years of age and over must have successfully completed an approved OHRV Safety Education class or possess a valid motor vehcile driver's license in order to operate on public or private property. Any operator under the age of 14 must be accompanied at all times by a properly licensed adult over 18 years of age. Any operator under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet and eye protection. Any passenger under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet and eye protection. Any operator under the age of 18 cannot carry passengers on a 3 or 4-wheel ATV.

What is the definition of an "All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)"

215-A:1 Definitions. - I-b. "All terrain vehicle (ATV)" means any motor-driven vehicle which is designed or adapted for travel over surfaces other than maintained roads with one or more tires designed to hold not more than 10 pounds per square inch of air pressure, having capacity for passengers or other payloads, not to exceed 1,000 pounds net vehicle weight, and not to exceed 50 inches in width. For the purposes of this chapter, all vehicles within this definition shall be classified as off highway recreational vehicles.