Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Rules

Colorado State Rules

  • In-state residents: OHVs operated on public lands or trails in Colorado–including dirt bikes, motorcycles, 3-wheelers, ATVs, UTVs and dune buggies or any vehicle driving on a designated OHV Trail – must be registered with Colorado State Parks.
  • Out-of-state residents who bring OHVs into Colorado:  Must purchase a Colorado Non-Resident OHV permit. Out of State permits can be purchased directly from hunting and fishing license vendors, online thru the Colorado State Parks website, from some OHV dealerships, and some San Juan National Forest offices.
  • Registrations and permits are available online on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife page or at the following locations:
    • Colorado Parks and Wildlife – 151 East 16th, Durango
    • Fun Center: 346 S Camino del Rio, Durango
    • Handlebars: 346 S. Camino del Rio, Durango
    • Big 5 Sporting Goods: 400 S Camino del Rio, Durango
    • Walmart – Durango, Cortez and Pagosa Springs
    • Colorado State Parks, including Mancos and Navajo State Parks
    • Bayfield Ranger District
    • Pagosa Ranger District.
  • Persons less than 10 years of age cannot operate OHVs on public roads. OHV operators between the ages of 10 and 16 must be accompanied by and under the immediate supervision (within direct visual contact) of a person with a valid driver’s license. (rules on county roads may be stricter)
  • The following OHV sound limits must be met:
    • 99 dB(A) if manufactured before 1/1/1998
    • 96 dB(A) if manufactured after 1/1/1998
  • For more information call Colorado Parks and Wildlife Registration Division at (303) 791-1920 or online at: www.parks.state.co.us.

SW Colorado County Rules

  • Individual counties in Colorado may allow OHVs on select county roads. They usually have stricter rules than public lands with regards to insurance, helmets, seat belts and child safety seats. These should be well posted and questions can be directed to the individual county offices or websites.
  • The Alpine Loop and Mountain Counties including San Juan County (Silverton), Hinsdale County (Lake City) , Ouray County and San Miguel County (Telluride) have many county roads open to OHVs, but each operator must carry proof of insurance. All of these counties, except for Ouray county, also require that operators have a valid drivers license and be 16 years of age to drive on county roads.
  • County roads open to OHVs mostly include higher elevation four wheel drive roads and not lower elevation rural or frontage roads.
  • For information contact the local County Sheriff’s offices:
    • San Juan County Sheriff (970) 387-5531
    • Hinsdale County Sheriff (970) 944-2291
    • Ouray County Sheriff (970) 325-7272
    • San Miguel County Sheriff (970) 728-4442
    • La Plata County Sheriff (970) 247-1157
    • Archuleta County Sheriff (970) 731-2160
    • Montezuma County Sheriff (970) 565-8452