OHVs are a great way to combine America’s love of motor vehicles with the love of the outdoors. To make your time in the outdoors safe as well as entertaining, you need to know the laws governing OHV use on public land. The cornerstone of any outdoor recreation activity is respect: respect for yourself; respect for others and respect for the environment.

Off Highway Vehicle Permits

An OHV permit is required if you want to operate your OHV on public land and even then, the land must be specifically designated for OHV use. On the Siuslaw National Forest, there are two sites that are designated OHV riding areas:

• Sand Lake Recreation Area
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The State of Oregon establishes and administers OHV permits and regulations. You can find more information on the Oregon State Parks website(http://atv.prd.state.or.us/) or by calling Oregon Parks and Recreation Department information center at 1.800.551.6949.

DECIBEL LIMIT for Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is 93decibels.
Increased OHV use and the popularity of aftermarket mufflers means more noise. Noise buffers are located between residential and recreational riding areas, and are closed to motorized travel. As defined by state and federal law, vehicle sound is measured by a decibel meter positioned 20 inches and 45 degrees from the exhaust outlet. Have your vehicle checked! Forest personnel are equipped to provide sound checks. Vehicles operating over 93db are subject to citation.

RED or ORANGE FLAGS (8”x 12”) must be displayed 9 feet above the ground on all vehicles when riding at the Oregon Dunes NRA.

OPERATORS of Class I and Class III ATVs that are younger than 18 must wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. Children under 18 years of age may operate a Class I ATV if they possess a valid driver’s license or hold a Class I ATV operator permit; or they are accompanied by a person at least 18 years old who has either a valid driver’s license, or a valid Class I operator’s permit. Unlicensed Class III motorcycle operators must be accompanied by a licensed or permitted operator, and have attended a Class III safety training class. However, children seven years and younger may not operate a motorcycle on public lands. Unlicensed children cannot operate a Class II vehicle (dune buggy, full-size 4x4).

LIGHTS must be used in limited visibility (before sunrise, after sunset, or when you cannot see clearly ahead for 100 feet).

WORKING BRAKES are required on all vehicles.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS are required to operate on any vehicle equipped with a windshield.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, SEATS, AND SEAT BELTS FOR ALL PASSENGERS must be available in dune buggies and full-size vehicles.