OHV General Requirements

Lincoln County Sheriff / NRS 490 Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) General Requirements

For further information, non-emergency, contact LCSD @ 775-962-5151 OR write to PO Box 570 Pioche, Nevada 89043.

An Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) is defined as a motor vehicle designed primarily for off-highway and all-terrain use. The term includes, but is not limited to: all-terrain vehicle (ATV), off-highway motorcycle (OHM), dune buggy, snowmobile, utility vehicle (UTV) also know as “side-by-side”, OR any other vehicle use on public lands for recreation. The term Off-Highway Vehicle does not mean a water craft or vehicle, a motor vehicle registered with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or a low speed motor vehicle defined in NRS 484.527.

General OHV Requirements

Nevada Certificate of Operation

The OHV requires a Nevada Certificate of Operation, see NRS 490, attached to left rear fender. A CURRENT CERTIFICATE/STICKER FROM ANOTHER STATE THAT REQUIRES THEM IS ACCEPTABLE. Locally, the Nevada Certificate can be obtained from Lee Ford in Caliente.

Driver Requirements

NRS 483.580 states that parents can be held for negligence for allowing any unlicensed minor less than eighteen (18) years of age to drive a vehicle upon any public maintained road or highway.

All OHV drivers must be licensed or if under sixteen (16) years of age they must be accompanied by an adult licensed driver at least eighteen years old. Any minor under sixteen must be under visual supervision when operating on a county or city maintained road.

Helmets

Helmets are required for all operators AND riders when operating on a county, town, or city maintained road.

Road & Highway Requirements

Driving ON US Highways (US 93) or State Routes (SR 317, SR 318, SR 319, SR 320, SR 321, SR 322, SR 375) is prohibited. An OHV may cross these highways of as long as they obey all traffic control devices and all traffic laws.

All traffic laws of the State of Nevada must be complied with during operation of an OHV.

Vehicle Requirements

Vehicle Requirements: the OHV must have a headlight and taillight that is visible from a minimum of 500 feet. At least one reflector on the rear of the vehicle unless the taillight is red and reflective. There must be a stop lamp at the rear. There should be a working muffler/spark arrestor in constant operation while the vehicle is running.

Purpose of the Regulation

The purpose of this regulation is to allow OHV access to public lands from towns and cities. OHV’s may NOT be used for the purpose of transportation within the towns and cities. This means OHV’s are not for carrying on personal business within the towns and cities. EXAMPLES include, but are not limited to, going to the store, the post office, or visiting neighbors or friends.

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 490

Nevada State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Regulations

Check Each Park for Specific OHV Information

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 407.0475

Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 407.0088 “Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)” defined.

“Off-Highway Vehicle” means a motorized vehicle of any size that is:

Operated or used exclusively off the roads or highways of this State
Not legally equipped for operation or use on such highways

NAC 407.122 Off-Highway Vehicles

If the Administrator deems the use of off-highway vehicles to be appropriate in a park, the Administrator may designate areas in the park for the use of off-highway vehicles.
A person may drive or operate an off-highway vehicle in a park if:
- The person obtains a permit to operate an off-highway vehicle in the park;
- The person is 14 years of age or older;
- The person an any passengers in the off-highway vehicle each wear a helmet that meets or exceeds the standards regarding impact and retention set forth in 49 C.F.R. 571.218; and
- The person operates the off-highway vehicle:
  - In an area designated by the Administrator pursuant to subsection 1;
  - At a rate of speed that is reasonable and proper, having due regard to Conditions of the driving surface, the weather, and other conditions;
  - In any event, at a speed that is not greater than 20 miles per hour;
  - In a safe manner;

NRS 407 web page – Text of Nevada Revised Statutes concerning Nevada State Parks