https://csp.colorado.gov/press-release/off-highway-vehicles-not-allowed-on-streets-highways-in-coloradoOff Highway Vehicles Not Allowed on Streets, Highways in Colorado
COLORADO – On May 7, 2021, Governor Jared Polis signed into state law that off-highway vehicles (OHV), regardless of the state or other jurisdiction in which the off-highway vehicle is registered or titled, will not be allowed on public streets, roads, or highways of the State. Off-highway vehicles include ATVs, four-wheelers, and side-by-sides, and more.
This bill aimed to clear up confusion about the nature of these vehicles and their on-road usage, regardless if the OHV is registered and allowed on roadways or highways in another state. Colorado now prohibits their use on streets, with few minor exceptions.
“Ultimately this is about keeping everyone as safe as possible regardless of what they are driving,” said Colonel Matthew Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “We want people to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer, and clearing this law up made that easier and safer to do.”
While the law is statewide, there are some exceptions in certain areas. For a list of these exemptions, please visit
https://staythetrail.org/ohvs-on-streets-and-roads/ for more information.
https://staythetrail.org/ohvs-on-streets-and-roads/Many cities and counties in Colorado have opened some or all of their roads/streets to off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Colorado State Law allows for the operation of OHVs with a valid Colorado OHV registration/permit, by operators 10 years and older (under direct supervision of a licensed driver) or by operators 16 years and older.
https://leg.colorado.gov/content/%E2%80%91highway-vehiclesOff‑Highway Vehicles
Off‑highway vehicles (OHVs) include motorcycles, dirt bikes, three‑wheelers, ATVs, surplus military vehicles, and dune buggies that are operated on public lands and trails in Colorado. OHVs must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. All OHVs owned and operated in Colorado must display current registration stickers when in an OHV staging area or operated on designated trails or routes. OHVs from out of state must also display a current Colorado OHV use permit sticker. The annual registration fee is $25.25, and registrations are valid from April 1 to March 31 every year.
Local enforcement. Under current law, local governments may enact an ordinance or resolution requiring OHV operations to:
have a driver license;
carry liability insurance;
use seatbelts;
use child restraint systems;
use eye protection;
use a helmet (for riders 18 and younger); or
limit the number of occupants in an OHV.
Ordinances will vary by county. For example, on the Alpine Loop Trail in southwest Colorado, which cuts through Hinsdale, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties, all OHV operators are required to possess a valid driver license and carry liability insurance.