From the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
BOISE – In the past five years, Idaho’s growing population has resulted in a huge increase in all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and off-highway motorcycles used on public lands and roads in Idaho. Many motorcycle and ATV riders are confused about the requirements for registration, equipment, and where they can legally ride.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) would like to offer important registration and use information for ATV and off-highway motorcycle users.

On or before January 1 of each year, the owner of ATVs or motorbikes used off-public highways must register that vehicle with IDPR. Motorbikes and ATVs used exclusively for agricultural purposes are excluded. The department or its authorized vendors will issue to the owner a validation sticker and a registration stating the number assigned to the ATV or motorbike and the name and the address of the owner. The registration fee is $10.00 and the stickers are valid through the end of calendar year 2003.

The current definition of an ATV includes vehicles weighing less than 650 lbs, a width less than 48,” three or more tires, traveling on low-pressure tires of less than 5 psi and designed to be ridden by one person.

For highway operation, motorbikes and ATVs must register as a motor vehicle and purchase a license plate. For more information contact your County Assessor’s Motor Vehicle office.

Riding requirements for motorbikes and ATVs depend on where you want to ride your motorbike/ATV. Riding locations can be broken down into five different categories: off-highway, on-highway, unpaved roads on state and federal public land, on-highways specifically designated by ordinance for off-highway use, and ATVs on groomed snowmobile trails.

Off-Highway Requirements
There are three requirements for ATVs and motorbikes operating off-highway on an unmaintained road, trail or area.

Registration for off-highway use can be obtained at Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, motorbike and ATV dealers, and County Assessor’s Motor Vehicle Offices.

Idaho law requires owners of off-highway vehicles acquired since 1991 to title them. Idaho law also requires owners to pay the sales tax on their off-highway vehicles before they receive the title. Owners can title their vehicles and pay the sales tax at their county assessor's motor vehicle office. For questions on sales tax, contact the Idaho State Tax Commission at (208) 334-7660 or (800) 972-7660.

To test your bike for sound compliance, contact your nearest Outdoor Recreation Program Specialists with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation: (North Idaho, Troy Elmore (208) 769-1511; Southwest Idaho, Todd Wernex (208) 334-4180 ext. 256; Eastern Idaho, David Claycomb (208) 525-7121).

On-Highway Requirements
The following are only some of the requirements to operate a motorbike or ATV on roads, which are part of the state highway system, and paved roads on public land management agency lands. In general, roads that are paved or have a well-maintained surface.

Registration for highway use can be obtained at any County Department of Motor Vehicles.

Unpaved Roads on Federal and State Public Lands Requirements
Unpaved roads that are maintained and managed by a public land management agency such as the United State Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation have the following requirements:

Highways Designated for Off-highway Use Requirements
Idaho Code 49-426 allows districts; counties and cities to designate certain roadways for off-highway motorbike and ATV use. These highway segments or segments of highways have to be clearly posted for off-highway motorbike and ATV use and have the following requirements:

ATVs on snowmobile trails
Any ATV operating on a groomed snowmobile trail must purchase a snowmobile registration. Counties have the option to allow ATVs on groomed snowmobile trails.

Idaho has some of the best off-highway motorbike and ATV riding in the nation. Over 95 percent of these opportunities are on National Forest and Public Land. The U.S. Forest Service provides travel plan maps that identify open and closed roads and trails; closure dates and other details that will help you plan an enjoyable ride. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also has riding information. Visit www.fs.fed.us or www.id.blm.gov to find the Forest Service and BLM locations nearest you.