New Registration Requirements for ATVs / UTVs / Motorbikes
New registration requirements impacting ATVs, UTVs, and motorbikes were implemented during the 2008 legislative session in Idaho commonly referred to as House Bill 602 or "HB 602."
The new law changes the way we register motorbikes, ATVs and UTVs in Idaho. The $10.00 OHV registration sticker that funds maintenance on trails open to motorized use remains. The most visible change in the law is the requirement for a restricted use license plate for the vehicles mentioned above. The good news is that in combination, the restricted use plate and the OHV registration sticker will provide some new opportunities for OHV recreationists that didn’t currently exist. All roads other than state highways and interstates will be open to OHV travel unless otherwise closed by the authorized jurisdiction that manages that road. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the new law.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding HB 602
Q. I am an Idaho resident and heard that license plates are going to be required on my off-highway motorbike, ATV or UTV. Is this true?
A. Yes. Beginning on January 1, 2009 owners of motorbikes, ATVs and UTVs will be able to purchase a restricted use plate for $3.00 if they will be recreating on public land. The plate is valid for 7 years. Exemptions exist for motorbikes with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.
Q. How big is the restricted use plate?
A. The plate will be the same size and material that the current plate used on motorcycles is. The plate will be white with black lettering and must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Q. What happened to the $10.00 OHV sticker?
A. The OHV sticker will now be smaller in size and must be affixed to the restricted use plate on the rear of the vehicle. The sticker will be valid for one year.
Q. Do I need both a “restricted use” plate and an off-highway vehicle sticker?
A. Yes. Exemptions include motorbikes with a displacement of 50ccs or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.
Q. Where can I ride with my restricted use plate and OHV sticker?
A. All state or federal roads, excluding state highways and interstates will be open to motorbikes, ATVs and UTVs with a restricted use plate and current year OHV sticker unless a local ordinance is adopted to close a road to such use or otherwise determined closed by a federal land manager. Designated OHV riding areas, areas open to cross country motorized travel and designated motorized trail systems on public land will require both the restricted use plate and the OHV sticker.
Q. I converted my motorbike to a motorcycle and already have a red, white and blue motorcycle plate on it from ITD. Does this mean I now need two plates on my bike?
A. No. Only one plate is necessary. To ride on trails, you will still need the $10.00 OHV sticker and must affix it to your existing motorcycle license plate. This is in addition to the current motorcycle license plate registration sticker provided by ITD with the motorcycle plate.
Q. How does this new law affect non-residents?
A. Nothing was changed to the non-resident registration requirements. Non-residents are not required to register in Idaho unless they have operated within the state for more than 30 days.
Q. Does this law allow kids to ride on roads?
A. No. When travelling on roads, operators of a motorbike, ATV or UTV must have a valid driver’s license, carry liability insurance and have a vehicle equipped with the required equipment to do so.
Q. What required equipment must I have on my motorbike, ATV or UTV to travel on a road?
A. The required equipment is still being determined. Current code requires a number of items including a mirror, a working brake light, a horn audible at 200’ just to name a few. A similar list of requirements is still being determined.
Q. Where do I obtain plates and stickers in 2009?
A. On January 1st, 2009 you must purchase the restricted use plate and OHV sticker from the Idaho Transportation Department. Specifically your county assessor’s automobile licensing office.
Q. What do I need to take with me to obtain both plates and stickers?
A. You will need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) with you if it is currently titled in Idaho. If your vehicle isn’t titled in Idaho, you will need to contact your county assessor’s automobile licensing office and begin the titling process with ITD.
Q. Where do I go to renew my OHV sticker in 2010?
A. All IDPR registration vendors including county assessor automobile licensing offices, OHV dealers and other businesses that sell OHV registration stickers will be able to issue the OHV renewal stickers.
For additional information please call your county assessor’s automobile licensing office or the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at (208) 334-4199 (Boise), (208) 769-1511 (Coeur d’ Alene), (208) 525-7121 (Idaho Falls).