[truepath]

Several days ago a topic was raised concerning the confusing regulations about dual purpose motorcycle use on trails/roads in different states. I have been communicating with the DNR in Minnesota about the rules here, and in the process I was placed in touch with the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council which maintains a central data base of state by state OHV regulations plus a whole lot of other relevant information.



Here is the URL to that organization (at the link page to the state by state data base:



My link



I thought I would create a new topic for this discussion to give it a little more visibility since many of you might be interested in knowing about it.

 

[truepath]

For people riding in Minnesota here is what the DNR trails coordinator wrote to me about the OHV requirements. Notice that he describes reciprocity for out of state registered vehicles that lasts for a 30 day period.



"The second item of discussion seems to Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHM) or specifically dual sport bikes. We have no ‘Trail Pass’ or ‘Permit’ requirements for OHMs in Minnesota. We do have ‘Registration’ requirements in our state. OHMs operated in MN must be registered with the DNR. Dual sport OHMs that are legally licensed for highway use are not required to be registered with the DNR if they are only operated on state forest roads. But, if dual sport OHMs are operated on designated OHM trails (off road), then DNR registration is required. MN DNR OHM registration is not required on OHMs if they are: Owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal government, the state, another state, or a political subdivision; OR if the OHM is: Registered in another state or country and has not been within this state for more than 30 consecutive days."

 

[mrlmd]

Those rules are for OHVs or OHMs. Does anybody know if there are fees for bikes like the TW that are dual sports and licensed and tagged for on road use also? Do those need the special permits or decals to ride on state trails? I'm especially interested in the rules for Florida but they probably apply all over.

 

[mga60tw]

I have been riding numerous times in the Ocala Forest. They do not charge you any fees to ride on the OHV trails or the forest roads. You are street legal and all is fine. I do not like the OHV trails as they are 2 way and the ATV's really tear up the trails and go faster than I think they should.

 

[srs713]

So if I take a less than 30 day vacation trip to Minnesota I can ride my TW on the OHM trails without paying for registration.

If I stay more than 30 days they start considering me a resident and want their money.

 

[truepath]

So if I take a less than 30 day vacation trip to Minnesota I can ride my TW on the OHM trails without paying for registration.

If I stay more than 30 days they start considering me a resident and want their money.

I think that's about the size of it. At least they give 30 days of reciprocity.

 

[Gerry]

At the risk of sounding self righteous, let me say this: I have used 'trails' for hiking, bicycling and motorbiking for many years. I lament the loss and over regulation of State and Federal land like anyone else.



What I have seen over my many years of off-pavement use is; many folks show no respect for the land or other users. Should that be "your" problem, NO. Unfortunately the reality is, 'it is'. There is a huge cost that comes with irresponsibility, and we have to pay it.



I have seen trash, and the reckless use of our resources on many occasions. I don't want to be a 'Jerk' nor the savior of the world, but feel inclined to stuff (many) of the soda bottles and gum wrappers in my pack and wag a finger at the reckless rider in the hopes of reducing the cost of maintaining off-road use for the next generation.



The reality (mine) seems to suggest that generally, if we do nothing, likely we will be able to still get by and have most of the fun that we have time to take advantage of. The big loss is for the next generation should the "really irresponsible" be allowed the upper hand.



No need to get punched in the face, but let your standards be known to others, "to fast" is to fast. Throwing your broken fender off the side of the trail is "Not ok". This is OUR trail and your junk, take it home............ My daily rant. Gerry

 

[TW2007]

Truepath,



Thanks for locating this link.



Might we want to pin it?



Mike