SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is now enforcing a law requiring an educational course for off-highway vehicles. The state requires the course certification for all off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers intending to drive on public land.

Operators of type one, two and three OHVs as well as drivers of off-highway motorcycles will have to take the course.

The course is free for those over the age of 18. The state requires that minors take a more extensive course, which costs $35. Minors can also complete a state-approved in-person skills exam instead.

The new Utah requires non-resident visitors to complete the course and buy a non-resident OHV permit to drive on public lands.

Snowmobiles, OHVs for ranching and farming, tours and competitions and driving done on private property are all exempt from the newly enforced law.

Rider safety, respectfulness, and OHV awareness in Utah

The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation said the purpose of this law is to increase rider safety, promote respectful OHV operation and equip operators with awareness of Utah’s OHV laws.

The course is essential for the safety of Utahns and public land said Chase Pili, the OHV program manager.

“In the past two to three years we’ve seen an increase of riders that may not have all the knowledge needed because there is some separate laws and rules for the trails with OHV use,” he said.

Pili pointed out that many trails allow both motorized and non-motorized use. The course is meant to ensure that mixed-use recreating is done respectfully and safely.

“You’re all accessing the trail differently but it’s all in the same area. And we all love the use of that trail so making sure you’re respectful to those other types of users.”

More information about the course can be found on the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation website.

Related reading:

• Utah ranks number one in United States for ATV child injuries
• Overnight camping fees coming soon to Utahraptor State Park
• Shift in policy will allow ATVs and UTVs in National Parks