New Hampshire Snowmobile Association

Who has to register their OHRV?
All snowmobiles that are used off of the owner’s property must be registered. Due to a new law -
House Bill 1348, Chapter 253, effective July 1, 2002, everyone who registers a snowmobile in New Hampshire needs to show proof of membership with a New Hampshire snowmobile club affiliated
with the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, or pay an extra $30.00 per snowmobile.

The extra $30.00 supports the state-managed Grant-In-Aid program, which goes directly back to the
clubs for trail maintenance and construction projects to maintain the snowmobile trails for the
snowmobile rider. Cars and trucks are not permitted on snowmobile trails

Where can I register?
Registrations can be made in person at over 200 OHRV Registration agencies located throughout
the state. Businesses that sell OHRV Registrations include: OHRV sales and repair shops, sporting goods stores, country and general stores, and some marinas. Specific locations can be obtained by calling NH Fish and Game Headquarters. Registrations are also available by mail through the NH
Fish and Game Department. Registration information can also be obtained by viewing the NH Fish
and Game's website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/OHRV/ohrv.htm

Do I need a driver’s license to operate an OHRV?
You cannot operate a Snowmobile if your driver’s license is under suspension or revocation in any
state or Canadian Province. An Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate does not override a Motor
Vehicle License Suspension. A valid motor vehicle driver's license or Snowmobile Safety Education Certificate is also required to cross a public way.

Can a child legally operate an OHRV?
Any operator 12 years of age and over must show proof of an approved safety education class or
possess a valid motor vehicle driver's license. Any operator under the age of 14 must be accompanied
by a licensed adult over the age of 18. Any operator under the age of 12 cannot cross roads. Any operator under the age of 18 must wear a helmet and eye protection. Any passenger under the age of 18 must
wear a helmet.

How can I find out about OHRV Safety Education Courses?
You can call Fish and Game Headquarters at 603-271-3129 or visit www.wildlife.state.nh.us/OHRV/ohrv.htm.

Where can I ride?
Close to 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails may be open in the winter for riding. Landowner permission
is required to operate on property of another. You can only ride on trails designated and signed for your type of vehicle. Snowmobile trails are only open during the winter months unless written landowner permission is obtained. The NH Bureau of Trails and the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association
print statewide Snowmobile Trail maps. Local trail maps are printed and distributed by local clubs.

Can I ride on power lines and other utility company rights of way?
A majority of land on which the utility companies operate are private property. The companies obtain easements for their purposes only. Written landowner permission from each individual landowner must be obtained if the trail is not specifically designated for snowmobiling use before you can operate your snowmobile.

How far can I ride down the road?
Snowmobile operation is prohibited on public roads unless specifically permitted and posted for snowmobiling use. Examples of permitted uses are road crossings and trail connectors. In such
areas the speed limit is 10 MPH and snowmobiles must stay to the extreme right side of the public
way. They cannot operate from trailhead to trail head.

Is it illegal to operate while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs?
Operating an Snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Nationwide, approximately 65% of OHRV fatal crashes involve an intoxicated operator.
The same laws and penalties for operating motor vehicles while under the influence also applies to Snowmobiles, to include implied consent, heft fines, jail time and loss of your driving privileges. The
legal blood alcohol concentration limit for operating an Snowmobile is similar to motor vehicle, .08%,
or attempting to operate while impaired.

Is my New Hampshire Registration valid in other states?
Your New Hampshire snowmobile registration is also valid in Vermont, but you must purchase a
Non-Resident Trails Maintenance Assessment Pass and join the state association and local club.
Some states and provinces require proof of insurance and payment of a trail use fee or club
membership. When planning to ride in other states or provinces, call ahead for particulars and
restrictions such as dates and available trails.

How can I find out about Snowmobile events and activities?
The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association is the umbrella organization that unites most of the snowmobile clubs in the state. You may automatically become an NHSA member by joining a local
club. You will also receive their monthly publication that contains a listing of snowmobile related
activities. Call 603-273-0220 or visit their website at www.nhsa.com for more information

Safety Facts

ALCOHOL and riding do not mix.
Many people believe in the myth that consuming alcohol can warm up a chilled person. While one
may get the feeling of warming up, your body is actually cooling off faster. The alcohol opens the
blood vessels and hides the feeling of being chilled by getting the warm blood close to the skin
surface. It does nothing to increase body heat. While they may feel warmer, the alcohol can cool them down dangerously, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

New Hampshire has strict rules and regulations against operating an OHRV while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
While we are concerned about your safety, we must also consider the other rider. Alcohol increases fatigue, affects your fine and gross motor skills, affects your judgment and ability to make rational decisions thus making operating an OHRV dangerous. Remember if you must drink and ride,
drink Pepsi.

RIDING a recreational vehicle has some inherent risks.
In the OHRV Safety Education Classes the children are taught that there are risks associated with
riding an OHRV. The best way to avoid getting hurt or encountering problems is to manage the risks. Some examples of risk management are:

Wear Protective Clothing. The most important piece of protective clothing you can wear is an approved helmet. Make sure the helmet has been approved by either from Snell or DOT. If you
have any questions about the condition of a used helmet, contact a competent dealer and ask their opinion.
Know your abilities to ride and do not exceed those levels.
Identify the capabilities of the machine you are riding and do not exceed those levels.
Always ride at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the existing conditions. If you cannot
control your machine you are riding too fast, no matter what the posted speed limit is.
Know the area you are riding in. Be aware of potential hazards such as washouts and other
changing trail characteristics. Get a map of the trails and talk to local riders.
Always keep an open mind to learning. One is never too old to learn. Take a class, join a club and ride with a friend.
Use common sense when riding. Be prepared; carry a first aid and survival kit. Take along some spare plugs and tools that may not be in the machine’s tool kit.
Let someone know where you will be riding and when you plan on returning. If you run into
problems these extra precautions can be time and lifesavers when needed most.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Safety Facts