OHVers need new license to ride
Idaho will require plates on ATVs starting Jan. 1
A new law passed in the Idaho Legislature earlier this year requires a “restricted vehicle” license plate for all off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and utility vehicles starting Jan. 1.
The restricted vehicle plate and the traditional off-highway vehicle registration sticker will both be required for operating these off-highway vehicles, even if they’re never ridden on roads.
The new license plate is through the Idaho Department of Transportation and is separate from the traditional OHV sticker program through Idaho Parks and Recreation.
Law enforcement community had made the case for a more visible way to identify OHVs when illegal riding is observed.
According to Troy Elmore, Parks and Recreation OHV program manager, the new plate was developed because Idaho Transportation Department did not want to issue red, white and blue motorcycle plates to ATVs. Transportation officials point out that ATVs don’t meet federal motor vehicle standards. Issuing regular state plates to OHVs could jeopardize federal funding for Idaho’s state highways and interstates.
“ATV owners voiced their concern about no longer being able to travel on roadways and insisted that a plate be issued that would allow the continued use of their vehicles on roads other than state highways and interstates,” Elmore said.
The law ended up requiring all off-highway vehicles to have the new plates, Elmore said.
OHV stickers will still fund the same work for motorized recreation, including building and maintaining trails and trailheads, he said.