Off-Road Tips For Off-Highway Vehicles

Print

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds operators of off-highway vehicles that all OHV’s operated on public lands in Montana must display an off-highway decal in a conspicuous place and pay other OHV fees. On most public lands, cross-country travel is not allowed. OHV’s are self-propelled vehicles such as off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s).

Here is a summary of OHV-related fees:

· An annual $5 decal is visual proof that the necessary fees have been paid for the current year.

· Annual fee in lieu of tax on off-highway vehicles that is paid to the county treasurer of the county in which the OHV owner resides. The fee for an OHV less than three years old is $19, and for all others the fee is $9.

· An annual registration fee of $2 is also collected by the county treasurer when the fee in lieu of tax is collected.

· A one-time ownership certificate of $5 from the county treasurer in the owner’s home county is needed to operate OHV’s on public lands. The certificate of ownership is valid for as long as the person owns the off-highway vehicle.

An off-highway vehicle used only on private property is exempt from the fee, registration, decal and certificate of ownership requirements.

An off-highway vehicle registered in another country or another state and used in Montana for less than 30 days is exempt. Otherwise, a nonresident OHV owner must obtain a Nonresident Temporary Use Permit if the OHV isn’t already registered.

Funds from OHV fees goes in part to the general fund of Montana. Decal fees go to an account administered by FWP to enforce off-highway vehicle laws, promote safety and fund the Trail Grant Program.