Montana's off-highway vehicle laws detail the operator's responsibilities, the use of public roads, and required fees and decals. Most OHV's are required to purchase and display an OHV decal and are subject to a fee in lieu of tax. Generally, OHVs are not allowed on streets or roads unless they also have a license plate (see Public Roads).

MCA 23.8 defines the rules for operating an OHV in Montana.

Operator Responsibilities

An OHV operator accepts all legal responsibility for injury or damage of any kind to the extent that the injury or damage results from risks inherent in the sport of off-highway vehicle use. Operators must regulate their personal conduct at all times so that injury to self or other persons or property is avoided.

Risks inherent in the sport include variations in terrain, surface or subsurface conditions, crevices, ravines, streams, poor visibility, rocks, trees, other forms of forest growth or debris, and any other natural hazard.

The OHV operator is responsible for:

• considering slope and trail conditions when judging his or her ability to navigate a particular route;
• maintaining control of speed and course at all times while operating the vehicle;
• heeding all posted warnings;
• refraining from acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to the injury of anyone.

Public Roads

An off-highway vehicle may not be operated on or across a highway that is part of the interstate system. An OHV may make a direct crossing of other public roads when the crossing is necessary to get to another authorized area of operation. The crossing must be made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of traffic (in other words, in as straight a line as possible across the roadway). The crossing must be made at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing. The OHV must make a complete stop before entering upon any part of the roadway, and the operator shall yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic.

Some Forest Service roads are open for use by OHV's. On these roads, children ages 12 - 16 must possess a Safety Certificate and be accompanied by a licensed operator. Contact the appropriate land management agency for information.