Off-Highway Vehicle Information

All of the roads and highways within the City of Elko are designated as permissible for the operation of off highway vehicles for the limited purpose of allowing off highway vehicles to travel to one or more designated routes or trail connectors.

RESTRICTED ROUTES:  

  • State Route 225 from Spruce Road to Aspen Way
  • Cedar Street from 5th Street to 13th Street
  • 9th Street pedestrian bridge. 

 KEY REGULATIONS:

  • Off-highway vehicles can travel on City highways (streets) for the sole purpose of reaching a private or public area that is open for use by off-highway vehicles. 
  • A person operating an off-highway vehicle on a highway (street) must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
  • The operator of and any occupant in the off-highway vehicle must wear a helmet.
  • All traffic laws must be obeyed - Speed Limits will be enforced!
  • The off-highway vehicle cannot be left running unattended.
  • Off-highway vehicle use on sidewalks is prohibited.
  • It is unlawful for any person operating an off-highway vehicle to make, permit, continue or cause to be made or to create any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise that is audible to a person with ordinary hearing within three hundred (300) feet of any district zoned residential.
OHV REQUIREMENTS:

  • Many off-highway vehicles and all large all-terrain vehicles operated on highways must be registered, and all large all-terrain vehicles operated on highways must be insured.  You can register your vehicle at any local dealership.
  • The off-highway vehicle must have at least one headlamp that illuminates objects at least 500 feet ahead of the vehicle;
  • At least one tail lamp visible from 500 feet behind the vehicle;
  • At least one red reflector on the rear of the vehicle (unless the tail lamp is red and reflective);
  • A stop lamp on the rear of the vehicle;
  • A muffler which is in working order and which is in constant operation when the vehicle is running.

                                                                            FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS???

CAN I RIDE MY OHV TO THE GROCERY STORE OR GAS STATION FOR FUEL AND/OR SNACKS BEFORE I HIT THE TRAIL?

Yes!  If you are on your way to a public or private area that is open for use by off-highway vehicles.

CAN MY 16 YEAR OLD DRIVE THE OHV?
Yes!  As long as he/she has a valid driver’s license and is going to a public or private area open for use by off-highway vehicles; and the 16 year old and all passengers are wearing a helmet.

CAN I USE MY OHV TO DROP MY CHILD OFF AT SCHOOL?
No!  The intent of the ordinance is for the “sole purpose of reaching public or private areas that are open to use by off-highway vehicles.”

MY OHV HAS A ROLL CAGE.  DO I STILL NEED TO WEAR A HELMET?
Yes!  The driver and all occupants must wear helmets.  No Exceptions!!!

DO I HAVE TO FOLLOW POSTED SPEED LIMIT SIGNS?
Yes!  All traffic laws, including speed limits will be strictly enforced!

DOES MY DIRT BIKE NEED TO BE STREET LEGAL?
No, but your motorcycle needs to have a headlamp, a tail lamp, a rear red reflector and rear stop lamp.

WHERE CAN I ACCESS OFF ROAD TRAILS FROM CITY STREETS?
There are many access points throughout the City, however be mindful that you must stay at least 300 feet away from residential areas.  Please be polite, respectful and tread lightly!

VIEW THE FULL OHV ORDINANCE HERE

VIEW THE OHV RESOLUTION HERE

 

The City of Elko has obtained a grant from the Nevada Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles to assist with signage, informational brochures, maps, community registration, safety events and enforcement.  Maps and brochures will be available soon!