Government Relations Office • 1235 South Clark Street • Suite 600 • Arlington, VA 22202-3261 • (703) 416-0444 

Executive Office • 2 Jenner • Suite 150 • Irvine, CA 92618-3812 • (949) 255-2560

MODEL STATE RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE LEGISLATION

Chapter 1. Definitions

Section 101. Definitions. As used in this Act:

(a) “Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle” or “ROV” means a motorized off-highway vehicle 

designed to travel on four or more tires, intended by the manufacturer for use by one or more 

persons and having the following characteristics: a steering wheel for steering control; a Roll 

Over Protective Structure, complying with ANSI/ROHVA-1, an Occupant Retention System, 

complying with ANSI/ROHVA-1; non-straddle seating; maximum speed capability greater than 

30 mph; less than 80 inches in overall width, exclusive of accessories; engine displacement of 

less than 1,000cc; identification by means of a 17 character PIN or VIN.

(b) “Department” means the Department of __________.

(c) “Owner” means any person, other than a person with a security interest, having a property 

interest or title to an ROV and entitled to the use and possession of the vehicle.

(d) “Person” means every natural person, firm, co-partnership, association, or corporation.

(e) “Public street,” “road,” or “highway” [the state will define these terms to correspond to 

other legislation and its road system, but it is not intended that this definition cover such public 

thoroughfares as logging roads, woodland trails or other unimproved ways.]

Chapter 2. Operation

Section 201. Occupant Requirements

(a) An ROV operator must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license.
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(b) No operator may carry any passenger who is unable: (1) to place both feet flat on the 

floorboard while seated upright with his or her back against the seatbacks; and (2) to reach the 

occupant handhold(s) when seated.

(c) No person shall operate or be a passenger in an ROV unless the person wears eye 

protection and an approved safety helmet.

Section 202. Equipment Requirements.

Any ROV operated in this state shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Every ROV must be equipped with a brake system maintained in good operating 

condition.

(b) Every ROV must be equipped with an effective muffler system in good working 

condition.

(c) Every ROV must be equipped with an effective spark arrester in good working condition.

(d) ROVs participating in certain competitive events may be exempted from all or any part or 

parts of Section 202 at the discretion of the Department.

Chapter 3 Prohibited Acts

Section 301. Prohibited Acts by Owner and Operator.

The following acts are prohibited when an ROV is operated on public land.

(a) No person shall operate an ROV in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger or to 

cause injury or damage to any person or property.

(b) An ROV shall not be driven or operated on any public street, road, or highway of this 

state unless such street, road, or highway is part of a designated trail system permitting such 

operation or except for purposes of crossing if:

(1) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the 

highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;

(2) the vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled 

way of the highway;

(3) the operator yields the right of way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an 

immediate potential hazard;

(4) both the headlight and tail light are on when the crossing is made.

(c) The crossing of any interstate or limited access highway is not permitted.
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(d) No person shall operate an ROV during hours of darkness without displaying a lighted 

headlamp and tail lamp. These lights must be in operation during the period of from one-half 

hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise and at any time when visibility is reduced due to 

insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, unless use of lights is prohibited by 

other applicable state laws such as a prohibition on use of lamps when hunting at night.

(e) No person shall operate or be a passenger in an ROV unless wearing a seat belt.

(f) No operator of an ROV shall carry more passengers than recommended by the 

manufacturer in the vehicle owner’s manual. 

(g) No operator shall carry a passenger in the bed of an ROV.

(i) No person shall operate an ROV while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled 

substance, or under the influence of a prescription or non-prescription drug that impairs vision, 

motor coordination or judgment. 

(j) No owner shall authorize an ROV to be operated contrary to this Act.

Chapter 4 Miscellaneous Provisions

Section 401. Powers of the Department.

The Department may promulgate rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to carry 

out and enforce the provisions of this Act.

Section 402. Penalties.

Any person who violates any of the provisions in Chapter 4 of this Act shall be subject to a 

fine of not less than $__ or more than $__. However, for offenses committed with intent to 

defraud or mislead, or for second and subsequent offenses, a fine of not less than $__ or more 

than $__ shall be imposed.

Section 503. Effective Date.

This Act shall take effect on _______.