Off-Road Vehicles

DCR offers off-road vehicle (ORV) riding opportunities on designated trails in select forests. The following is a list of information you should know before visiting one of the state parks that permit the use of off-highway vehicles.

DCR Properties where OHV use is permitted may be located on a map at the bottom of this page.

No person may operate any recreation vehicle with a manufacturer's listed dry weight in excess of 900 pounds or width greater than 50 inches on any forest way or forest trail except where the way or trail is specifically posted for such use.

• No person younger than 12 years old shall operate any snow vehicle or recreation vehicle on DCR property.
• No person under 18 years of age shall operate a recreation vehicle or recreation utility vehicle unless he has successfully completed an approved recreation vehicle safety and responsibility course. For information, contact the Boat & RV Safety Bureau at (508)564-4961 or www.mass.gov/ole

• No person under the age of 16½ shall operate a recreation vehicle across a public way unless directly supervised by an adult (18 years of age or older). The public way and the crossing must be marked and approved for recreation vehicle use.
• No person between 14 - 16 years of age shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or a recreation utility vehicle with an engine capacity greater than 90 cubic centimeters. When operating such vehicles 90 cubic centimeters or less, persons between 14 - 16 years of age must be directly supervised by an adult.

• No person between 10 - 14 years of age shall operate a recreation vehicle unless directly supervised by an adult while in preparation for, or while participating in, a sanctioned race, rally, or organized event which has been approved by a municipal permitting authority. If operating an all- terrain vehicle or a recreation utility vehicle, engine capacity must be equal to or less than 90 cubic centimeters.

Recreation vehicles operated on public or private property must be registered through the MA Environmental Police, except if used exclusively for agricultural, forestry, lumbering or construction purposes. Application for said exemption is required. Out-of-state recreation vehicle registrations are not valid in Massachusetts. 

The assigned registration decals shall be firmly attached to both sides of the vehicle and located so that both are clearly visible. The validation date shall be displayed on the left side of the vehicle. The registration certificate shall be in the possession of the operator. For further registration information, contact the Environmental Police at (617) 626-1610, or visit www.mass.gov/ole

Persons operating, riding on, or being towed by a recreation vehicle shall wear a DOT approved helmet. Each recreation vehicle must also be equipped with an adequate braking system. An adequate muffler designed to reduce unusual or excessive noise and noxious fumes is required. Each recreation vehicle must be equipped with one or more headlights, a red rear light and red rear reflector when operated after sunset. A trailer attached to a recreation vehicle must have a red rear reflector.