OHV EDUCATION AND SAFETY
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish offers free hands-on safety classes for OHV riders. These classes are offered for ATV and dirt-bike riders ages 6 and up.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND SAFETY PERMITS
New Mexico law requires anyone younger than 18 operating an OHV on public lands, or an ATV or ROV on authorized paved roads, to possess an OHV Safety Permit during use. OHV Safety Permits are not machine-specific. For instance, a safety permit from an ATV class is acceptable for dirt-bike operation. However, because the physical skills required for safe operation differ from one type of OHV to another, we recommend taking a safety class for the type of machine to be operated.
The Department offers free hands-on ATV and dirt-bike classes that provide the OHV Safety Permit required for public-land or paved-road operation. ATVs and dirt bikes are available for students lacking access to appropriately sized machines. These machines are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis during course pre-registration. Students may use privately owned machines that are registered in accordance with state law; meet age-specific, size-fit rules (ATV and ROV) and pass a pre-ride inspection conducted by the class instructor.
Online classes are also available that provide the required safety permit after completion. Contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish OHV Program to learn about other options.
All New Mexico-approved safety classes include information about:
- New Mexico operating and safety requirements.
- Age-appropriate, size-fit use of OHVs.
- Responsible use of OHVs with respect to the environment, private property, agricultural and rural lifestyle, and cultural considerations.
- Trail etiquette.
- Prohibitions against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
ABOUT OUR COURSES
Hands-on safety classes are free of charge presented by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle Program.
A parent or guardian of each student under 18 must remain on site during the entire class.
Department training machines are available for use during ATV and off-highway motorcycle classes – request a machine during the registration process in the “Special Needs” dialog box and call 505-222-4712 to confirm reservation.
Each student bringing their own OHV MUST ENSURE it is mechanically sound for use during class:
- Motorcycle classes require motorcycles. ATV classes require ATVs.
- No sharing of vehicles is allowed.
- All vehicles must be currently registered according to New Mexico state law.
- All vehicles must be of appropriate size for the student (ATV and ROV)
Each student must also have protective safety equipment and appropriate clothing:
- A DOT- or ECE-approved helmet (look for the DOT or ECE sticker on the back or inside the helmet).
- Eye protection such as goggles, safety glasses or a face shield properly attached to the helmet.
- Sturdy boots or shoes that cover the ankles, full-fingered gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Students should dress appropriately for the anticipated weather.
- OHV program safety equipment is available in limited sizes for use during class.
Failure to be on time or to provide the appropriate vehicle, safety equipment or adult supervision may result in dismissal from the class.
ALL INSTRUCTOR DECISIONS REGARDING STUDENT PARTICIPATION ARE FINAL.