ATV Riding Laws – New Hampshire

The use of ATVs on private property and public land in New Hampshire is regulated under Title XVIII of the New Hampshire code. All New Hampshire residents who own an all-terrain vehicle must register them and display a decal on their vehicles.

Summary of the State’s Laws for ATVs

This is a quick overview of the main provisions of New Hampshire law:

  • Every all-terrain vehicle with an engine capacity over 95cc must be registered and receive a license plate
  • All-terrain vehicle registration must be renewed annually.
  • No person younger than 18 may register an ATV.
  • The use of ATVs on public roads and highways is prohibited, except for the sole purpose of crossing.
  • All ATV riders under eighteen must wear a helmet and protective eyewear at all times.
  • Riders younger than 18 may not carry a passenger.
  • ATV users over the age of 12 must have a safety certificate or valid driver’s license to ride on public property.
  • Anyone under the age of 14 must be supervised by another person older than 18 when riding on public land.
  • During the hours of darkness, no ATV may be used without a headlight and taillight in operation.

Limitations of Operation

New Hampshire law requires all-terrain vehicle riders to maintain a speed which will prevent collisions that cause personal injury or damage to property. The following speed limits are imposed:

  • 10mph within 150 feet of a bob house, fishing shanty or fishing hole.
  • 10mph on approved highways, bridges and city sidewalks.
  • 15mph on plowed roads within public property.
  • 35mph on trail connectors.
  • 45mph on approved trails.

All ATV riders must possess a valid driver’s license or have completed an approved ATV safety training course. It is illegal to ride an ATV in the dark without at least one headlight and one taillight in operation. Where it is legal to do so, an ATV rider may cross a public way only at 90 degrees to the roadway after first stopping to check that there is no oncoming traffic.

Riding While Intoxicated

Under the law, it is illegal to ride an ATV anywhere and at any time while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Intoxicated persons may be found guilty of this offense even if they attempt to travel on an ATV in this condition.

New Hampshire has stringent provisions for the regulation of intoxicated riders. By law, anyone riding or attempting to ride an all-terrain vehicle while intoxicated gives implied consent to be tested for drug or alcohol intoxication. Anyone found to have a blood alcohol content that is over the legal limit will be prosecuted and subject to the same penalties as drivers or regular motor vehicles.

Failure to submit to a test may result in the cancellation of the rider’s license. Furthermore, it is unlawful for anyone whose driver’s license has been suspended to ride an all-terrain vehicle in any U.S. state or province of Canada.