Where can you ride off-road vehicles in Massachusetts and what rules must be followed?

With off-road vehicles causing issues with drivers on city streets and parks across Massachusetts, some have asked where is it legal to ride them and what rules must be followed?

According to materials released online by the Government of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation offers off-road vehicle riding opportunities on designated trails in select forests between May and November. All vehicles need to be registered. Riders under 18 must complete an operator safety and responsibility program before riding that involves multiple courses.

In order to get an OHV Safety and Responsibility Course completion certificate, you must complete two courses. The first course is the online safety course offered by an approved provider. Upon successful completion of that course, you must complete a two-hour classroom course which will cover Massachusetts-specific content.

The following are prohibited when operating an off-road vehicle:

-Operating without a helmet
-Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-Operating on public ways or upon or across a controlled access highway.
-Failure to come to a complete stop when crossing an approved public way (must yield to motor vehicle traffic).
-Operating at an unreasonable, improper, or unsafe speed for existing conditions.
-Operating on land of another without written permission of the owner.
-Operating within 150 feet of a residence without permission of the owner.
-Operating a vehicle which emits noxious fumes or makes excessive noise.
-Operating in a manner that causes damage to public or private property.
-Operating on an ocean beach or sand dune in a manner so as to destroy, damage or break down any beach, dune or dune grass.
-Operating in a manner so as to harass or chase wildlife or domestic animals.
-Operating on any public property not designated for recreation vehicle use.

Also, each recreation vehicle must also be equipped with an adequate braking system and 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 also have a red rear reflector.

Want to know where you can ride? DCR offers 7 locations for off-roading, but each spot isn’t created equal.

The Freetown-Fall River State Forest is a 5000-acre forest on Slab Bridge Road in Assonet that includes 25 miles of trails for hiking, horse-back riding, or off-roading, however off-roading is for dirt bikes only. Phone number is (508) 644-5522.

The Wrentham State Forest on Taunton Street also has a trail for off-roading, but for motorcycles only. Phone number is (508) 543-9084.

F. Gilbert Hills State Forest on Mill Street in Foxborough, has 8 miles of motor biking trails. Phone number is (508) 543-9084.

Franklin State Forest on Forge Hill Road has a designated loop for off-roading. Phone number is (508) 543-9084.

Beartown State Forest on Blue Hill Road in Monterey handles off-road vehicles, however, parking is $8 for Massachusetts residents and $30 for non-residents. Phone number is (413) 528-0904.

October Mountain State Forest on Woodland Road in Lee is the largest state forest in Massachusetts. OMSF has off-road vehicle availability, however, parking is also $8 for Massachusetts residents and $30 for non-residents. Phone number is (413) 243-1778.

And finally, you can use off-road vehicles at Pittsfield State Forest on Cascade Street where parking is $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for non-residents. Phone number is (413) 442-8992.

These 7 forests have more to offer than off-roading, but if you are looking to legally satisfy that itch, check out one of the above spots.