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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568

OHV Regulations

Please follow these rules and regulations to make your experience safe and enjoyable.

OPERATING CONDITIONS ENFORCED UNDER FOREST SUPERVISOR'S ORDERS

Pursuant to the provisions of 16 U.S.C. Section 551, and Title 36 C.F.R., Section 261.50 (a) and (b), the following prohibitions apply to operating a vehicle off of Forest Development roads and trails within the Daniel Boone National Forest.

1. Operating any motor vehicle on Forest Development Roads in violation of any Commonwealth of Kentucky traffic or vehicle law.(261.54(d))

2. Possessing or use of a motor vehicle off designated Forest Development Roads. (261.56)

3. Possessing or use of a motor vehicle off designated Forest Development Trails. (261.55)

The above prohibited acts are set forth in Title 36 C.F.R., Section 261.55 and 261.56.

Violations of the above prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than (6) six months or both.

From the Ky. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife:

ATVs NOT PERMITTED ON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

Frankfort, Ky., March 19, 1999 – Officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) remind the public that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not permitted on public lands owned or managed by the agency.

State law defines an "all-terrain vehicle" as "any motor vehicle used for recreational off-road use." Kentucky Revised Statute 189.515 further specifies:

No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle upon any public highway or upon the right-of-way of any public highway or roadway.

No person shall operate an all-terrain vehicle on any public or private property without the consent of the landowner.

A person operating an all-terrain vehicle on public property shall wear approved protective headgear at all times the vehicle is in motion.
(see KRS)

Roads on public lands owned or managed by the KDFWR are public roads, therefore, ATVs are not permitted on these roads. In addition, KDFWR regulations do not permit vehicles to be used off-roads on public wildlife management areas.

For more information on lands owned or managed by the KDFWR, write Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. #1 Game Farm Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, or call 1(800)858-1549, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

KRS 189.515 Restrictions on operation of all-terrain vehicles.

(1) Except for vehicles authorized to operate on a public highway as of July 15, 1998, and except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, a person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle upon any public highway or roadway or upon the right-of-way of any public highway or roadway.

(2) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle on private property without the consent of the landowner, tenant, or individual responsible for the property.

(3) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public property unless the governmental agency responsible for the property has approved the use of all-terrain vehicles.

(4) Except for vehicles authorized to operate on a public highway, a person operating an all-terrain vehicle on public property shall wear approved protective headgear, in the manner prescribed by the secretary of the Transportation Cabinet, at all times that the vehicle is in motion. The approved headgear requirement shall not apply when the operator of any all-terrain vehicle is engaged in:

(a) Farm or agriculture related activities;

(b) Mining or mining exploration activities;

(c) Logging activities;

(d) Any other business, commercial, or industrial activity; or

(e) Use of that vehicle on private property.

(5) (a) A person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle with an engine size exceeding ninety (90) cubic centimeters displacement, and a person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle except under direct parental supervision.

(b) A person under the age of twelve (12) years shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle with an engine size exceeding seventy (70) cubic centimeters displacement.

(6) (a) A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle on any two (2) lane public highway in order to cross the highway. In crossing the highway under this paragraph, the operator shall cross the highway at as close to a ninety (90) degree angle as is practical and safe, and shall not travel on the highway for more than two-tenths (2/10) of a mile.

(b) A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle on any two (2) lane public highway, if the operator is engaged in farm or agricultural related activities, construction, road maintenance, or snow removal.

(c) The Transportation Cabinet may designate, and a city or county government may designate, those public highways, segments of public highways, and adjoining rights-of-way of public highways under its jurisdiction where all-terrain vehicles that are prohibited may be operated.

(d) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle on a public highway under this subsection shall possess a valid operator's license.

(e) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle on a public highway under this subsection shall comply with all applicable traffic regulations.

(f) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle under this subsection unless the all-terrain vehicle has at least one (1) headlight and two (2) taillights, which shall be illuminated at all times the vehicle is in operation.

(g) A person operating an all-terrain vehicle under this subsection shall restrict the operation to daylight hours, except when engaged in snow removal or emergency road maintenance.

Effective: July 14, 2000

History: Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 460, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 47, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998. -- Created 1990 Ky. Acts ch. 400, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1990

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National definition of OHV (Off-highway vehicle)

Any motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain. (36 CFR 212.1)

This definition can include:

Vehicles over 50 inches, such as sport utility vehicles, 4-wheel drives or "jeeps", that are designed for off-road travel.

ATVs can also be considered OHVs, along with motorcycles. An ATV is defined as type of off-highway vehicle that travels on three or more low-pressure tires; has handle-bar steering; is less than or equal to 50 inches in width; and has a seat designed to be straddled by the operator.

Dirt bikes or trail bikes, defined as lightweight motorcycles designed for use on rough surfaces, such as dirt roads or trails.

The width of the vehicle determines where you can ride it within the national forest trail system. Check with the Motor Vehicle Use Maps to determine permitted trail and road uses.

Author: Recreation Staff
Last Updated: January 26, 2011