New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEB. 11, 2010:

REPORT OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE VIOLATIONS ON NEW HOTLINE

SANTA FE -- The next time you see an ATV, dirt bike or other off-highway vehicle in violation of state OHV laws, take the time to gather some information and call the state's new toll-free OHV Violations Hotline, (800) 366-4868.

The Department of Game and Fish launched the 24-hour automated hotline Wednesday, Feb. 10. Callers will be prompted for basic information, which will be forwarded to the OHV program manager for investigation. All reports will be confidential. For emergencies, people are advised to call 911.

Hotline callers will be asked to provide:

• Date and time of violation.
• Location and county.
• Type of vehicle involved -- ATV, dirt bike, snowmobile, side-by-side.
• Details of violation.
• Suspect information, vehicle description and license plate.
• Your name and phone number if you wish to be contacted.

Any information about off-highway vehicle violations is helpful as the Department and other law enforcement agencies increase efforts to enforce the New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Act. People who witness violations are encouraged to report them, but are discouraged from confronting violators on the trails.

For more information about state OHV laws and the Department's Off-Highway Vehicle Program, please call (505) 476-8140 or visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us or www.b4uride.com.

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