New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Lesley Ikeda, (505) 795-3745
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
lesley.ikeda@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 7, 2012:

SAFETY STRESSED FOR OHV RIDERS TO AVOID SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish wants to remind riders to be safe when riding. Safety is the primary goal of the state’s off-highway vehicle (OHV) laws.

Safety equipment is mandatory for OHV riders younger than 18, and it is recommended for all riders.

“No matter your OHV skill level, slow down and enjoy the view when venturing out into new terrain,” said Desi Ortiz, OHV law enforcement coordinator for the Department of Game and Fish. “Speeding, being unaware of your surroundings, and lacking proper safety equipment are major factors in many OHV accidents and deaths.”

OHV riders younger than 18 must:

• Wear a helmet and eye protection.
• Have a safety training permit and carry it with them. Safety training permits are available to students who pass one of the OHV training courses available at b4uride.com.
• Have adult supervision while riding if they do not have a driver’s license.
• Never carry passengers.
• Register their OHV with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division or have a nonresident permit.

Riders of all ages must:

• Never ride on a paved road. It is illegal to drive an OHV on paved surfaces, regardless of registration.
• Register their OHV with the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division or have a nonresident permit.
• Have a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrester and an engine that produces fewer than 96 decibels.
• Never ride on private property without permission.

If you are unfamiliar with New Mexico’s OHV laws, please spend a few moments on the Department’s websites, www.wildlife.state.nm.us or www.b4uride.com. Or call the New Mexico Off-Highway Vehicle Program at 505-321-0858.

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