New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Karl Moffatt, (505) 476-8007
Public contact:Chris Johnson, (505) 222-4712
christopher.johnson@state.nm.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, SEPT. 15, 2015:
SIGN UP FOR FREE ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SAFETY CLASSES THIS FALL
ALBUQUERQUE – The Department of Game and Fish Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) program is conducting free, hands-on, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety classes around the state this fall.
The Saturday classes are four hours long. Space is limited to six students and preregistration is required. No walk-ins will be accepted. A parent or guardian must be in attendance.
State law requires ATV riders under age 18 to carry a safety permit proving completion of an approved OHV safety course. Upon successful completion of the department’s hands-on training course students will receive the required safety permit.
The classes:
- Sept. 19 — Rio Arriba County Fairgrounds north of Española.
- Oct. 3 — Los Lunas River Park in Los Lunas.
- Oct. 17 — Hackberry Lake OHV Area east of Carlsbad.
- Nov. 7 — Glade Run OHV Area north of Farmington.
- Nov. 14 — Del Norte Gun Club northwest of Rio Rancho.
During registration students can reserve a department ATV and safety equipment for training. Students can use their own mechanically-sound ATV as long as it is properly registered, complies with age-specific size and fit standards, is equipped with a spark arrester and meets exhaust noise rules. Sharing of ATVs is not allowed.
Each student must have a U.S. Department of Transportation approved helmet and eye protection including either goggles, safety glasses or a face shield attached to the helmet. Students must wear sturdy over-the-ankle footwear, long pants, long sleeves and full fingered gloves during training. Limited safety gear will be available for use.
For more information and to preregister for the OHV safety classes, please visit http://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/ohv/ohv-education/ or call (505) 222-4712. Online training is also available that provides the required safety permit upon successful completion.
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