Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — All out-of-state residents coming to use off-highway vehicles in Utah parks and on public lands will need a nonresident permit to ride them starting on Jan. 1.
The permit costs $30 for 12 months and can be ordered online or picked up in person at a designated vendor. While Utah previously recognized off-highway vehicle registrations from select other states like Nevada, Utah HB105, which became law in 2019, ended that arrangement beginning in 2020.
Chris Haller, the off-highway vehicle program coordinator for Utah State Parks, said the nonresident permit funds will support the state’s recreational areas.
“What that money specifically goes back to is for services and products right back on the ground,” Haller said. “So it’s going to go for infrastructure — which could include restroom facilities, trailheads, kiosks, maps and brochures — along with trail maintenance and further trail development within the state.”
Haller said the nonresident permit has existed for over 20 years and that Utah had reciprocity, or an agreement to honor each other's permits, with fewer and fewer states every year. He said there were only 13 states that recognized Utah off-highway vehicle permits at the beginning of 2019.
Ending reciprocity, he said, will generate revenue and eliminate confusion for visitors.
“It simplifies the process for people,” he said, “understanding that, hey, if you’re coming to Utah, you need to pick up a permit.”
Those purchasing a permit will need proof of out-of-state residency and proof that the off-highway vehicle is not owned by a Utah resident. All-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles and snowmobiles will be included under this new law.
The permits are available at stores throughout the state and a handful of vendors in Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada. More information and a full list of permit vendors is available here.
