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For many outdoor enthusiasts, the summer months mean blissful weekends spent at the wheel of a side-by-side or roaring up hills while gripping the handles of an ATV. With Utah's plentiful off-highway vehicle areas and trail systems, off-roading has grown in popularity each year.
As with any exhilarating sports, OHV (off-highway vehicle) riding comes with risks. Riders have the responsibility of learning and adhering to important safety training. That's why Utah implemented a new off-highway vehicle education course, which has seen huge success.
More than 175,000 people have completed the state's new adult education course since it was implemented January 1, 2023. The course—offered by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation—is the first of its kind in the nation and helps preserve access to roads and increase rider safety.
Working together for successful legislation
Brett Stewart, president of the Utah OHV Advocates, says that this new legislation had the support of municipalities, T.R.E.A.D. Lightly!, federal agencies, law enforcement and the Utah OHV Program.
"We appreciate the cooperation from the OHV community for supporting this course that will help educate those who are new to the sport and out-of-staters to help protect and preserve our public lands for ourselves and future generations," Stewart says. "We greatly thank Rep. Albrecht and co-sponsor Sen. Bramble for running this legislation."
The education course is a result of legislation passed during the 2022 general session, championed by the Utah OHV Advocates. Stewart worked closely with the bill's primary sponsor, Utah State Rep. Carl Albrecht, R-Richfield, to craft the legislation and provide valuable input on the overall course. Additional OHV clubs and organizations, T.R.E.A.D. Lightly!, federal land management agencies and local partners also provided feedback in designing the course.
"Our law enforcement rangers are seeing that most of the riders they contact are eager to show they have taken the course," said Division of Outdoor Recreation Law Enforcement chief Steve Bullock. "As we talk to people enjoying the trails and dunes, they are telling us that they are seeing other rider groups on the trails show more respect for others and the area. They say the course was easy to complete and that the information is needed."
Not just for Utahns
Since Utah's extensive trails and riding areas bring OHV enthusiasts from all over the country, many are also taking the course. In fact, about 15-20% of completed courses are from people outside of the state who are visiting. Any person wishing to legally operate an OHV in Utah must complete the course.
Additionally, Utah is seeing a hundredfold increase in youth riders completing the required youth education course for those under 18.
"A widespread understanding of the OHV laws, riding ethics, and message of respectful riding will make riding safer and result in fewer injuries and deaths," Bullock says. "Riders are increasingly showing respect for our amazing landscapes and trails and the communities that host OHV users across Utah. The new adult OHV education course seems to be making a real impact."
Anyone 18 years or older must now complete the free online course to operate an OHV on Utah public lands. To take the free OHV education course, click here. For more information, visit ohv.utah.gov.
