Laws Pertaining to Riding OHVs in WA and ID

Disclaimer:
While we have tried to highlight the laws applicable to OHVs, it is the ultimate responsibility
of the vehicle owner/operator be to aware of the laws that pertain to the OHV.

Idaho:

Idaho classifies OHVs as either an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), motorbike, Specialty Off-Highway Vehicle (SOHV), or Utility Type Vehicle (UTV). Please read the definitions on page 12 of their OHV Booklet (link below).

All non-residents must now purchase an IDPR (Idaho Parks and Recreation) nonresident OHV certificate of number.

Idaho has two online resources to help you understand the laws/rules when riding in Idaho:

Idaho Parks and Recreation ATV-Motorbike web page: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/atv-motorbike
OHV Booklet: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/OHV_BOOKLET.pdf

If you desire to ride your OHV on city, county, and highway district roads you will need an Idaho "Restricted Vehicle License Plate". THIS IS NOT THE ORV STICKER!
You must physically go to an ITD motor vehicle office in order to obtain a "Restricted Vehicle License Plate".

Links to applicable Idaho laws:

Title 49 - Section 666 - Motorcycle, Motorbike, UTV and ATV Safety Helmets — Requirements and Standards:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title49/T49CH6/SECT49-666/

Title 67 - State Government and State Affairs - Chapter 71 - Recreational Activities:
Section 7101 - Definitions: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title67/T67CH71/SECT67-7101/
Section 7122 - Application for Certificate of Number — Attachment of Validation Stickers — Certificate — Fees:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title67/T67CH71/SECT67-7122/
Section 7125 - Noise Abatement: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title67/T67CH71/SECT67-7125/

If you desire to ride on county, city, and highway district roads, the following additional requirements apply:

Title 49 - Motor Vehicles:
Section 301 - Drivers to be Licensed: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title49/T49CH3/SECT49-301/
Section 402 - Annual Registration (sub-paragraph (4)) - Valid restricted vehicle license plate:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title49/T49CH4/SECT49-402/
Section 1232 - Certificate or Proof of Liability Insurance to be Carried in Motor Vehicle:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title49/T49CH12/SECT49-1232/

The following law applies to ALL non-residents:
Title 67 - Section 7124 - Off-Highway Vehicles — Nonresident — Off Highway Vehicle User Certification Required:
https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title67/T67CH71/SECT67-7124/

Washington:
Links to applicable Washington laws:
Chapter 46.09 RCW (Off-Road, Nonhighway, and Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles):
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.09

Wheeled-All-Terrain Vehicles (WATVs) must also comply with the following RCW:
RCW 46.37.530 (Motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles — Helmets, other
equipment — Children—Rules):
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.530

Disclaimer:
While we have tried to highlight the laws applicable to OHVs, it is the ultimate responsibility
of the vehicle owner/operator be to aware of the laws that pertain to the OHV.

Page last updated: May 5, 2024