ATV/OHV Important Laws & Regulations:
PLEASE REMEMBER: NOT KNOWING ABOUT A LAW IS NO EXCUSE FOR BREAKING IT!
It is against the law to operate unauthorized motor vehicles on Foxborough's Town Properties. You should also be aware of any changes to MA Recreation Vehicle Laws.
Did you know that changes to Massachusetts laws require that recreation vehicle operators under the age of 18 must complete an operator safety and responsibility program and carry a certificate of completion while riding?
For detailed information, please check out MA Off-Road Vehicle Information | Mass.gov
Legislation signed in August of 2010 (Ch. 202 of the Acts of 2010) brings significant changes to Massachusetts Recreation Vehicle Laws, effective February 2011.
Among the new provisions:
- Educational requirements for young riders
- Age restrictions for operators of ATVs (all terrain vehicles) and UTVs (utility vehicles)
- Increased penalties for illegal use
- The establishment of an OHV program fund to support improved riding opportunities and law enforcement
Additional MA Laws:
To legally operate an OHV in Massachusetts, all persons under the age of 18 are required to take a two-part OHV Safety and Responsibility Course. The first part requires the operator to complete an online safety course through a state-approved provider. Upon successful completion of the online course, the operator must attend a two-hour classroom-based course, instructed by an Environmental Police Officer.
If the operator is under the age of 16, a parent or guardian is also required to attend. Once both requirements have been satisfied, the operator will receive a Massachusetts Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Certificate. This certificate must be on the operator at all times while operating an OHV.
Under Massachusetts Law:
- No person between 14 - 16 years of age shall operate an all-terrain vehicle or a recreation utility vehicle with an engine capacity greater than 90 cubic centimeters. When operating such vehicles 90 cubic centimeters or less, persons between 14 - 16 years of age must be directly supervised by an adult (18 years or older).
- No person between 10 - 14 years of age shall operate a recreation vehicle unless directly supervised by an adult while in preparation for, or while participating in, a sanctioned race, rally or organized event which has been approved by a municipal permitting authority. If operating an all-terrain vehicle or a recreation utility vehicle, engine capacity must be equal to or less than 90 cubic centimeters.
- Persons under 10 years of age may only operate an age/size appropriate dirt bike under direct adult supervision while in preparation for, or while participating in, a sanctioned event which has been approved by a municipal permitting authority. Preparation for such an event may only occur on private property.
- No person under the age of 16 shall operate a recreation vehicle across a public way unless directly supervised by an adult (18 years of age or older). The public way and the crossing must be marked and approved for recreation vehicle use.
Registration:
For all registration information, contact the Division of Environmental Law Enforcement: (617) 626-1610 or
- All OHVs must be currently registered in Massachusetts under MGL c. 90B.
- New Massachusetts Recreation Vehicle Laws require the display of registration on the left and right side of the vehicle.
- Additionally, motor vehicles registered under chapter 90 must now also register as a recreation vehicle under chapter 90B (on/off road motorcycles, Jeeps, etc.) when used for recreation or pleasure once they leave a public way as defined in chapter 90.
- Out of state recreation vehicle registrations are not valid in Massachusetts.
Foxborough's Codes & Bylaws Also Apply:
Ch. 256, Article I of the Code of the Town of Foxborough states:
§256-1. Operation on public property. Except as provided by statute, it is unlawful to operate unauthorized motorized vehicles (all-terrain vehicles, dirt motorcycles, and snowmobiles) on property under the care and control of the Foxborough Conservation Commission, Water Department, Recreation Commission or Select Board of the Town of Foxborough.
§ 256-2. Violations and penalties. Any person violating this bylaw shall be punished by a fine of $50 for the first offense and $150 for subsequent violations and/or criminal prosecution along with restitution of any damage incurred to the Town of Foxborough's property.
REPORTING ILLEGAL/DANGEROUS ATV/OHV ACTIVITY:
If you see ORVs/ATVs on Conservation Land or other Town-Owned Land, please call the following with the time, date, and approximate location of the vehicle:
State Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075, and/or the Foxborough Police at (508) 543-4343