Operation of OHRVs in the Town of Hancock New Hampshire

PUBLIC ROADS

OHRV operation is prohibited on public roads unless specifically permitted and posted for OHRV use.

Please note that in accordance with RSA215-A:15, the Hancock Board of Selectmen have not authorized, permitted or posted any public roads (including class VI roads, these are known as roads that are subject to gates and bars) for OHRV use and according to the NH State Fish and Game Department they have not authorized any roads in Hancock for the operation of OHRVs {OHRV - Off Highway Recreational Vehicle; is any mechanically propelled vehicle used off of a public way (roadway) used for recreational or pleasure purposes and dependant upon the ground or other surface for travel. All legally registered motor vehicles (cars and trucks) used off the highway for these purposes shall be deemed as an OHRV.}

However, there are some examples of permitted uses under the state law such as road crossings and trail connectors. In such areas the speed limit is 10 MPH and OHRVs must stay to the extreme right side of the public way. An OHRV may operate for a distance not greater than 500 feet for loading and unloading purposes only. They cannot operate from trailhead to trailhead.

The state has exempted an area on Route 202 by South Elmwood as a trail connector.

TRAILS

A majority of the Trails in town are on private property and Landowner permission is required to operate on the property of another. Most of the Power line areas are private property and the utility companies obtain permission for their purposes only. Written landowner permission from each individual landowner must be obtained if the trail is not specifically designated for OHRV use before you can operate your OHRV.

SNOWMOBILES

There is more than 6,900 miles of snowmobile trails in the state of New Hampshire, which may be open in the winter to most types of OHRVs however some trails may be posted against use by ATVs or Trail Bikes. Snowmobile trails are only open during the winter months unless written landowner permission is obtained. The Bureau of Trails and the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association print statewide Snowmobile Trail maps. Local trail maps are sometimes printed and distributed by local clubs.

In Hancock the local snowmobile club is the Hancock Snow Snoopers.

To obtain more OHRV information or to find out about OHRV Safety Education Courses, you can call the NH Fish and Game Headquarters at 603-271-3129 or visit them at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/.