Is It Legal to Off-Road in New Jersey?
Prior to early 2010, New Jersey had no active laws explicitly governing the ownership, registration or use of off-road vehicles. In February 2010, after a 10-year battle involving residential fans of off-roading, vocal opponents and the state legislature, Governor Corzine signed into law an act that specifically legalizes off-road activities, but restricts off-roading to designated areas under specified conditions.
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Covered Vehicles
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New Jersey now classifies a group of "permitted off-road vehicles" that are legal for residents to ride off-road. This includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles and dirt bikes.
Conditions
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Residents with qualifying vehicles must register their vehicles with the state Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) once a year. Owners must purchase and attach tags to their off-road vehicles, pass inspection and carry liability insurance. All riders, regardless of age, must wear a helmet at all times while riding.
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Designated Areas
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The new law designates a minimum of three "off-roading" parks: one each in Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey. Residents may also continue to ride off-road vehicles on tracks, private properties and other grounds where owners permit off-road riding.
Mucking
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Fast-paced off-road riding in rainy or wet conditions, known as "mucking" to state residents, is unequivocally prohibited on both proscribed and designated off-roading grounds.
Penalties
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Off-roaders caught riding unregistered and/or uninsured vehicles, or who ride their vehicles in prohibited areas, are subject to fines starting at $250 for first offenses, $500 for second offenses and $1,000 for each subsequent violation.
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