There is often confusion on what “sticker” is required for what vehicle and which corresponding route. Here we will explain the stipulations of the 2022 Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV registration and permit program. The cost for a 2022 OHV Registration or Permit is $25.25.
An easy way to correlate is to use the “P” in permits with the “P” in plated. Example; “Permits” are for “Plated” vehicles. All “Out-Of-State” OHV’s require an OHV permit except for licensed or plated vehicles but ARE required for licensed or plated resident and “out-of-state” vehicles driving “trails“.
COLORADO DOES NOT RECIPROCATE OUT-OF-STATE STREET LEGAL LICENSED ATV’S OR SIDE-BY-SIDES.
OHV routes in Colorado are classified in two categories, “Roads” and Trails”.
1: ROADS – Indicated by a 3 digit number designation or by a county or state road number. Open to all OHV vehicles (Dirt Bikes, Motorcycles, ATV’s and Side-By-Sides owned/resided in Colorado with a Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV registration, and “Out-Of-State” machines displaying a Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV permit.) Full size street legal vehicles and plated motorcycles do not require any type of CPW registration/permit for “Road” classified routes.
2: TRAILS – Indicated by a 4 (or more, but not necessarily the rule) digit number and often regulated to specific vehicle types or size/width. “Trails” require OHV registration/permit for all OHV’s. Again if you reside in Colorado, your Dirt Bike, ATV, or Side-By-Side must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Out-Of-State” visitors must have an OHV permit and this is where street legal licensed/plated vehicles are required to have an OHV permit.
SOME ROUTES CONCIDERED A TRAIL HAVE 3 DIGIT NUMBERS. PLEASE REVIEW: TRAILS REQUIRING PERMIT FOR LICENSED VEHICLES
You can view a chart here: Registrations and Permits
Why do trails require a permit for licensed/plated vehicles?
“Trails” are not part of any state or county road system, therefore are not funded accordingly. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV registration/permit dollars go directly back into building, maintaining and sustaining “trails” through the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV Trail Crews. Learn more of where you OHV dollars go here: Colorado OHV Grant Submissions.
What/where are the specific “trails” requiring an OHV permit/registration in Colorado?
Travel management plans are constantly changing but we have gathered current route specifics here: Colorado routes requiring permit for licensed/plated vehicles.
What Colorado county or state “roads” are open to my unlicensed but registered/permitted OHV?
You can find our complied list of counties and towns allowing OHV access on their roads here: OHV’s on Streets and Roads
Where can I get an OHV registration or permit?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Off Highway Vehicle Registrations and Permits
Where do I put my OHV registration/permit decal? OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE REGULATIONS
#501 – DISPLAY OF VALIDATION DECALS
a. Validation decals shall be permanently affixed in a location on the upper forward half of the off-highway vehicle to assure good visibility of the decals.
b. Dealers and manufacturers may display validation decals on a detachable plate.
c. Prior to issuing validation decals, the distinctive registration number assigned by the Division shall be permanently marked upon the validation decal.
#502 – DISPLAY OF OFF-HIGHWAY USE PERMITS
a. When owners or operators of vehicles identified in C.R.S. 33-14.5-112 are required to obtain and display off-highway use permits, such permits shall be displayed as follows:
1. Full size Off-highway use permits shall be permanently affixed to the extreme lower right-hand corner of the windshield of the vehicle in a position where the permit may be observed and identified. If a windshield is not applicable, the decal must be placed on the front and back of the vehicle.
2. Motorcycles shall display on both forks.
3. ATV’s and Side-By-Sides shall display decals on both sides of the machine in a visible location.
More OHV information can be found here: STAY THE TRAIL