Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) in Ruidoso

Off-highway vehicles are popular in and around Ruidoso, but the rules depend on what you are driving and where you are driving it.

Qualifying recreational off-highway vehicles may be operated on paved streets owned and controlled by the Village of Ruidoso when the vehicle and operator meet Village and New Mexico requirements. Different rules apply to state highways and to OHV recreation in Lincoln National Forest.

Before you ride, make sure you know which rules apply to your route.

Riding on Village of Ruidoso Streets

Under the Village of Ruidoso Municipal Code, a qualifying recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) may be operated on a paved street owned and controlled by the Village when the required vehicle equipment, operator credentials and insurance requirements are met.

Before You Ride on a Village Street

Make sure:

• Your vehicle qualifies. The Village Code defines the type of recreational off-highway vehicle permitted on Village streets. The definition includes requirements for steering, seating, vehicle dimensions, weight, engine displacement and other characteristics.

• Your vehicle is properly equipped. It must have one or more headlights and taillights that comply with the New Mexico Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act, as well as working brakes, mirrors and mufflers.

• You are properly licensed. The Village Code requires the operator to have a valid driver’s license, instruction permit or provisional license.

• You have an OHV safety permit. The Village Code requires operators using qualifying recreational off-highway vehicles on Village-owned paved streets to have an off-highway motor vehicle safety permit.

• You have insurance. The operator must be insured in accordance with the New Mexico Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act.

• Your vehicle has the required registration for paved-road use. New Mexico requires additional paved-road registration for OHVs operated on paved roads where such use is authorized.

• You follow the posted speed limit. Recreational off-highway vehicles operating within the Village are subject to the posted speed limit.

• You obey normal traffic laws. OHV operators are required to follow applicable traffic laws, rules and regulations.

View the Village of Ruidoso Municipal Code: Article IV — Off-Highway Motor Vehicles

Where You Cannot Ride

Village authorization does not mean OHVs can be driven everywhere.

The Village Code prohibits off-highway motor vehicles on:

• Limited-access highways;

• Paved streets or highways except where specifically permitted;

• Walking trails; and

• Parks owned or maintained by the Village of Ruidoso.

OHVs may cross most streets or highways after coming to a complete stop and yielding to traffic when the crossing can be made safely. Crossings must be made as directly as possible. Limited-access highways and freeways are excluded.

What About State Highways?

A Village ordinance cannot authorize OHV travel on a state or U.S. highway, even when that highway passes through the Village.

Only the New Mexico State Transportation Commission can designate a portion of a state highway for ROV use. State-highway designations apply to ROVs only, not ATVs, off-highway motorcycles or snowmobiles, and designated routes must be marked with signs showing where the ROV route begins and ends.

Portions of NM 48 associated with Ruidoso have received State Transportation Commission authorization for ROV travel, with a designated route extended north along NM 48 and NM 37 toward the Bonito Lake turnoff.

Follow posted ROV route signs and do not assume that every state or U.S. highway in or around Ruidoso is open to OHV travel.

For current New Mexico paved-road rules, registration requirements and operator requirements, visit Ride New Mexico — Laws & Rules.

Passengers

Carry passengers only when your recreational off-highway vehicle is designed to carry them.

The Village Code requires the operator to use the vehicle’s permanent and regular seat. A passenger may ride only when the vehicle is designed for more than one person and the passenger is seated on an appropriate permanent seat.

Additional New Mexico safety requirements apply to riders under age 18.

New Mexico Registration and Safety Requirements

Village rules work together with New Mexico’s statewide OHV requirements.

New Mexico residents using an OHV on public lands must have current OHV registration. Residents operating an eligible OHV on an authorized paved road must also obtain the state’s additional paved-road registration.

Requirements for nonresidents vary according to the vehicle’s home-state registration and where it will be operated.

State law also establishes additional operator, youth safety, protective equipment and vehicle requirements.

Check current requirements before riding:

• New Mexico OHV Laws & Rules

• New Mexico OHV Registration & Permits

• OHV Education & Safety

Riding in Lincoln National Forest

Planning to head into Lincoln National Forest?

Village street rules and National Forest recreation rules are different. The Village of Ruidoso does not determine which Forest Service roads or trails are open to OHV recreation.

Motorized travel in Lincoln National Forest is permitted only on routes designated for motor vehicle use. Riders should check current Forest Service information, Motor Vehicle Use Maps, closures, and restrictions before heading out.

For visitor-oriented information about responsible OHV recreation around Ruidoso, visit Discover Ruidoso’s OHV Guide and Explore Lincoln National Forest by OHV—Responsibly.

Quick Guide: Who Sets the Rules?

Village-owned streets
Village of Ruidoso Municipal Code, together with applicable New Mexico law.

State and U.S. highways
New Mexico law and State Transportation Commission designations. Look for designated ROV route signage.

Lincoln National Forest roads and trails
U.S. Forest Service rules, Motor Vehicle Use Maps, closures and restrictions.

Official Resources

Village of Ruidoso Municipal Code
Chapter 82, Article IV — Off-Highway Motor Vehicles (§§ 82-81–82-85)

New Mexico OHV Program — Ride New Mexico
Current information on OHV laws, paved-road use, registration, permits and safety requirements.

U.S. Forest Service — Lincoln National Forest (OHV) Information
Current information about motorized routes, maps, restrictions and closures.

Discover Ruidoso OHV Guide
Visitor information for planning responsible OHV recreation in the Ruidoso area.

Know Before You Ride

Rules can vary by vehicle type and jurisdiction. Check your route before leaving, obey posted signs and closures, and make sure your vehicle, registration, equipment and operator credentials meet all applicable requirements.