We’ve received a lot of questions about
OHV laws in Massachusetts.

So, we went straight to the source for answers.

A big thanks to Captain Merri Walker and Lt. John Girvalakis
for making this interview possible.

Which Off-highway vehicles need to be registered in Mass?

All Recreational Off-highway vehicles need to be registered in Massachusetts. This includes dirt bikes, ATVs, Recreation Utility Vehicles, and any vehicle designed and/or modified for use over unimproved terrain.

Is registration required while riding on private property and at race facilities?

Any Massachusetts resident who is operating their vehicle either on their property, the property of another, or on public property are required to be registered in Massachusetts.

Are out-of-state riders exempt from registering in Mass?

There’s no exemption for non-resident registrations. If you’re going to be operating an off-highway vehicle in Massachusetts, you’re riding in Massachusetts, you’ll need to register that vehicle in Massachusetts.

How much does it cost to register your OHV?

Residents of Massachusetts pay a $44 fee for a two-year registration. That registration is good from the day of issuance. So if you were to register a machine on April 5, 2017, that registration would be good until April 4, 2019.

How much does it cost out-of-state riders to register an OHV?

Non-residents are also required to register their vehicle in Massachusetts. That fee is $33 and it is good for 1 year from the day of issuance.

What is the fine for operating an OHV without registration?

The penalty for operating an OHV in Massachusetts while not being registered is $250 for the first offense. The fine increases for subsequent offenses.

Where do you go to register your OHV?

You can register in any of our 5 OHV registration locations: Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and Hyannis. Learn more about the office locations here.

What do you bring with you to the Registration Office?

If you purchased a vehicle in or out-of-state, and you wish to register it in Massachusetts, go into one of our 5 offices with:

• Bill of Sale – Name, address and signature of the seller must be on the bill of sale.
• Proof of sales tax paid (Sales tax form Form ST-6 or Form ST-6E). You can pay this 6.25% tax online at https://mtc.dor.state.ma.us/mtc/_/ and print out your receipt.
• If OHV / Snowmobile is purchased brand new, a copy of the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin is required.
• Serial number (OHV – 17 characters – found on the frame of the bike)
• Completed application – Registration & Titling Application
• Required fees – check or money order only, no cash, debit or credit cards accepted. Checks are payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Note:

1. If you purchased your boat or recreational vehicle from a business, the bill of sale must be written up on Company letterhead.
2. Sales tax is due on the 20th day of the following month of date of purchase. Massachusetts sales tax is 6.25% of the total purchase price. If sales tax is late, you will be subject to interest and penalties. Questions on sales tax should be directed to the Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089.
3. If your motorcycle, car or truck is registered or previously registered with the Massachusetts DOT, and you are dual registering your vehicle for off-road use with our agency, you will only be required to submit a copy of your Massachusetts DOT certificate of registration or title as proof of sales tax paid. Our agency will no longer require an ST-6E (sales tax exemption form) for this type of registration.

DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM HERE

Where do you go to register your OHV?

You can register in any of our 5 OHV registration locations: Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and Hyannis.

What is the legal age for operating an OHV?

In Massachusetts, not person under the age of 10 may operate an ATV or Recreation Utility Vehicle. Children under 10 may operate a size- and age-appropriate dirt bike.

What is the cc limit for young riders?

In Massachusetts, youths operating ATVs or Recreational Vehicles are limited to vehicles manufactured with engines no greater than 90cc.

Do young riders need to be supervised while riding?

Those kids who are under 16 years of age and that are directly operating an OHV need to be supervised by an adult 18 years of age or older.

Who is required to take the MA Rider Safety Course?

A MA Rider Safety Certificate is required by all persons under the age of 18 who are operating an OHV. This also includes youth participants who are participating in any sanctioned race, rally or event.

Do out-of-state riders need to take the Rider Safety Course?

Even out-of-state riders under the age of 18 need a Rider Safety Certificate to ride in Massachusetts.

Do parents need to take the MA Rider Safety Course?

Kids under 16 years of age attending the MA Rider Safety Course must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What is the process for getting a Riders Safety Certificate?

The first part of the OHV Safety Course takes place online. That online session can be found on our website. The second portion of the course is an ethical riding responsibility and legal course, which is conducted in person with a law enforcement officer of the MA Environmental Police.

Take the online portion of the course here.
Check out the dates for the classroom portion of the course here.

How do you prove you have your certificate?

Upon successful completion of the Rider Safety Course, students will be issued a card from the Environmental Police that you must have on you at all times while operating.

How much does the Rider Safety Course cost?

The online portion generally costs about $30. There’s no fee for the in classroom session.