"you can't drive your truck offroad in Massachusetts."

[murphy]

A little background before I get into my problem.

I have been slowly modifying my nismo for going offroad. I have also been doing research online about requirements and permits needed for ohvs in Massachusetts. The info online is vague at best. Some of the 4x4 clubs in ma. say that you need a sticker on your window stating that your truck or jeep meets certain requirements. I decided to go to an environmental police station to get it from the source. I live just outside of Springfield and the website says that there is an office downtown. I went to the address, come to find out it isn't an environmental police office, it's a department of camping and recreation office. The guy in the lobby suggests I go to the DMV instead. Thankfully they are only about 2 blocks away from each other. So I get to the DMV and go downstairs to the correct office.

This is where my problem comes in. I start telling the lady behind the counter what I'm looking for and that any info would be appreciated. These are her own words; "you can't drive your truck offroad in Massachusetts." And she is looking at me like I have the stupidest idea she has ever heard. Then she hands me a pamphlet for atvs and motorcycles along with the paperwork for registering atvs and boats, like that is going to help me. She says there are some phone numbers in the info that I could call if I have any further questions.

So, am I only able to go offroad on private property in my home state? Is the only place I can take my truck offroad in mass. at the very end of cape cod? That's a 4+ hour drive with traffic.

I'm hoping some of the Massachusetts forum members have some input. Even input on 4x4 clubs in the area. I find it hard to believe I'm the only one with this issue. Sorry about my super long post, I wanted to show the running around I have done. This whole situation is ridiculous.

[kgordon]

It would not surprise me. There are no open lands for off road vehicles in New York. It has to be on private land. It really sucks but there is not much you can do about it. You can explore dirt roads and trails if you don't mind the ticket you would get if caught.

[scott9050]

Why don't you head up to Vermont:

Vermont - Dirtopia, the Off-Road Encyclopedia

Otherwise I found this group:

East Coast 4WD Association - Home

[PedalBiker]

I'd try calling some of the numbers she gave you. Folks working the desk don't always know what they're talking about.

If you read stories about hunters trying to fly with guns you'll see what I mean. No matter what the rules say some people never get the message, even when it's their job to know.

[Dana_15]

Sounds about right, directly off the Mass gov website:


http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/orv.htm

Recreation Vehicle Safety Laws and Regulations as they pertain to Massachusetts Forests and Parks

Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Defined

Also known as Off Highway Vehicle (OHV), ORV’s are any motor vehicle designed or modified for use over unimproved terrain if used for recreation or pleasure off a public way and all legally registered motor vehicles when used off a way. Vehicles over 1000 lbs. such as pickup trucks or SUVs are prohibited from all trails at all times.






----

I live right outside Springfield as well, the DMV is a shithole and the people that work there aren't the nicest either

Also known as Off Highway Vehicle (OHV), ORV’s are any motor vehicle designed or modified for use over unimproved terrain if used for recreation or pleasure off a public way and all legally registered motor vehicles when used off a way. Vehicles over 1000 lbs. such as pickup trucks or SUVs are prohibited from all trails at all times.

[09eq]

May be mis-understanding of 'off-road'. I have no idea about your area but even in the remote west, you cannot drive across an open field, must stay on established roads or trails, with some only available to ATV or non-motorized vehicles or hiking. Any traffic across a field destroys vegetation and creates tracks that others will follow and pretty soon the countryside is criss-crossed with trails. A person is usually allowed to destroy private property, but not public property.

[Spelvin]

Maybe head South? CT should have some trails for you. An old friend rides with this group:
www.jonfund.com
not sure their exact stomping grounds but its worth a shot.

[upflying]

Welcome to enviro-politics.
Not surprising in MA.

[PedalBiker]

Originally Posted by 09eq

May be mis-understanding of 'off-road'. I have no idea about your area but even in the remote west, you cannot drive across an open field, must stay on established roads or trails, with some only available to ATV or non-motorized vehicles or hiking. Any traffic across a field destroys vegetation and creates tracks that others will follow and pretty soon the countryside is criss-crossed with trails. A person is usually allowed to destroy private property, but not public property.

That's possible. In Colorado we now have "free" maps from the forest service that are updated every year that tell us which "roads" happen to be open at the time. In Colorado, on public property you can only drive on roads that have been approved by the property manager. ATVs have the exact same restrictions, but have a different set of approved roads. So, strictly speaking, off road use is not allowed here either.

I put free in quotes because although the maps don't cost you any money the only way you can get them is to stop by a forest service office during business hours.

Don't forget that all of the maps you purchased from the forest service in the past are obsolete.

I'd still make sure to clarify with someone who knows the law where you want to drive. It's practically a felony to drive off of "legal" roads out here, and the FS has no obligation to mark the roads anymore. The old law stated that only "marked" roads were legal, the new law states that motorists are responsible for complying with the law without the benefit of on the ground markers.

[chaz]

So, am I only able to go offroad on private property in my home state? Is the only place I can take my truck offroad in mass. at the very end of cape cod? That's a 4+ hour drive with traffic.

yes this is all you can do in this state.................off road trucks were banned from all areas some time in the early 90s quads 3 wheelers and bikes to boot,the state did not want to be responsable,as well as private land owners,they dont want the liability if something happens on thier land...etc you will always be on someones land or have to cross said land to get to etc etc you get the point...........if you have permission from some friend then it is ok for as long as you know that person.......so dont spend all kinds of money thinking 4 wheeling is legal here ,cuz it ant.........there are some real nasty trailes in new hemp tho