New HampshireState will classify some vehicles up to 3,499 pounds as utility terrain vehicles
From May 1, 2028, New Hampshire will count some off-road vehicles weighing up to 3,499 pounds as utility terrain vehicles and apply that weight limit on certain state trails.
What it does
Starting May 1, 2028, some motorized off-road vehicles can count as utility terrain vehicles if they have safety belts or rollover protection, weigh up to 3,499 pounds empty and dry, and measure up to 65 inches wide without mirrors.
Starting May 1, 2028, certain state-owned trails will bar off-highway recreational vehicles wider than 65 inches or heavier than 3,499 pounds empty and dry. Other state trails have lower limits.
Argument forClear weight and width limits could help riders check whether their vehicles meet the size rules for the specified state trails.
Argument againstVehicles near the 3,499-pound limit could cause more wear on the specified state trails than lighter vehicles.
More detail
New Hampshire will count certain motorized off-road vehicles as utility terrain vehicles. The vehicles must be built or adapted for travel off maintained roads and have room for passengers or cargo. They must have safety belts or rollover protection, weigh no more than 3,499 pounds empty and dry, and measure no more than 65 inches wide without mirrors. The definition takes effect May 1, 2028.
New Hampshire will apply a 65-inch width limit and a 3,499-pound dry-weight limit on certain state trails. The 65-inch and 3,499-pound limits apply only to off-highway recreational vehicles on certain state-owned trails. Other state-owned trails have a 50-inch width limit and a 1,000-pound weight limit. The trail rule takes effect May 1, 2028.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 9Signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte Ayotte 07/02/2026; Chapter 211; eff. 5/1/2028Became Law
- Jun 23Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 52To Governor
- Jun 23Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 14Minor
- May 21House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1615s (Rep. Harb): MA VV 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 22
- May 7Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1615s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/07/2026; SJ 11Passed Senate
- May 7Committee Amendment # 2026-1615s, AA, VV; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
- Apr 24Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1615s, 05/07/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 17Minor
- Mar 31Hearing: 04/07/2026, Room 122-123, SH, 01:30 pm; SC 13
- Mar 6Introduced 03/05/2026 and Referred to Transportation; SJ 6Minor
- Mar 5Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0687h: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 32Passed House
- Mar 5Amendment # 2026-0687h: AA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 32
- Feb 18Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0687h (NT) 02/11/2026 (Vote 15-1; CC) HC 9 P. 26Minor
- Feb 4Executive Session: 02/11/2026 01:30 pm GP 228
- Jan 26Public Hearing: 02/04/2026 01:00 pm GP 228
- 2025
- Dec 1Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Resources, Recreation and Development HJ 1 P. 6Introduced
Transportation