Warning to Upton off road vehicle riders

It has been reported the Massachusetts Environmental Police have been in the area enforcing the OHV regulations.

Massachusetts laws require recreation vehicle operators under the age of 18 must complete an operator safety and responsibility program and carry a certificate of completion while riding.  All ORVs must be currently registered in Massachusetts under MGL c. 90B. New Massachusetts Recreation Vehicle Laws require the display of registration on the left and right side of the vehicle.

If you are riding on private property the owners permission is required.

There are engine size regulations related to age and helmet requirements.

For all the rules and regulations please visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/orv.htm.

Prohibited Operation

The following are examples of prohibited operation of ORVs:

• Operating on trails or in state forests / parks not designated for ORV use.

• Operating on public ways or upon the right-of-way limits of a controlled access highway – this includes all roads (dirt or paved) within state forests.

• Failure to come to a complete stop when crossing a public way (ORV rider must yield to motor vehicle traffic).

• Operating so as to endanger any person or property.

• Operating at an unreasonable, improper, or unsafe speed for existing conditions.

• Operating before sunrise or after sunset within state forest lands.

• Operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

• Operating on land of another within 150 feet of an occupied residence without permission of the owner.

• Operating within 150 feet of an occupied residence without permission of the owner.

• Operating in a manner so as to harass or chase wildlife or domestic animals.

• Operating on a wetland such as a bog, marsh, or swamp so as to destroy or damage the wetland.

• Carrying of a firearm, rifle or shotgun in or on a recreation vehicle or on a trailer or sled attached, unless the firearm in unloaded and in an enclosed case.

• Carrying passengers on any ORV unless manufactured for the driver and one passenger.

• Emitting noxious fumes and excessive noise.

If you have any questions please call  508-564-4961