The Town of Red River is excited to provide the opportunity for you and your family to enjoy the freedom of using Recreational Off Highway Vehicles (ROVs) inside the town limits in order to travel from your place of lodging to the trailheads. However, this must be seen as a partnership between you and the town. Understandably there are restrictions on where, how and when you can take advantage of this opportunity. Please know and understand the following restrictions and guidelines so that you may enjoy hours of ROV fun. Note that some of the town’s rules are more restrictive than what will be allowed once you’re on a trail. Understand that because of the many safety, aesthetic and practical issues associated with the town affording you this opportunity there will be strict enforcement of the rules. Thank you in advance for your consideration of others and for your willingness to work with us in this endeavor.
A certified peace officer may stop an ROV at any time for a random inspection of required items and ordinance compliance without the necessity of a violation being seen.
Definition of an ROV:
For the purpose of this ordinance, a Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) shall be defined as: a motor vehicle designed for travel on four or more non-highway tires, for recreational use by one or more persons and having:
- A steering wheel
- Non-straddle seating
- Maximum speed capability greater than 35 miles per hours
- Gross vehicle weight rating no greater than 1750 pounds
- Less than eighty inches in overall width, exclusive of accessories
- Engine displacement of less than 1000cc
- Identified by means of a 17-character vehicle identification number
***ATVs are strictly forbidden from being operated inside town limits.***
All ROVs must be registered under NM 66-3-1003. Registration can be obtained at the MVD office at town hall if you are a resident of NM. All out of state vehicles can be registered at the Red River Conference Center on River Street across from the town park. In addition to registration, the following rules shall apply:
- Operation of ROVs inside town limits shall be allowed between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
- No operation of ROVs on NM 38 (Main Street) shall be allowed between Caribel Trail on the west side of town and Jayhawk Trail on the east side of town. This includes stopping, standing or parking. It shall be allowable to cross NM 38 (Main Street) at intersections with other town streets so long as the crossing is done safely and directly across at the shortest possible distance.
- No parking of ROVs shall be allowed on town property except for the Municipal Parking Lot in the East 100 Block of River Street.
- No operating of ROVs at a speed greater than the posted speed limit shall be allowed on any streets inside town.
- Drivers must follow all laws and ordinances pertaining to the operation of motor vehicles as described under NM statute 66-7 (Traffic Laws; Signs, Signals and Markings; Accidents; Traffic Safety).
- All drivers must wear eye protection and a safety helmet that complies with the OHMVA as required in NMSA 66-3-11 (C)(5) All drivers must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. A learner’s permit of any type shall not be valid for the purpose of this ordinance. A motorcycle license shall not be valid for the purpose of this ordinance. In addition, drivers under 18 must, in accordance with state law; 1. Never carry a passenger, regardless of design 2. Obtain and carry a certificate showing completion of an OHV operation safety course
- The vehicle must be insured under the provisions of the Mandatory Financial Responsibility Act (NM 66-5-2-5) and the operator must be able to show proof of the insurance or have proof of financial responsibility. The proof of insurance or proof of financial responsibility must have the vehicle identification number of the vehicle being operated clearly shown on said proof. A home owner’s policy will not suffice under this ordinance.
- All ROVs must be operated in single file and are never to be operated side by side with another ROV.
- All occupants under the age of 18 must wear eye protection and safety helmets as defined by NMSA 66-3-1010.3(B)(1)
- Pursuant to NMSA 66-3-1011(c) ROVs must have the following equipment: 1. One or more headlamps that comply with OHMVA (NM 66-3-1001) 2. One or more tail lamps that comply with OHMVA (NM 66-3-1001) 3. Brakes 4. At least one mirror 5. Muffler which keeps the maximum noise to a limit no greater than 96db
- All drivers and occupants shall be properly secured by safety restraints.
- No approaching of wildlife while on ROVs is allowable.
- No driver or passenger may be seated anywhere that is not a designed seat.
- ROVs shall be operated in the proper traffic lane and shall be as far to the right of any lane as safely possible.
- In addition to the listed rules and restrictions, no person shall operate an ROV in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another.
- Operation of ROVs will be for the sole purpose of accessing the trail heads and roads from the operators lodging or unloading location. Under no circumstances are the vehicles to be used to driver around town in lieu of motor vehicles.