What is an ROV?
Fun, functional and definitely versatile, ROVs, or recreational off-highway vehicles, are a new breed of machine, attracting the attention of outdoor enthusiasts in ever-increasing numbers. When adventure calls, ROVs have what it takes, whether it’s transporting gear to a favorite campsite or simply exploring the great outdoors. Intended primarily for recreational use, ROVs also have carved a niche in the workplace, including farming, construction, and just about anywhere there’s a job to be done.
Sometimes referred to as side-by-sides or UTVs, ROVs are motorized off-road vehicles designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant protective structure, and engine displacement up to 1,000cc. Current models are designed with seats for a driver and one or more passengers. ROVs’ performance and durability make them ideally suited for a variety of outdoor recreational activities as well as many work applications.
ROV vs. ATV
Not all off-road vehicles are the same. And all too often, the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is confused with the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV). But there are actually some very significant differences between the two, even if both types of off-roaders are four-wheeled and used for similar types of recreation.
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TREAD Lightly
Travel responsibly on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas.
Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
Educate yourself prior to your trip by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.
Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage.
Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.
Land Access Issues
As recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) become increasingly popular, land managers are considering how to manage their access to public lands for recreational purposes. At both the federal and state levels, ROVs are in some cases regarded no differently than ATVs, while in other cases, a particular forest or trail system is moving toward allowing the vehicles only on mixed-use roads. In other cases, public lands officials have yet to attempt to manage the vehicles. In an effort to “get in front” of the issue ROHVA has developed the following positions regarding where ROV use should be considered appropriate.
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