North Dakota driving lesson · Pedestrians & Recreational Vehicles
Off-highway vehicles
A 3-minute lesson from the North Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) can use some roads, but only under strict conditions. You need a license, permit or safety certificate, riders under 18 need a helmet, and road crossings have their own rules.
Know the rule
An OHV operator must have a valid driver's license, permit, or an off-highway vehicle safety certificate from the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.
Don't operate an OHV on the roadway, shoulder, or inside bank or slope of any road, street or highway, except as Chapter 39-29 of the North Dakota Century Code allows.
A person doing pest control or survey work for a political subdivision may operate an OHV on the bottom, back slope, inside slope and shoulder of a highway that isn't controlled-access.
OHVs used on paved highways or gravel, dirt or loose-surface roads must meet the equipment requirements in NDCC 39-29. Review your owner's manual before operating.
You're 17, licensed, and want to drive a registered class III OHV on a paved highway posted at 65 mph. That's allowed for a licensed driver over 16. Because you're under 18, you must wear a DOT-standard helmet.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What license or certificate must you have to operate an off-highway vehicle?
A snowmobile safety certificate
A license, permit, or OHV safety certificate
No license is required at all
A motorcycle endorsement only
Answer: A license, permit, or OHV safety certificate
The operator of an off-highway vehicle must possess a valid driver's license, permit, or an off-highway vehicle safety certificate.
Who may operate an off-highway vehicle on the shoulder of a highway that is not controlled-access, for work purposes?
Only NDDOT maintenance staff
Any licensed driver over 16
A farmer checking fences near the road
Pest control or survey workers for a political subdivision
Answer: Pest control or survey workers for a political subdivision
A person performing pest control or survey work for a political subdivision may operate an OHV on certain parts of a highway other than a controlled-access highway.