UTV Specific H/M Rules (?)

So, I came across this today after looking at whether or not they are changing their permits back to a 12 mos cycle instead of Dec-Dec. They list out some UTV specific rules that are interesting, to say the least.

UTV Specific Rules

1. The number of passengers carried on a side-by-side - utility type vehicle shall be limited by the number of manufacturer installed seat belts.

2. All participants must abide by all of the manufacturer’s requirements regarding the age and size of operators and passengers.
3. The driver and passengers of a side by side - utility type vehicle must:
· Wear seat belts at all times;
· Keep their hands, arms, feet, head and legs inside the vehicle at all times during operation;
· Wear a DOT or Snell approved helmet;
· Wear eye protection at all times; and
· Obey all rules and regulations.

4. Any operator of a side by side – utility type vehicle must possess a valid owner’s manual for the machine being operated and must be produced upon the request of any Hatfield-McCoy Law Enforcement Officer or any other Law Enforcement Agency.


So the head scratcher for me with my boys is number 2 and number 4. I doubt Charlie could pass and I have never carried an owner's manual with me on any trail I've ever been on. I think the manufacturer minimum age in the RZR is 12? Would they think it is safer to put William, at 7, on a small ATV by himself vs. riding in a fully doored RZR4 with a roll cage and seat belts? I did buy two passes for them this year, but the way I read this is that they could stop me for having the kids in the RZR?

Chappy I think alot of the stupid sounding rules are to keep the ambulance chasers from sueing them if something happens. I doubt they will bother you.

I have the same deal with my 8 year when he rides with me on the HM trails. I not going to worry about it. I just dont see the Ranger giving me a ticket cause of the age limit to ride in a RZR. Now if he wasnt wearing a helmet or over there drinking my cold beer, I could see a ticket coming!!

I'm guessing you are right. If you got the passes and you are minding the rules as well as making sure the safety equipment is up to spec....they probably would wave ya on.

I think that is correct ! I ride there alot and know all the rangers and office people . The rules they have are for the person that has never ridden in their life but can afford to go buy say a rzr 4 and go out with their kids and drink on the trails and ride the real hard black trails with their kids !! I have seen a family riding with husband and wife in the front and two small children in the back ( one in a car seat ) but all had helments and seat belts on . They were having a blast and as far as I know no one said a word !
But if you would like to call and talk to the Chief Ranger PM me and I will give you his number ! His name is John Hall . they have told me people call and want to bring golf carts up there ! lol

. Seen that all passengers feet must able to touch the floor. Have only seen a ranger once, And he was just hanging out there on the side of the trail. If you not doing anything crazy you won't have any trouble. Nice boys

Those rules are bunk. An owners manual -- that's nutz. I figure if I got busted it would be riding the black trails. Gotta do that to get from Ashland to Hilltop via HM trails. Of course I don't have to take 84 but it is the best one on that side. I guess I could plead I can't read a map but if so I need to turn the GPS off since it has the trails...

I agree with you. Especially rule 4! Why would rule 4 only apply to sxs? Maybe so that the rangers can pull you over and look up the specs in your manual to find out if you are breaking the rules????

Ask me, if carrying owners manuals applies to sxs, then it should apply to ALL machines!

It was the stupid rule (granted, from years ago and has since been changed) that sxs were only allowed on the green trails that chased me away from HM and I have not been back since! If I am paying to ride a trail, I should have the right to decide if I want to push the envelope or sight see.

I agree with what HM is trying to do but they seem to be chasing the sxs community away for some reason.

Funny thing is that the HM trails are like riding a Highway compared to Brimstone and yet Brimstone has few rules...

I think that H/M should use Chappy's setup as a role model. I mean he's got those precious kids strapped in a fully caged machine with doors , they all have their seat belts & goggles on & most of all they're all having a great safe time in the great outdoors as a whole family. I don't see it ever getting any better than that.

You know, I read alot of stuff ya'll put on here about H/M trail system. Sad thing is I have driven past the area many times on my way to other riding areas like Brimstone but have never rode the most famous trail system this state has to offer. The only reasoning I have is the long list of rules and reg's that go with it, lack of "freedom". I love Brimstone, and as of last June, it was ride at youer own risk....no one "lookin over your shoulder". I am too old to be an outlaw anymore, age and the burden of responsibility tend to keep me out of trouble, but I will say this; Brimstone has changed drastically since I first started going there, trails are now covered with trash, old tires burnt down to the steel belts, just ingnorant stuff that tends to ruin riding areas for all of us and i have no idea how many folks get hurt there every year but I know its real easy to do down there. I guess what I am saying is I have been rethinking my views on H/M system rules and instead of them being a "hand-cuff" to us responsible riders, Those rules and enforcement just might keep those trails open for everyone to enjoy. I need to get down that way and hook up with ya'll, show me some of the trails and don't let the whole "freedom" idea stop me from experiencing what this state has to offer.

I think they will let sxs on all trails before long. It seems every time I ride, I see more and more of them. If H&M wants to keep selling permits, they will have to loosen up a little. But like I said, I think most of it is to prevent law suits. I think the whole Rhino rollover BS scared them to death. They have to cover their asses in every way possible. You can sue for just about anything today.

There are more FREE outlaw trails in West Va than the Hatfield McCoy trail system has but why not ride them all

IM TRYIN , IM TRYIN 10 YEARS NOW AND HAVE NOT MADE A DENT !!! LOL

Bobby D wrote:

There are more FREE outlaw trails in West Va than the Hatfield McCoy trail system has but why not ride them all

And that's why I won't move from WV for a job, and that's why I love this site so much! I like to ride, and I love to ride places I've never rode.

I was stopped by a ranger at buffalo mountain to check our passes. I had my 5 year old, in a car seat, in the front seat of my rzr4. He did not say a word about her feet touching the floor board or age. once i showed him here pass, we were on our way.

its money money money, if you pay you can play, if you dont have a pass then they've lost money that is what I think.

Gadget wrote:

its money money money, if you pay you can play, if you dont have a pass then they've lost money that is what I think.

Money makes the world go round and for $50.00 a year for out of State riders that's not

bad as long as they don't start being a pain in the ASS and harassing people.

I fell like the Hatfield mccoy trails got me to WV , so I buy an annual permit every year rather I ride their trails or not . if 50.00 bucks breaks me I dont need to own a POLARIS RZR !

Bobby D wrote:

Gadget wrote:

its money money money, if you pay you can play, if you dont have a pass then they've lost money that is what I think.

Money makes the world go round and for $50.00 a year for out of State riders that's not

bad as long as they don't start being a pain in the ASS and harassing people.

Since I havent bought a pass yet, does that mean I can be a pain in the butt and get away with it?