Off-Highway Vehicle and ATV Use Prohibited

Off Highway vehicles (OHV) include ATVs, UTVs, Golf Carts, Sand rail, side by sides, and similar vehicles. All backcountry roads in Big Bend National Park are public roads and all vehicles driven on these roads must be street legal according to the Texas motor vehicle laws. The use of "ATVs or OHVs" is prohibited in Big Bend National Park.

Vehicles operating in the park must have a valid state or government-issued vehicle registration and license plate issued for public highway travel. The Texas OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) license plate does not meet this standard. Unregistered OHVs, including but not limited to ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, dune buggies, sand rails, amphibious vehicles, and any other non-highway vehicles, are prohibited from being operated in the park.

Regulations concerning ATV use are not specifically addressed in 36 C.F.R. The use of such vehicles is governed by state law as outlined in 36 C.F.R. Section 4.2 — State Law Applicable. Section 4.2 (b) states that violating a provision of State law is prohibited. Under the Texas Traffic Laws, Transportation Code — TRC section 663.037 and 663.003 the operation of an ATV or Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles on a public roadway is prohibited.