Do dirt bikes need OHV registration decals on public trails?

Riders planning to use public trails often ask whether a dirt bike must display an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) registration decal. The accurate answer is: it depends on where you ride and how your bike is registered, but in many Western states, yes—an OHV registration and visible decal are required on public lands.

This article answers one specific question only: whether dirt bikes need OHV registration decals on public trails. The explanation below focuses on Colorado and New Mexico using guidance published by state authorities.

What determines whether an OHV decal is required?

Whether a dirt bike must carry an OHV registration decal depends on several technical factors:

• The land manager (state trust land, state forest, BLM, or national forest)
• The vehicle’s classification (off-highway motorcycle vs. highway motorcycle)
• The state where the vehicle is registered
• The type of trail or route being used

A common misconception is that a license plate always replaces OHV registration. In many states, this is not true when a motorcycle is operated on trails designated specifically for off-highway use.

Colorado OHV registration requirements for dirt bikes

In Colorado, OHV registration is administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Colorado law requires all off-highway vehicles, including dirt bikes, to be registered when operated on designated OHV trails, routes, or areas managed by state or federal agencies.

This requirement applies to:

• Two-stroke and four-stroke dirt bikes
• Trail-only motorcycles
• Dual-sport motorcycles when ridden on OHV-designated trails

A street-legal license plate does not replace OHV registration in Colorado when riding on designated OHV routes. CPW also requires the OHV registration decal to be permanently affixed and clearly visible.

Official reference: Colorado Parks and Wildlife – OHV Registration and Permits

New Mexico OHV registration requirements for dirt bikes

In New Mexico, OHV compliance is overseen by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). Dirt bikes operated on public land—including trails managed by state or federal agencies—are generally required to be registered as off-highway vehicles.

Street-legal motorcycles may be exempt from OHV registration in limited circumstances, but this exemption does not automatically apply to designated OHV trail systems. Many trail networks still require OHV registration regardless of whether the motorcycle has a license plate.

New Mexico also requires OHV registration decals to be valid for the current year and displayed in a clearly visible location for enforcement checks.

Official reference: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish – Off-Highway Vehicle Program

Why decal placement and durability matter

OHV registration decals are enforced visually. If a decal is missing, unreadable, or improperly displayed, riders may be cited even if the vehicle is registered in the system.

Adhesive-backed decals placed directly on fork tubes or painted surfaces can leave residue over time, especially with repeated washing, heat exposure, or abrasion. This residue can be difficult to remove and may damage finishes.

For this reason, some riders use fork-mounted solutions such as a carbon fiber registration wrap , which allows the decal to be applied to a removable surface. This makes cleaning easier and prevents adhesive buildup on the forks themselves while keeping the decal visible for compliance purposes.

Final answer

Yes—dirt bikes generally need OHV registration decals on public trails, particularly in Colorado and New Mexico. Even street-legal motorcycles may still be required to carry and display an OHV registration when operated on trails designated for off-highway use.

Riders should always verify requirements with the land manager for the specific area they plan to ride, as OHV rules are based on trail designation rather than vehicle appearance alone.

For related trail access and technical guides, visit our Resources page.