Proposed Revisions of GVM OHV Regulations #1 – 10/02

Based on both USFS OHV regulations as well as regulations enforced by property owner associations similar to GVM, we propose revised OHV regulations to center around the vehicle itself.

We suggest first a definition of an OHV similar to USFS regulations, with the following exception: GVM-approved OHV’s are defined as motorized vehicles under 48 inches in width AND with tires in excess of 18 inches in diameter. This specification would eliminate the type of ultra-low profile vehicle (or go-cart) that was involved in the September altercation with a road grader. We also suggest that all OHV's must have installed:

- An USFS approved spark arrestor
- A proper muffler with noise baffle

- functional head, tail and signal lamps

- an 'international orange' pennant fixed on a pole at a height no less than seven feet from the ground.

We also suggest that you consider requiring all OHV’s owned by GVM property owners to be insured by that property owner. Most homeowner policies will offer this as an adjunct to a standard policy. As for guest-owned OHVS, it may not be reasonable to make this requirement.

In addition to these rules, we also suggest that all OHV's operated by both property owners and guests be registered by the property owner at the GVM office prior to use. This proposed process should include the property owner signing a statement that he/she is an adult, and understands all GVM rules related to OHV'S, and that their OHV’s are correctly equipped. Also, they must agree to be held responsible for any violations or complaints involving ALL OHV's registered to their property, whether owned by them or one of their guests. Once this and any other document is completed and signed, then GVM will provide proof of registration for each OHV in the form of a small to medium sized 'license plate' (a properly sized piece of paper within a protective clear plastic sheath). This item will bear the property owner's lot and filing in large, bold letters and must be affixed to the back of each OHV registered. This will serve not only as proof of registration, but also as identification in the event any GVM owner or resident wishes to report a violation or complaint about a particular OHV. A fee may or may not be imposed to register each OHV - that is at the Board's discretion.

Other areas needing to be addressed are regulations concerning riders 16 years of age or younger. We believe that setting an age requirement for OHV operation may create a lot of conflict and controversy within GVM. We hope that the proposed registration process will mitigate this issue by explicitly holding parents accountable for the actions of their children as part of the property owner being held responsible for all riders of OHV’s registered to them. We suggest that GVM consider a mandatory helmet rule for all riders under the age of 18.

In the event that an OHV is involved in a violation of any rules suggested above, or is identified in a complaint by another property owner, we suggest that GVM be empowered to enforce the rules by both revoking registration of one or all vehicles owned by the property owner named in the complaint, or by actual monetary penalties. We believe that GVM should specify uniform

penalties for first, second and third offenses, as well as provisions for severity of the offense. In the event that a property owner has his/her OHV registration revoked for a given period, then

they will not be able to operate their OHV's within GVM for that period. We feel this is the most fair and equitable solution to repeat offenses and disregard for the rules.

Submitted to summarize and add to general Rules Committee recommendations by Joe Schroedl, October 2002