A Second $25 Permit for a Tracked Bike

A tracked dirt bike can trigger a permit requirement that a standard visitor permit does not cover. If you are bringing one into North Dakota, the key is to identify what each permit authorizes before you ride: a general non-resident OHV permit and a tracked-bike permit are separate, and neither makes every trail or snowmobile route open to you.

What the second $25 permit is for

The phrase “second permit” describes two different permissions, not one permit with an extra charge added to it. A visiting rider may need the general non-resident OHV permit for the machine, then a separate tracked-bike permit for the special use of a dirt bike fitted with tracks. The tracked-bike permit is listed at $25; confirm the current fee and application details with the state agency before buying.

That distinction matters because a permit is not a universal pass. The general visitor permit addresses the out-of-state machine’s permit requirement. The tracked-bike permit addresses the tracked dirt bike and the use allowed under that specific authorization. Paying for one does not automatically satisfy the other.

A tracked dirt bike is a dirt bike that has been fitted with a track system rather than being operated with its usual wheels and tires. The conversion can make it useful in snow, but it also changes which rules apply. Do not assume that the machine is treated exactly like an ordinary wheeled dirt bike, an ATV, or a snowmobile for every purpose.

Permission or requirement	What it addresses	What it does not automatically provide
Non-resident OHV permit	The visitor’s OHV permit requirement in North Dakota	Permission to ride every public trail, private parcel, or snowmobile route
Tracked-bike permit	The special permit requirement associated with a tracked dirt bike	A substitute for the visitor permit, landowner permission, or local access rules
Landowner permission	Access to land where permission is required	A replacement for either state permit
Trail or route status	Whether a route is open to the relevant kind of use	A guarantee that a permit holder may ride there at any time

The permit category is separate from ordinary registration, too. A registration or permit for a machine does not by itself establish that the machine is allowed on a particular trail. Before planning a trip, compare the requirements for the machine, the rider, and the intended route. North Dakota Tracked Dirt Bike Permits explains the tracked-bike paperwork in more detail, while North Dakota’s Non-Resident OHV Permit covers the general visitor permit.

This is also why a visiting rider should not rely on a home-state registration sticker as the only paperwork. North Dakota does not have reciprocity with every neighboring jurisdiction, so an out-of-state registration may not remove the need to obtain North Dakota permits. See North Dakota Has No Reciprocity With Any State for the broader issue.

The straightforward takeaway is that “I already have a permit” is not enough information. Ask which permit you have, which machine it applies to, and what type of use it authorizes. A second permit can be required because the machine and the planned activity fall under different rules.

Who may need both permits

A visitor riding a tracked dirt bike is the clearest case for checking both requirements. The general non-resident permit and the tracked-bike permit serve different purposes, so a visiting operator should not assume that buying one makes the other unnecessary.

The exact combination depends on the machine, the rider’s status, and the intended use. Start with these questions:

1. Is the machine an OHV for North Dakota permit purposes? Check the machine’s design and current classification rather than relying only on its brand name or how it is marketed.
2. Is the operator a North Dakota resident or a visitor? Residency can affect the general permit requirement. It does not answer every question about a tracked bike or the route.
3. Does the machine have a track conversion? A track-equipped dirt bike may fall under a separate permit rule even if its basic vehicle paperwork is in order.
4. Where will it be ridden? A permit for the machine does not necessarily provide access to a specific trail or parcel.
5. When will the ride take place? Some routes have seasonal operating periods, closure dates, or conditions that affect access.

If you are a resident, do not assume that the $25 tracked-bike permit replaces your usual registration or other required paperwork. If you are a visitor, do not assume that the tracked-bike permit replaces the general non-resident permit. The safe approach is to verify each obligation independently.

A visitor should also distinguish the permit requirement from the land-access question. A permit may satisfy a state requirement and still leave the rider without permission to cross private land. Conversely, a landowner’s invitation does not necessarily cancel a permit requirement. The two issues are independent.

This is especially important when a route crosses a patchwork of public and private property. A ride that begins on an open public route can encounter a closed segment, a posted parcel, or land with seasonal access conditions. Confirming access for one part of a route does not establish permission for the entire ride.

If you have a non-resident permit for another OHV, check whether it applies to the tracked bike you intend to bring. Do not assume a permit bought for a quad, side-by-side, or another machine can simply be transferred to a dirt bike. The permit record and the machine should match the agency’s instructions. The same caution applies if you swap machines after applying.

For broader visitor guidance, [North Dakota Permit for a Visiting Machine] can help you think through machine-specific permit questions. If the machine will stay in the state for an extended visit, also review North Dakota Visitors Staying Over 30 Days. The rules for a weekend trip and a longer stay may not be identical.

Where the permit does and does not let you ride

The tracked-bike permit is not a trail sticker that opens every route in North Dakota. A permit should be treated as one part of the access check, not as proof that every trail is suitable or legally open to a tracked dirt bike.

Snowmobile trails are a common source of confusion. A track system may make a dirt bike capable of moving over snow, but that mechanical capability does not establish legal access. The route must be open for the relevant activity, the permit conditions must be met, and any landowner or trail-manager requirements still apply. Consult the current route information before setting out.

Season matters. Snowmobile routes can have a defined operating season and may close outside it. They can also be closed temporarily because of conditions or landowner decisions. A permit purchased for the machine does not override a closure. Snowmobile Trails Closed April to November covers the seasonal distinction, and Why Landowner Permission Lapses Off Season explains why access may change when a permitted season ends.

Do not treat “snow-covered” as the same as “open.” Snow on the ground does not mean a route is legally available, and a groomed or familiar path may have restrictions that are not obvious from the riding surface. Check the route’s official status and permission conditions for the specific day you plan to ride.

The same principle applies to general OHV trails. North Dakota has different riding areas, managers, width limits, closure policies, and allowed vehicle types. A tracked dirt bike may not be allowed simply because the route is open to some OHVs. Verify both the trail’s current status and whether tracked machines are accepted there. A route map can show where a trail runs, but the operator should confirm the current rule for the machine and date.

Private property requires another separate check. The tracked-bike permit does not grant permission to cross a private field, trail, or access road. Get permission from the landowner wherever required, and check whether the permission covers the intended route and season. If a landowner’s permission is limited to a specific period, do not assume it continues beyond that period.

A practical route check should cover all of these:

• Whether the land is public or private
• Which agency or landowner manages the route
• Whether the route is open on the planned date
• Whether tracked dirt bikes are permitted
• Whether a permit or additional permission is required
• Whether temporary closures or conditions apply
• Whether the route connects to another area with different rules

If a route passes through multiple jurisdictions, check each segment rather than relying on the rules for the starting trailhead. A machine may be permitted on one section but prohibited on a connecting route. When the status is unclear, contact the relevant manager before riding instead of treating silence on a map as approval.

The distinction between a permit and access is worth keeping in mind: a permit may authorize a category of operation, while access rules decide where and when that operation may take place. Why a Permit Is Not a Trail Sticker explains this difference for visitors more broadly.

How to plan the permit and avoid common mistakes

The easiest time to sort out permits is before the machine is loaded. Once you are at a trailhead, it may be difficult to confirm eligibility, purchase the right authorization, or resolve a mismatch in the permit record. A short pre-trip check can prevent a wasted drive or a ride that starts with uncertainty.

Use this process:

1. Identify the machine accurately. Record its make, model, vehicle identification number, and whether it is currently fitted with tracks. If the machine has been converted, describe that clearly when checking the requirement.
2. Determine the rider’s status. Confirm whether the operator is treated as a resident or non-resident for the relevant permit rule.
3. Check the general OHV permit requirement. If you are visiting, verify whether a North Dakota non-resident permit is required for the machine and how to obtain it. Do not rely on another state’s sticker without checking North Dakota’s rule.
4. Check the tracked-bike permit separately. Confirm that the $25 tracked-bike permit applies to your machine and planned use, and verify current fee and purchasing instructions.
5. Check the route. Confirm that the route is open, that the machine type is permitted, and that you have any required landowner approval.
6. Keep proof available. Follow the agency’s instructions about carrying or displaying permits. Keep purchase confirmations and machine information accessible in case an officer or trail manager asks to see them.
7. Recheck before departure. A route can close or change status after you buy a permit. Check current conditions close to the ride date.

Some permits may be available through an online process or at a designated seller, but purchase options and requirements can change. Use official instructions to confirm where a permit is issued and what information you need. North Dakota Permits Sold Online is a useful starting point for the general visitor permit process; it does not mean the tracked-bike permit necessarily uses the same purchasing path.

Pay attention to the permit’s machine details and dates. A correct permit for the wrong vehicle is not a reliable solution. Likewise, an authorization that has expired or does not cover the planned use may not help during a stop. Review the permit record after purchase rather than assuming the transaction has captured the right machine information.

Mistakes that can lead to a bad trip

Assuming the $25 permit is the only permit needed. The title “second permit” is a reminder that the tracked-bike authorization can be additional to a visitor’s general OHV permit. Check both requirements.

Assuming the visitor permit covers tracks. The general permit and the tracked-bike authorization are separate. One does not automatically replace the other.

Assuming registration equals trail permission. Registration or a visitor permit does not guarantee access to a trail, public area, or private parcel.

Assuming the track conversion changes the machine into a snowmobile. A tracked dirt bike is still subject to the rules that apply to the vehicle and the activity. Do not classify it by appearance or capability alone.

Assuming a route is open because it is shown on a map. Maps may not reflect temporary closures, seasonal restrictions, or a manager’s current conditions. Check active status and vehicle eligibility.

Buying a permit too early without confirming its term. Permit periods and expiration rules can differ. Check the permit’s stated period and North Dakota Permit Expiration Date before choosing when to apply.

Leaving proof at home. A permit can be correctly purchased and still be inconvenient to verify if you cannot show the required proof. Follow current instructions for carrying the record or displaying the permit.

Treating verbal access permission as a substitute for state paperwork. A landowner can authorize access to land they control, but that does not necessarily satisfy permit obligations or make a closed public route available.

If you cannot get a clear answer from the permit information, ask the issuing agency using a direct description: “This is a dirt bike fitted with tracks. I am a resident/non-resident. I plan to ride on this specific route during this period. Which permits and permissions do I need?” That question is more useful than asking only whether “an ATV permit” is required, because tracked bikes and route rules may not fit the assumptions behind a general answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the $25 tracked-bike permit the same as the non-resident OHV permit?

No. They are separate authorizations. A visitor may need the general non-resident OHV permit and the tracked-bike permit, depending on the machine and planned use. Confirm both requirements before riding.

Does the tracked-bike permit let me ride any snowmobile trail?

No. It does not automatically open every snowmobile route. Check the route’s season, current status, permitted vehicle types, and any landowner or manager conditions.

Does a North Dakota resident need the general visitor permit?

The visitor permit is for non-residents, but that does not settle whether a resident needs the tracked-bike permit or other machine paperwork. Check the tracked-bike rule and the requirements for the intended route separately.

Can I use a permit issued for another OHV on my tracked dirt bike?

Do not assume so. Permit records may be tied to a particular machine or category. Check the issuing agency’s instructions and make sure the authorization matches the tracked dirt bike.

Should I buy the permit before traveling?

Check the current purchasing options and requirements before departure. If you can buy the applicable permit in advance, keep proof available and still check route status shortly before riding.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.