Trailering a Machine Into North Dakota for a Weekend
Trailering an ATV or UTV into North Dakota for a weekend takes more than checking the tie-downs. Visitors need to understand how an out-of-state registration works with North Dakota’s access permit, confirm where they can ride, and make sure riders meet safety requirements. A little preparation helps prevent a trip from starting with missing paperwork or ending at a closed trailhead.
Sort out registration and the visitor permit before you travel
If your machine is registered in another state, do not assume that your home-state registration alone is enough to ride public trails and lands in North Dakota. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department requires owners of out-of-state registered OHVs to purchase a non-resident public trails and lands access permit. The department says the permit costs $10 per year as of November 2026 and is valid from January 1 through December 31.
That permit is different from registering an OHV with the North Dakota Department of Transportation. According to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, OHVs operated on public land in North Dakota generally must be registered with the department or otherwise properly permitted. For a visitor arriving with an out-of-state registered machine, the non-resident permit is the key access requirement. The North Dakota Registration Versus a Non-Resident Permit article explains the distinction in more detail.
| Before the trip | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state registration | Make sure your machine’s home-state registration is current. | According to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, owners of out-of-state registered OHVs must also buy a non-resident public trails and lands access permit. |
| Visitor access permit | Confirm you have the required permit for the machine or machines you plan to ride. | The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department says the permit is valid from January 1 through December 31. |
| Riding location | Check that the destination is open to OHVs and that your machine is allowed there. | A permit does not mean every public road, trail, or parcel is open to riding. |
| Insurance | Carry proof of liability insurance coverage. | The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department says operators must be able to provide proof of liability insurance. |
| Riders under 18 | Check helmet requirements and whether a youth rider needs safety certification. | North Dakota requirements can depend on the rider’s age, license status, and where the OHV will be operated. |
For a closer look at the visitor permit, see North Dakota’s Non-Resident OHV Permit and North Dakota Permit for a Visiting Machine. If you are bringing more than one machine, confirm how the permit applies to each one before you leave. Avoid assuming that a single permit covers a whole trailer load unless the agency’s current instructions confirm that.
Keep your registration and permit information accessible rather than buried under riding gear. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department says all riders must be properly registered or permitted to ride legally. Having the documents ready can make a trailhead check or roadside stop less stressful. It is also sensible to carry your insurance information where the operator can reach it.
If the machine is not registered in your home state, or its paperwork is incomplete, do not treat the visitor permit as a replacement for registration. The permit requirement described for out-of-state registered OHVs assumes an out-of-state registration exists. Check with the appropriate agency before towing a machine with a missing, expired, or unclear registration record.
Prepare the machine and trailer for the trip
A machine can be legally permitted and still be unsafe to haul. Before departure, check that the trailer is suitable for the machine, that the ramp is stable, and that the tie-down points are in good condition. Follow the machine and trailer manufacturers’ instructions for loading and securing the vehicle. A strap that looks sturdy may not be appropriate for the load or attachment point.
Use a repeatable loading routine. Park on firm, level ground when possible, keep bystanders clear of the ramp, and make sure the machine is secured before moving the tow vehicle. After driving a short distance, stop somewhere safe and check that the load has not shifted. Recheck it during the trip, especially after rough roads or a significant change in weather.
If you need replacement straps, a ramp accessory, or a lock, Amazon is one place to compare options, but check the stated load rating, fit, and intended use rather than relying on a product photo or a broad “heavy duty” description. A shopping listing does not replace the manufacturer’s loading guidance.
The machine itself deserves a pre-trip check as well. Inspect tires, controls, lights, brakes, and visible leaks, and make sure the fuel and battery arrangements are suitable for transport. Bring the tools and basic repair items that fit your machine and riding plan. Do not assume that a remote trailhead will have fuel, parts, or cell service nearby; check the destination details and plan accordingly.
A practical document and equipment check before leaving can include:
- Current home-state registration for each out-of-state registered OHV.
- The North Dakota non-resident access permit.
- Proof of liability insurance.
- A working phone with trail information saved or available offline.
- Helmets and eye protection appropriate for the riders and machine.
- Tie-down equipment suited to the load and compatible with the machine’s attachment points.
- A paper map or saved directions if your route may take you beyond reliable cell coverage.
The North Dakota Insurance Rules for OHV Riders article can help clarify the insurance requirement. For helmets, review North Dakota Helmet Law for Riders Under 18. Keep the towing vehicle’s registration and insurance separate from the OHV paperwork; documents for the truck or trailer do not satisfy the OHV’s registration or access requirements.
Choose a destination and check its status
North Dakota offers several different kinds of OHV destinations, so choose based on the experience you want and the machine you are bringing. A trail network is different from an open riding area, and neither should be treated as unrestricted access to surrounding land. Check the current trail map, rules, and closure notices before unloading.
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department lists more than one destination that visitors may consider:
- Pembina Gorge has over 16 miles of trails designed for non-motorized and motorized traffic.
- The Roughrider OHV Trail is 22 miles long.
- The Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area trail is 10 miles long.
- Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area, also known as The Desert, is a 400-acre play area located 8 miles south of Bismarck.
These figures describe the listed destinations, not a guarantee that every route is open or suitable for every type of OHV. In particular, confirm any machine-specific restrictions, trail conditions, and parking arrangements directly before setting out. The North Dakota OHV Trail Map Downloads article is a useful next step for planning, while North Dakota Trailhead Parking Limits can help you think through trailer access and staging.
Trail status can change after rain or other conditions. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department says closures at Pembina Gorge State Park, Roughrider OHV Trail, and Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area are evaluated every 24 hours. Check the latest status close to your departure and again before riding; a map saved earlier in the planning process may not reflect a current closure. For updates and where to check, see North Dakota Trail Status by App and Phone and North Dakota Trail Closures After Rain.
The department also says North Dakota State Park and Recreation Area trail information is available on the OuterSpatial App. Use that information alongside any posted signs and on-site instructions. If a route is closed, unclear, or appears inconsistent with the map, do not ride it until you can confirm it is open.
A permit should be understood as an access requirement, not a blanket permission to ride wherever a machine can physically go. Stay on routes open to OHVs, follow posted restrictions, and confirm that your chosen destination accepts the machine you are hauling. A side-by-side may not fit every trail, and the fact that a vehicle is registered does not establish that a narrow route or play area allows it.
For a weekend itinerary, decide where you will unload and park before towing. Check whether the destination has space for your trailer, whether you need to reserve lodging or a campsite, and whether your arrival time is practical. A backup destination is useful if weather or a closure affects your first choice. Keep the backup plan within areas whose access rules you have checked rather than improvising onto an unverified road or private property.
Check rider requirements before unloading
The permit is only one part of a legal and safe ride. Rider age, license status, helmet use, and the type of land can affect what is allowed. Sort these out before the trip, particularly when children or teenagers are coming along.
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department says riders and passengers under age 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet when riding an OHV, including dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides. Bring a helmet that fits each young rider and passenger; do not assume a helmet supplied for another person will fit properly. For any rider, checking for a DOT stamp or sticker is a useful way to verify that the helmet is identified as meeting applicable safety standards.
Youth safety certification has a separate requirement. According to the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, youth ages 12 to 16 without a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit must take an OHV safety certification class to operate on allowed public lands. The department says certification is required to operate on land other than a parent’s, including designated trails and ditches. A family visiting from out of state should not assume that a young rider’s experience or a home-state credential automatically resolves North Dakota’s requirement; confirm what applies to that rider before traveling.
The hands-on course also takes advance planning. The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department says students must complete the introductory e-course online before attending and bring their certificate number. Participants must wear over-the-toe shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt, and provide their own eye protection. Hands-on sessions are held from May through August, and each in-person class is limited to eight participants. The department says children who are 11 but turn 12 within six months of a class date may take the hands-on course, but receive their certification card when they turn 12.
If a young rider is not yet certified and does not meet an applicable exception, plan a different activity rather than expecting to sort it out at the trailhead. The North Dakota Safety Course Minimum Age and North Dakota Online Safety Course articles offer more detail for families preparing a youth rider.
Before starting the engine, make a final check that every person knows the planned route, understands any posted restrictions, and can communicate if the group becomes separated. Keep the permit and registration accessible, follow the trail’s operating rules, and turn around when conditions or signage make the route uncertain. A little care with paperwork, equipment, and destination checks makes it much more likely that your weekend is spent riding rather than solving preventable problems.
Sources
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — OHV Permits & Registration | ND Parks and Recreation – Business and Grants (checked November 3, 2026)
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — OHV Safety | ND Parks and Recreation – Business and Grants (checked November 3, 2026)
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — Motorized Safety | North Dakota Parks and Recreation (checked November 3, 2026)
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) | ND Parks and Recreation – Business and Grants (checked November 3, 2026)
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — OHV Trails | ND Parks and Recreation – Business and Grants (checked November 3, 2026)
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — Snowmobile Safety | ND Parks and Recreation – Business and Grants (checked November 3, 2026)
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — Snowmobile Trails | ND Parks and Recreation – Business and Grants (checked November 3, 2026)
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — 04-2022%20OHV%20Brochure%20WEB.pdf (checked November 3, 2026)
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department — OHV%20Summary%20Document.pdf (checked November 3, 2026)
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.
