The county road department will be installing 12 Share the Road signs accommodating OHV use on county roads.
An ordinance passed in March allows OHVs to legally travel on all green-signed county roads. They are not allowed within the city limits of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos, or on state or federal highways, or on roads not under county jurisdiction.
The ordinance does not affect OHV use under the Colorado agricultural-use exemption.
Under the county OHV ordinance, users must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license and at least be insured for liability. All traffic laws apply, and OHV’s shall not exceed 50 miles per hour, or the posted speed limit, whichever is less.
OHV must have a head light and tail light, and proper braking systems. They must have a spark arrester, and a muffler in constant operation that is properly maintained. Eye protection and helmets are not required.
When a county road crosses a state or federal highway OHVs are allowed to cross over, said county attorney John Baxter, as long as it is a direct crossing.
The OHV Share the Road signs will be installed on County Road G, County Road 31 (Dolores-Norwood), Weber Canyon, Echo Basin, on County Road BB, and others.