The 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session is winding down, but two major wins for the OHV community are making their way through the final stretch. House Bill 371 (HB371) and House Bill 372 (HB372) both passed the House unanimously (65-0) on March 14th and are now awaiting a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. These common-sense reforms have broad bipartisan support—and with your help, they can cross the finish line before the session ends on March 22nd.
HB371: Local Control for Local Access
HB371 gives local governments—counties and municipalities—the authority to open paved roads within their jurisdictions to OHVs. While they already had this power for local roads, the bill expands their ability to designate state highways within their boundaries, without being blocked by the restrictive criteria of the State Transportation Commission (STC).
This fix is especially important in communities like Grants and Cibola County, where access to nearby public lands is cut off by short stretches of state highways. By restoring local control, this bill empowers communities to build connected, OHV-friendly routes that support tourism, access to federal lands, and local recreation economies.
HB372: Modernizing the OHV Act
HB372 makes four key updates to New Mexico’s outdated OHV laws:
- Updates the definition of ROVs (Side-by-Sides): Increases the weight limit to 3,500 lbs. and removes the 1000cc engine cap to reflect the current machines sold by manufacturers.
- Clarifies youth operation rules: Allows youth under 18 to carry passengers if it’s legal in a passenger vehicle and better defines adult supervision standards.
- Removes ineffective reciprocity language: Since bordering states no longer recognize NM OHV registrations, this outdated provision is removed.
- Expands impact study funding: Allows OHV registration funds to be used for economic and public safety impact studies—not just environmental reviews.
These updates ensure that New Mexico’s OHV laws reflect real-world vehicle designs, improve youth safety, and give the state more tools to show the positive economic impact of OHV recreation.
Why BRC and the OHV Community Support These Bills
BRC strongly supports both HB371 and HB372 because they increase access, empower local decision-making, and modernize regulations to keep pace with today’s OHV users and machines. These bills are about:
- Removing bureaucratic roadblocks that prevent communities from connecting to public lands.
- Ensuring that New Mexico’s laws match the machines on the market.
- Supporting responsible OHV use that contributes to rural economies and recreation access.
With unanimous support in the House, it’s time for the Senate to act. If you live in New Mexico, especially in a district represented on the Senate Judiciary Committee, please contact your Senator and urge a YES vote on HB371 and HB372! If you plan to visit and ride in New Mexico and bring benefit to their tourism economy, you should also add your voice.
