Off Highway Motor Vehicle

Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHMV) Master Plan & Routes – Pilot Project

The City of Needles OHMV combined-use route network is now open and operational. This page provides official information on where you can ride, designated routes, safety requirements, and staging areas.

City Manager’s Office

817 Third Street, Needles, CA 92363
Phone: (760) 326-2113

At a Glance

Status: Active. The OHMV combined-use route network is open and operational.
Network: 9.20 miles of designated routes (≤10 miles allowed by state law).
Speed: 35 mph maximum for OHMV travel.
Requirements: Valid driver’s license, insurance/registration, helmets for ATV/UTV riders.
Purpose: Connect BLM trails, services, and lodging for safe recreation and tourism.
Legal Authority: Authorized under California Vehicle Code §38026.2 (AB 2152)

Designated Staging Areas

To improve access and reduce neighborhood impacts, two official staging areas will serve as the primary launch points for riders:

Park Drive & River Road – Truck and trailer parking, loading zones, route kiosk, and restrooms.
Clary Drive & Lillyhill Drive – Trailhead access, signage, fencing, and rest area amenities.

Maps & Navigation

Follow posted Begin/End OHMV Route signs, directional arrows, and the 35 mph OHMV speed limit.
Use the official map for legal access points, route boundaries, and staging area locations.

Ride Legally & Safely

Operate only on designated OHMV corridors and obey all traffic laws.
Carry a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance/registration at all times.
Wear helmets (for ATV/UTV riders) and use seat restraints where equipped.
Never exceed 35 mph on OHMV corridors.
Yield to pedestrians, reduce dust and noise, and respect residential areas.

Community Education & Workshop

The City is launching a community education campaign with bilingual mailers, social media posts, and a public workshop to explain the routes, staging areas, and safety requirements.

Community Education & Outreach

On March 26, 2026, the City of Needles held a community workshop to provide an overview of the OHMV Pilot Program, including designated routes, safety requirements, staging areas, and legal operating guidelines.

The City will continue to provide ongoing education, updates, and safety information to support responsible use and compliance with program requirements. Subscribe to Needles Connect to receive update notices and announcements. Download Needles Connect app on Google Play Store and the Apple Store.

Residents can also subscribe for updates to receive route notices, workshop announcements, and safety reminders.

Program Timeline

2019–2022: Program development and legislative authorization
2023–2025: Engineering analysis, safety review, and public outreach
September 9, 2025: City Council adoption of OHMV Master Plan
January 13, 2026: Signage Plan adopted
Summer 2026: Program activated and open to the public
Ongoing: Coordination with CHP, BLM, and law enforcement

Why This Program Was Created

Provide a legal connection between BLM trails and city services
Reduce trespassing and unmanaged OHV use
Improve safety through designated corridors
Support local businesses and tourism

Where You Can / Cannot Ride

Where You Can Ride

✔ Designated OHMV routes only

✔ Between staging areas and BLM access points

Where You Cannot Ride

❌ Non-designated city streets

❌ Residential areas off the corridor

❌ From your home unless directly on a designated route

Enforcement

Enforced by San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Colorado River Station and the California Highway Patrol
Riding outside designated routes is prohibited
Violations may result in citation, fines, or removal from routes