---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 C.F.R. § 261.15"
title: "36"
number: "261.15"
heading: "Use of vehicles off roads."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/261.15"
---

# §261.15. Use of vehicles off roads.


It is prohibited to operate any vehicle off National Forest System, State or County roads:

- (a) **Without a valid license as required by State law.**
- (b) **Without an operable braking system.**
- (c) From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless equipped with working head and tail lights.
- (d) **In violation of any applicable noise emission standard established by any Federal or State agency.**
- (e) While under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or a controlled substance in violation of State law.
- (f) Creating excessive or unusual smoke;
- (g) Carelessly, recklessly, or in a manner or at a speed that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property.
- (h) **In a manner which damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife, or vegetative resources.**
- (i) **In violation of State law established for vehicles used off roads.**

## Notes

### Amendments

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977; 66 FR 3218, Jan. 12, 2001. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005; 89 FR 92816, Nov. 25, 2024]

### Authority

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1011(f); 16 U.S.C. 460l-6d, 472, 551, 620(f), 1133(c)-(d)(1), 1246(i).

### Source

Source: 42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977; 66 FR 3218, Jan. 12, 2001. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005; 89 FR 92816, Nov. 25, 2024]