CONTACT:
Capt. David Walsh: (603) 271-3129
March 1, 2018
CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold two public hearings on proposed re-adoptions of Chapter Fis 1500, the rule that governs the Off Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) and snowmobile program at Fish and Game. Hearings will start at 6:30 p.m. at the following dates and locations:
- April 4, 2018 — NH Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH
- April 10, 2018 — Fish and Game Region 1 Office, 629B Main Street, Lancaster, NH
Written comments on the proposal will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on April 18, 2018. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov (use the rule name in your subject line); write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to 603-271-5829.
The complete rulemaking notice may be viewed at www.wildnh.com/legislative/proposed-rules.html.
Following are some highlights of the proposal, which effectively readopts with amendments the entire Chapter Fis 1500 on Off Highway Recreational Vehicles and snowmobiles:
- Part Fis 1501 adds new definitions of four terms used in the rule.
- Part Fis 1502 sets forth new rules for general administration of the registration process, including completion of forms, issuance of registration numbers, registration by mail, transfers of registrations, and replacement of lost registration materials. Existing section Fis 1502.03 on periods of suspension is being readopted as Fis 1802.01 (f) and (g) in a different rulemaking proceeding, NN 2017-181 in order to bring this issue together with all other actions taken against holders of licenses, registrations, and permits.
- Part Fis 1503 readopts the procedures used to register all types of Off Highway Recreational Vehicles and snowmobiles on an annual basis, and adds new rules for temporary nonresident OHRV registration and 14-month OHRV registration as permitted by statute.
- Part Fis 1504 and Part Fis 1505 readopt the procedures used to obtain an annual dealer license and an annual rental agent license, respectively. The amendments clarify the information required of applicants and the procedures used to process applications, and provide an opportunity for a hearing to contest the denial of an application.
- Part Fis 1506 updates the procedures used to obtain an event permit by requiring applicants to apply 45 days in advance of the event, rather than 30 days.
- Part Fis 1507 describes the requirements for the placement of registration plates and decals upon OHRVs and snowmobiles and prevents placement of the decals on parts of the machines that may be readily removed and placed on other machines, such as a removable tailgate.
- Part Fis 1508 readopts with amendment the OHRV or snowmobile safety education program, by describing both the online and live training options available to students. It also clarifies the criteria for certification and recertification of instructors providing the live training course.
- Part Fis 1509 readopts with amendment the areas and times in New Hampshire where there is reciprocity of use with Vermont and Maine users of OHRVs and snowmobiles, including the reciprocity weekend dates for 2019 and 2020.
- Part Fis 1510 adopts SAE standard J2567_201511 as the procedure used to measure the sound level of snowmobiles.
- Part Fis 1511 adopts SAE standard J1287_201704 as the procedure used to measure the sound levels of OHRVs.
For more information on Fish and Game’s OHRV and snowmobile programs, visit www.wildnh.com/ohrv.