House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

We will soon be introducing legislation to provide for the optional registration of Off-Highway Motorcycles or OHM’s, such as dirt bikes and dual sport motorcycles. This proposal was introduced as House Bill 1706 in the 2019-20 legislative session.

OHM riding is and has been very popular in Pennsylvania. However, current law provides no means to insure OHM’s or provide legal access to trails on public lands.

This legislation will enable OHM owners to register their bikes with DCNR if they would like the ability to purchase insurance or seek access to public trails. The legislation will add OHMs to Chapter 77 of the Vehicle Code which currently regulates the use of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s).

Providing for the optional registration of OHMs in a similar manner as ATV’s and snowmobiles will provide the impetus to create more recreational and trail riding opportunities, jobs and economic growth in many areas of the Commonwealth. 

The revenues generated from OHM registrations will be used for trail development and maintenance.  

With the passage of this program, the state's reputation will grow as a great place to go for this type of outdoor recreation. It is my belief that this program can be a significant boost for tourism in many rural counties.

In drafting this legislation, it has been our intention to create opportunities without creating additional mandates or requirements on citizens or recreational riders. This registration program is intended to be entirely voluntary based upon the desire of individual OHM owners to seek state registration on their bikes. Those who do not desire to participate would not be required to do so under this bill.

We invite you to join us in sponsoring this legislation.

Previous Sponsors:  Gabler, Hahn, Bernstine, Helm, Masser, Millard, Moul and Zimmerman