Maine Caps New UTVs to 2,000-Pound Weight Limit for 2022

Maine offers some of the best riding and most beautiful trails in the country. From the coast to the mountains, the state’s terrain and scenery are a big draw for UTV enthusiasts and major drivers of tourism. With the ORV trails soon opening for the season, Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has instituted new weight and size restrictions.

Only a few new machines will be directly impacted by the new restrictions. These limits ban UTVs over 2,000 pounds or 65 inches wide from Maine’s trails. The state notes that ORV trails continue to get busier, and the extra size and weight from the biggest of the side-by-sides makes the trails harder to maintain. The restriction has also been put in place to prevent future trail damage. Exceptions are there for those who registered affected vehicles prior to January 1, 2022. Additionally, the state has increased registration fees. The extra revenue will go to improving and better maintaining ATV trails.

The new laws were instituted in October 2021, but the news is making the rounds again, likely because Maine’s off-roading season starts soon—some trails will open as early as May 15. However, mud season and club rules mean the majority of trails may not open until early June. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recommends checking with each area’s local clubs for more information prior to a ride on the state’s 6,000-plus miles of trails. More information regarding these new laws and registering a UTV in the state of Maine can be found on the state’s dedicated page.