The U.S. Forest Service regulations govern motor vehicle use in national forests and grasslands. These regulations cover trails for off-roading, also called Jeep trails. Each national forest or ranger district designates those roads, trails and areas as open to motor vehicle use.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) displays National Forest System roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicles, according to vehicle class, including highway-legal, high-clearance, ATVs and motorcycles. The map includes seasonal and time limitations. The MVUM also helps summarize other travel rules and regulations. Routes not shown on the map are closed to public motor vehicle travel.
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) traveling off-road on public lands also fall under Montana's off-highway vehicle laws. These laws include required fees and decals, and are governed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks agency.
State law also regulates highway-legal vehicles on National Forest Service Roads. These vehicle include registered and licensed passenger cars and trucks, and licensed OHVs, ATV's and motorcycles driven by licensed drivers. Regulations including driver licensing, child-seat use, seat belt laws govern vehicles on all roads in Montana.
