Imperial Sand Dunes Changes 2013 Law

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area riders should be aware of new changes being made to the State of California and it’s riding areas.

The new state law regulating the use of OHVs is effective Jan. 1 2013 and will require all occupants in OHVs known as side-by-sides, ROV or UTV to wear a 5 point safety harness, shoulder or lap belts and helmets.

Riders will be required to wear a helmet at all times in a UTV. All UTV drivers have to be at least 16 years old or be directly supervised by an adult within the vehicle and all passengers have to be able to grab the handhold while properly restrained.

This year lots of people came and left the Imperial Sand Dunes earlier than expected. The BLM also saw a decrease the number of people visiting the Imperial Sand Dunes. Some speculate it was due to the new laws