ATV Use Prohibited

All-Terrain Vehicle Use Prohibited within Big Bend National Park

Regulations concerning ATV use are not specifically addressed in 36 C.F.R. The use of such vehicles is governed by state law as outlined in 36 C.F.R. Section 4.2 — State Law Applicable. Section 4.2 (b) states that violating a provision of State law is prohibited. Under the Texas Traffic Laws, Transportation Code — TRC section 663.037 the operation of an ATV on a public roadway is prohibited.

An ATV is defined as “a motor vehicle that is (A) equipped with a saddle for the use of the rider; (B) designed to propel itself with three or four tires in contact with the ground; and (C) designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use by the operator only. If the vehicle meets this description, it cannot be driven on public roadways in Texas and it cannot be registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

All backcountry roads in Big Bend National Park are public roads. All vehicles driven on these roads must be street legal according to the Texas motor vehicle laws. The use of "ATV's" is prohibited in Big Bend National Park.