Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 391-4-2-.62 - Vehicle, Horse, ATV and Other Conveyance Use on Wildlife Management Areas

(1) As used in this Rule:

(a) "all-terrain vehicle" or "ATV" means a tracked or wheeled motor vehicle powered by an electrical or motor fuel engine and generally characterized by low-pressure tires, an open operator area, a seat designed to be straddled by the operator or a bench style seat, handlebars, lever arms or steering wheel for steering, and is intended for off-road use by an individual or multiple riders on natural terrain. This includes off-road motorcycles (dirt bikes), utility vehicles, golf carts, 4 and 3-wheeled cycles and other off road vehicles.

(b) "Open roads" shall mean those roads not closed with a gate, sign, earthen berm, or similar device.

(c) "Bicycle" includes electric assisted bicycles as defined in O.C.G.A 40-1-1.

(2) Horses, bicycles and all motor vehicles, including off-road vehicles, are restricted to open roads. Provided, however, that horses and bicycles may use designated trails or designated areas; bicycles may be used on closed roads for hunter access; horses may be used off roads and trails during permitted field trials.

(3) Vehicles, including ATVs, marked by official handicap license plates, placard, or sticker for special handicap access may be used on roads otherwise closed for vehicular access but specifically designated by the department for handicapped hunter access. WMA users possessing a Department issued Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD) Special Use Permit may also use OPDMD's on handicap access roads or any other closed roads and locations as specified by the Department in the OPDMD Special Use Permit.

(4) Motor vehicles must meet safety, insurance, licensing, and registration requirements for use on public roads. However, 3-wheel and 4-wheel All-Terrain Vehicles, (ATVs) need not be licensed (tagged) to be operated on a WMA unless the WMA is on National Forest lands.

(5) ATVs may be operated only on roads within WMAs during the period between 2 hours before sunrise and 2 hours after sunset one day prior to and during big game, small game, and special hog only hunts by hunters actively participating in the hunt except where otherwise specified in 391-4-2-.70.

(6) ATV operators must be at least 16 years old.

(7) Trails and areas open to horses and bicycles may be closed during certain hunting seasons or certain times of day to avoid user conflicts.

(8) Horses and non-motorized bicycles may be used on National Forest lands not otherwise closed.

(9) No person may operate any motor vehicle, including off-road vehicles, in a reckless and negligent manner, or in a manner that willfully causes damage to improved roads, open roads, seasonal roads, ditches, wildlife openings, wildlife habitat, berms, firebreaks, campgrounds, or parking areas.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 391-4-2-.62

O.C.G.A. §§ 12-3-9, 27-1-4, 40-7-5.

Original Rule entitled "Turkey" adopted. F. Mar. 14, 1975; eff. Apr. 3, 1975. Repealed: Rule reserved. F. Dec. 9, 1975; eff. Dec. 29, 1975. Amended: New Rule entitled "Turkey" adopted. F. Mar. 14, 1977; eff. Apr. 3, 1977 (Not Published at request of the Agency as the adoption of a new Chapter 391-4-2 was contemplated in April, 1977). Repealed: New Rule entitled "General Information" adopted. F. Mar. 6, 1978; eff. Mar. 26, 1978. Repealed: F. Sept. 6, 1978; eff. Sept. 26, 1978. Amended: New Rule entitled "General Information" adopted. F. Mar. 2, 1979; eff. Mar. 22, 1979. Amended: F. June 3, 1993; eff. June 23, 1993. Repealed: F. June 2, 1997; eff. June 22, 1997. Amended: New Rule entitled "Alligators" adopted. F. May 30, 2003; eff. June 19, 2003. Amended: F. July 1, 2004; eff. July 21, 2004. Amended: F. June 16, 2005; eff. July 6, 2005. Amended: F. May 24, 2007; eff. June 13, 2007. Amended: F. May 27, 2009; eff. June 16, 2009. Amended: F. Sept. 8, 2009; eff. Sept. 28, 2009. Amended: F. June 7, 2010; eff. June 27, 2010. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Vehicle, Horse, ATV and Other Conveyance Use on Wildlife Management Areas" adopted. F. Jun. 13, 2013; eff. July 3, 2013. Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 1, 2017; eff. June 21, 2017. Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 4, 2019; eff. June 24, 2019. Amended: F. June 7, 2021; eff. June 27, 2021.