Many people will be taking advantage of closed schools and workplaces this Labor Day weekend by riding their off-road vehicles in the desert. The Sheriff’s Department reminds residents that the operation of off-highway vehicles is regulated, and that OHV laws will be fully enforced this weekend with the help of a brand-new off-road vehicle. Reporter Andrew Dieleman has the details…
On September 3, The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Morongo Basin Station took possession of a new 2020 Jeep Wrangler, purchased with 2019 OHV grant funds. Members of the department’s Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Team will use the new Jeep to conduct OHV enforcement throughout the Morongo Basin over the Labor Day weekend in difficult terrain that regular patrol vehicles are unable to access.
The public is encouraged to report any illegal OHV activity at 760-366-3718.
County ordinances say groups of 10 or more OHV users must obtain a “Staging Permit” from Code Enforcement. The use of OHVs on private property requires written permission as well. Open OHV riding is permitted in the Bureau of Land Management or BLM- managed Johnson Valley OHV recreation area, 20 miles north of Yucca Valley on Highway 247 at Boone Road. OHV use is also allowed on several BLM designated routes throughout the Morongo Basin. Locations of these routes and use restrictions can be found on the BLM’s website at BLM.gov under the Barstow Field Office area.
