The purpose of this part is to establish criteria for designating public lands as open, limited or closed to the use of off-road vehicles and for establishing controls governing the use and operation of off-road vehicles in such areas.

The objectives of these regulations are to protect the resources of the public lands, to promote the safety of all users of those lands, and to minimize conflicts among the various uses of those lands.

The provisions of this part are issued under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); the Taylor Grazing Act (43 U.S.C. 315a); the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1281c); the Act of September 15, 1960, as amended (16 U.S.C. 670 et seq.); the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (16 U.S.C. 460 l-6a); the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.) and E.O. 11644 (Use of Off-Road Vehicles on the Public Lands), 37 FR 2877, 3 CFR part 74, 332, as amended by E.O. 11989 42 FR 26959 (May 25, 1977).

As used in this part:

(a) Off-road vehicle means any motorized vehicle capable of, or designed for, travel on or immediately over land, water, or other natural terrain, excluding:

(1) Any nonamphibious registered motorboat;

(2) Any military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle while being used for emergency purposes;

(3) Any vehicle whose use is expressly authorized by the authorized officer, or otherwise officially approved;

(4) Vehicles in official use;

(5) E-bikes, as defined in paragraph (j) of this section:

(i) While being used on roads and trails upon which mechanized, non-motorized use is allowed;

(ii) That are being used in a manner where the motor is not exclusively propelling the e-bike for an extended period of time; and

(iii) Where the authorized officer has expressly determined, as part of a land-use planning or implementation-level decision, that e-bikes should be treated the same as non-motorized bicycles; and

(6) Any combat or combat support vehicle when used in times of national defense emergencies.

(b) Public lands means any lands the surface of which is administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

(c) Bureau means the Bureau of Land Management.

(d) Official use means use by an employee, agent, or designated representative of the Federal Government or one of its contractors, in the course of his employment, agency, or representation.

(e) Planning system means the approach provided in Bureau regulations, directives and manuals to formulate multiple use plans for the public lands. This approach provides for public participation within the system.

(f) Open area means an area where all types of vehicle use is permitted at all times, anywhere in the area subject to the operating regulations and vehicle standards set forth in subparts 8341 and 8342 of this title.

(g) Limited area means an area restricted at certain times, in certain areas, and/or to certain vehicular use. These restrictions may be of any type, but can generally be accommodated within the following type of categories: Numbers of vehicles; types of vehicles; time or season of vehicle use; permitted or licensed use only; use on existing roads and trails; use on designated roads and trails; and other restrictions.

(h) Closed area means an area where off-road vehicle use is prohibited. Use of off-road vehicles in closed areas may be allowed for certain reasons; however, such use shall be made only with the approval of the authorized officer.

(i) Spark arrester is any device which traps or destroys 80 percent or more of the exhaust particles to which it is subjected.

(j) Electric bicycle (also known as an e-bike) means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of not more than 750 watts (1 h.p.) that meets the requirements of one of the following three classes:

(1) Class 1 electric bicycle shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

(2) Class 2 electric bicycle shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

(3) Class 3 electric bicycle shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

Any person who violates or fails to comply with the regulations of subparts 8341 and 8343 is subject to arrest, conviction, and punishment pursuant to appropriate laws and regulations. Such punishment may be a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not longer than 12 months, or both.

The regulations in this part apply to all public lands, roads, and trails under administration of the Bureau.