Madera County Sheriff’s Department OHV Unit is dedicated to OHV enforcement, public education, Search & Rescue Operations and Medical Assistance. Our goal is to foster a safe and friendly environment in both rural and recreational areas throughout Madera County. MADERA COUNTY SHERIFF’S SPECIALIZED OHV ENFORCEMENT UNIT OFF-HIGHWAY ENFORCEMENT: The Madera County Sheriff’s OHV UNIT is an effective deterrent to illegal off-highway riding, providing extensive off-highway and on-road law enforcement throughout the county of Madera. The unit enforces laws pertaining to off-highway vehicle operations, illegal shooting, stolen vehicles/OHVs, area searches and patrol checks at parks and other recreational areas. SEARCH AND RESCUE: The Madera County Sheriff’s OHV UNIT is outfitted with specialized vehicles and equipment to respond to medical emergencies remote and rugged terrain The Madera County OHV Unit will assist the Department’s Search and Rescue Unit when requested. PUBLIC AWARENESS: The Madera County Sheriff’s OHV Unit provides personnel and equipment to schools, county fairs, civic groups. The unit frequently hosts public meetings and off-road events to address current state and local laws governing off-road vehicle riding.

EQUIPMENT: HONDA BIG RED MUV, nicknamed “SHREK,” for its color. This MUV/UTV, equipped with lights and siren, was purchased to assist the OHV unit in patrolling the trails, riverbeds, and other off-highway terrain, as well as transport injured riders and hikers. It is also equipped to assist Search & Rescue in transporting injured parties. 3 Suzuki DRZ-400’s dual sport motorcycles – two were purchased under the 2009/2010 OHV Grant, the third was donated to the unit in 2001. These motorcycles are well suited for the unit's needs and they are equipped with emergency lights and siren. 1 HONDA RINCON SPORT UTILITY ATV 680, 4X4, equipped with lights and siren, is used for patrolling trails, riverbeds and other off-highway terrain and equipped to assist Search and Rescue. 1 Open trailer, 16x7 -- custom built to haul the HONDA RINCON and the HONDA MUV “SHREK”. 1 Motorcycle trailer capable of hauling three motorcycles or one ATV. This trailer was financed by an OHV Grant that launched the Sheriff’s program back in 2000. 3 Garmin handheld GPS units.

LAWS FOR THE OHV OPERATOR Click HERE for the Madera County Codes You must have one of the following when operating any type of Motorized off-highway vehicle on public land: A green or red sticker issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) A non-resident OHV permit. A street legal license plate for four-wheel drive vehicles and dual-sport motorcycles. No OHV shall exceed 15 mph within 50 feet of any campground, concentration of people or animals. All motorcycles must be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester, and muffler. The OHV must also comply with the state's noise regulation. CVC 38370. OHVs operated between sunset and sunrise must have at least one headlight that allows the operator to see for 200 feet and one red taillight visible for 200 feet. Paved roads may be crossed at right angles to the direction of the highway. It is illegal to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage while riding or operating an off-highway vehicle. For further information on a complete listing of OHV LAWS, see Division 16.5 of California Vehicle Code or visit the OHV web site: www.ohv.parks.ca.gov MIAMI MOUNTAIN MOTORCYCLE TRAILS Developed by the US Forest Service for OHV Enthusiasts Location: off Highway 41 North of OAKHURST USFS public lands within the County of Madera are the only legal areas to ride within Madera County. State laws apply in the USFS area and are enforced by DEPUTY SHERIFFS, FISH AND GAME, CHP and USFS EMPLOYEES. Example: OHV’S (Green/Red Stickers) may only be driven on non-street legal roadways within the USFS areas. A road sign marking these roads is vertical. Example: Roads marked with a horizontal road sign are considered street legal and OHVs (Green/Red Stickers) CANNOT ride on these roadways. For further information about recreation on USFS Public Lands visit the USFS website. North Fork Ranger Station phone number: 559-877-2218 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV) SAFETY Drive with courtesy. Allow extra room between you and other vehicles. Stay to the right side of roads and trails at all times. Approach hills and curves with caution. Assume there are other vehicles ahead. Always ride with a friend. Never ride alone. Always tell a responsible person where you are going and the when you expect to return. If you don't return, that person should call the Sheriff's Department at (559) 675-7770. ALWAYS wear appropriate safety equipment.

LINKS California Information ATV Safety Institute USFS (SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST) Tread Lightly Organization Madera County OHV Grant Application Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association OHV EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS Madera County Sheriff’s Department: 559-675-7770 Also 911 from a home phone. CHP, Fire (CDF), Ambulance: 911 Cell phone or home phone. USFS dispatch: 559-348-1515

Contacting Us Madera County Sheriff's Headquarters 14143 Rd 28 Madera, CA 93638 Emergencies - 24 Hours: Call 911 Non-Emergency Services: (559) 675-7770 Map this location for me