When four wheeling, there are a few rules of the 4WD road that will help make your trip more enjoyable. Though other four wheelers and outdoor recreationists may not follow these rules, if you do, you will be doing your part to make four wheeling in the Colorado mountains more enjoyable for yourself and everyone else.

1) Right of way:
Who has the right of way? It is usually the other mode of travel. Remember that on a 4WD road you may meet people doing all other types of recreation. A good rule of thumb is when a faster mode of travel over takes a slower mode, the slower mode should allow the faster mode of travel to pass safely at the first opportunity. When meeting any mode of travel going in the opposite direction you should slow and insure a safe passage.

If you meet a:	Who has the right of way:	What to do:
Hiker	going opposite directions - Vehicle	Allow the Hiker to move to the side of the road before passing slowly.
	going the same direction - Vehicle	Allow the Hiker to move to the side of the road before passing slowly. Do not crowd the Hiker.
Mountain Biker	going opposite directions - Mountain Biker	Pull to the side to allow the Mountain Biker to pass safely.
	going the same direction - Vehicle	Allow the rider to move to the side of the road before passing. Do not crowd the rider.
Equestrian	going opposite directions - Equestrian rider	Pull to the side, stop your vehicle, and turn off the engine.
	going the same direction - Vehicle	Allow the rider to move to the side of the road before passing. Do not crowd the rider.
Motorcycle	going opposite directions - Motorcycle	Pull to the side to allow the Motorcycle to pass safely.
	going the same direction - Motorcycle	Pull to the side at the first opportunity to allow the Motorcycle to pass safely.
ATV	going opposite directions - ATV	Pull to the side to allow the ATV to pass safely.
	going the same direction - ATV	Pull to the side at the first opportunity to allow the ATV to pass safely.
4WD Vehicle	going opposite directions - (depends)	On a hill, the vehicle going downhill should yield. On all other terrain, move to a wide enough place in the road to pass safely. May require backing up.
	going the same direction - Faster vehicle	Allow the faster vehicle to pass at the first opportunity.

2) Obstacles:
When driving the 4WD roads in Colorado you may find an obstacle that you do not have the vehicle, or experience to conquer. When this happens DO NOT go around the obstacle, even if it appears that others have in the past. This is called "Braiding" and is considered a resource impact that can become a reason for closing the entire 4WD road. To insure that the 4WD road you are on, and the obstacle, will be there in the future when you have more modifications to your vehicle, or more experience, the best thing to do is retrace your route and find another 4WD road that is at your ability.

3) Seasonal Closures:
Those locked gates! In the spring of the year many 4WD roads are closed by locked gates. There are many reasons for the seasonal closure from Wildlife winter habitat protection to road bed protection during the spring run off. Some of these closures will have dates posted, while others are dependant on the weather and the time it takes for the winter snows to melt. To get the best information on the closure, contact the agency that is administering the 4WD road.

Public Land Managing Agency Regulations

Forest Service Rules:
The following rules are found in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 Part 261 . They relate to Forest Service administered lands only.

Section 261.12 Forest development roads and trails
The following are prohibited:
(a) Violating the load, weight, height, length, or width limitations prescribed by State law except by special-use authorization or written agreement or by order issued under Section 261.54 of this Chapter.
(b) Failing to have a vehicle weighed at a Forest Service weighing station, if required by a sign.
(c) Damaging and leaving in a damaged condition any such road, trail, or segment thereof.
(d) Blocking, restricting, or otherwise interfering with the use of a road, trail, or gate.

Section 261.13 Use of vehicles off roads
It is prohibited to operate any vehicle off Forest Development, State or County roads:
(a) Without a valid license as required by State law.
(b) Without an operable braking system.
(c) From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless equipped with working head and tail lights.
(d) In violation of any applicable noise emission standard established by any Federal or State agency.
(e) While under the influence of alcohol or other drug.
(f) Creating excessive or unusual smoke.
(g) Carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the safety of any person, or in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person or property.
(h) In a manner which damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wild-life, or vegetative resources.

Section 261.54 Forest development roads
When provided by an order, the following are prohibited:
(a) Using any type of vehicle prohibited by the order.
(b) Use by any type of traffic prohibited by the order.
(c) Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.
(d) Operating a vehicle in violation of the speed, load, weight, height, length, width, or other limitations specified by the order.
(e) Being on the road.
(f) Operating a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons or in a manner or at a speed that would endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property.

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