Penalties for riding motorcycles on mountain trails

One of the great advantages of riding a motorcycle is that you can navigate through more limited spaces. This includes routes outside the city as well. However, to do this, you must adhere to and respect certain regulations included in the Forestry Law and laws governing travel outside the National Road Network. If not, you may be committing an offense and face penalties for improperly riding motorcycles in the mountains.

It is true that there is an adrenaline rush in being able to ride on dirt roads and traverse mountainous and forest areas. But there are regulations governing everything, both regarding spaces and the types of motorcycles designed for these very different paths compared to conventional roads.

If you do not meet these requirements, you may face quite severe penalties, which we will explain in this post.

When to Ride in the Mountains

Sometimes, you may need or have the opportunity to ride in the mountains and on certain forest paths and trails. In this dilemma, you need to know in which situations and how you can cross these areas without violating the regulations. Much depends on the Forestry Law and the regional regulations established for each area.

Here, restrictions on motorcycle traffic in the mountains, penalties, and sports practice in these areas are stipulated. This includes authorization for zones, basic traffic rules, and certain additional parameters regarding the type of vehicle.

Among the most important restrictions you should consider and know about are the following two:

Restricted Areas

Before entering any mountain area with your motorcycle, you need to know if it is a restricted zone for circulation. There are forest and mountainous areas that are fenced off and do not allow the riding of motorcycles or any vehicles through them. The transit of vehicles is literally prohibited.

In these cases, express authorization is needed to obtain permission and validate travel through these mountain roads and paths.

Cross and Enduro Motorcycles

Aside from restricted areas, it is important to pay attention to the type of motorcycle. Just as motocross bikes are not prepared for and are not permitted for use on city roads, other motorcycles are also not designed for use in rural and mountainous areas.

For this purpose, the use of both motocross and enduro motorcycles is recommended.

Types of Penalties for Riding in the Mountains

Within the penalties imposed for improperly riding in mountain areas with a motorcycle, there is a range of fines depending on certain factors. If the prohibition and restriction rule in certain areas outside the Road Network has not been respected, the fine can range between 100 and 1000 euros. This situation is considered a minor offense.

However, if damage or harm is caused in the forest and mountain area during the ride, this amount can be higher.