Below is the latest version of the regulations at the Imperial Sand Dunes. It should be noted that many of the following have been on the books for years and were not fully enforced. Because of recent events at the Imperial Dunes,additional regulations were put into effect with the intent of full enforcement and zero tolerance.

We have done our best to provide the latest and most accurate listing. To be sure you have the latest regulations, contact the El Centro Field Office, the Ranger Station, or any BLM ranger. They are also available at most concessions in the ISDRA. The copy here is for informational purposes only.

To download a printable file, Click Here

Bureau of Land Management Rules For The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area - 11/13/01

These rules apply to public lands from one mile north of Mammoth Wash to the Mexican border ( north and south) and from the Southern Pacific Railroad, Ogilby Road and the Boardmanville area, to the old Coachella Canal (east to west). This is a synopsis of the rules, for further clarification please call (760) 337-4400 or contact Cahuilla Ranger Station. Please remember, it is your responsibility to know the law.

SAFETY FLAGS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES IN THE IMPERIAL SAND DUNES REC. AREA.
All vehicles shall be equipped with an 8 foot whip mast and a 6x12 inch red or orange flag. Masts must be securely mounted on the vehicle and extend 8 feet from the ground to the mast tip.

A 15 M.P .H. SPEED RULE EXIST ON THE SAND HIGHWAYS.
No person shall operate an OHV in excess of 15 m,p.h. on public lands within 500 feet of Highway 78, Grays Well Road, Gecko Road, and access roads within Gecko and Roadrunner recreation sites.

FIRES- The burning of potentially hazardous materials e.g. (but not limited to) gas, oil, plastic and magnesium is prohibited.

NO GLASS BEVERAGE CONTAINERS ARE ALLOWED. Possession or use of any glass cup or bottle empty or not is prohibited.

NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED WHILE RIDING ON BLM LANDS.
No person shall drink an alcoholic beverage, have in their possession or person, any open container that contains an alcoholic beverage while operating in or on a motor vehicle on public lands administered by BLM within California. NO PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 21 SHALL BE IN POSSESSION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

USE OF AUDIO DEVICES. No person shall: (1) Operate or use any audio device, such as a radio, television, musical instrument, or other noise producing device or motorized equipment between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in a manner that makes unreasonable noise that disturbs other visitors; or (2) operate or use a public address system without written authorization from the BLM.

PUBLIC NUDITY. Public nudity is prohibited in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.

UNAUTHORIZED ORGANIZED EVENT. No person shall participate in or sponsor an unauthorized organized event (Example bands, videos, movies etc. ).

RIDING IN PICKUP BEDS AND OTHER UNSAFE ACTIVITIES. No person shall ride in the bed of a pick up truck or any part of a motor vehicle not designed for passengers on OR off road.

RESERVING OF CAMPING SPACES IS PROHIBITED; SITES AE ALLOCATED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

TAKING OFF OR LANDING AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING ULTRALIGHTS, IS PROHIBITED WITHIN 1 MILE OF GECKO ROAD.

DUMPING SEWAGE AND GREY WATER IS PROHIBITED.

A 14 DAY CAMPING LIMIT IS IN EFFECT IN THE IMPERIAL SAND DUNES RECREATION AREA.

NO PARKING OR CAMPING WITHIN 10 FEET OF PAVEMENT ON GECKO ROAD.

NO PARKING OR CAMPING WITHIN 30 FEET OF HIGHWAY 78 BETWEEN GECKO ROAD AND Glamis FLATS OFF RAMP.

SHOOTING IS PROHIBITED WITHIN ½ MILE OF CAMPGROUNDS AND SHOULD BE CONDUCTED WELL AWAY FORM OTHER CONCENTRATIONS OF PEOPLE AND PROPERTY.

ANIMALS MUST BE KEPT ON A LEASH NOT LONGER THAN SIX FEET AND SECURED TO A FIXED OBJECT OR UNDER THE CONTROL OF A PERSON, OR OTHERWISE PHYSICALLY RESTRICTED AT ALL TIMES.

BLM supplementary rules re-established under authority of 43 CFR 8365.1-6. Violations of the rules are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months (43 CFR 8360.0- 7). Also, all OHV's must be operated in accordance with State laws and regulations relating to use, registration, operation, and inspection of OHV's (43 CFR 8341.1 { a} ).

STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE LAWS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit Cahuilla Ranger Station on Gecko Road, 760-344-3919, or BLM's El Centro Resource Office, 1661 4th Street, El Centro, CA. 92243,760-337-4400

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS ONLY A PARTIAL LIST - FOR THE COMPLETE DOCUMENT, SEE THE CALIFORNIA MOTOR VEHICLE CODE

HELMET USAGE. All persons, regardless of age, who operate or ride all terrain vehicles (ATV's) on public lands in California must wear an approved safety helmet. (38505 C. V .C. )

PARENTAL SUPERVISION. No operator of an all-terrain vehicle shall carry a passenger while operating on public lands. (38506 C.V.C)

OPERATING AN OHV UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS.
It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug, to drive a vehicle. (23152(a) C.V.C). Driving while license is suspended/revoked off road as well;: on road is against the law. (14601 C.V.C.)

SPEED LAWS.
1. Basic speed law: Don't operate an off-highway vehicle faster than it is safe for conditions. (38305 C.V.C)
2. Prima Facie Speed Limit: The prima facie speed limit within 50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals shall be under 15 m.p.h. unless changed as authorized by the code (38310 C.V.C)

REGISTRATION
1. Vehicles operated on federal and state highways, county roads, and BLM's Gecko Road, Gray's Well Road, and Mccain Valley must be licensed for highway use.
2. Off highway vehicles owned by California residents must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and display a valid "Green Sticker" Vehicle Identification Tag (38020,38010 (C.V.C) in a clearly visible location on the vehicle. (38170 C. V .C)
3. Beginning 1/1/98, off highway vehicles that do not have a valid registration of permit from the owners home state (incl. Mexico and Canada) will be required to purchase a special California permit (sticker) through selected vendors in California and Nevada or the a California Dept. of Parks and Recreation ( 916324-4442 (38020 C.V.C)

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT.According to California State law, any off highway vehicle must be equipped with an approved muffler brakes, and spark arrester. Headlight and taillight are required for operation at night. Tail lights must include at least one red light.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE. No person shall operate on off-highway vehicle in a manner likely to cause environmental damage (38319 C.V.C.,43 CFR8341.1 {f} {4} ).

FIREARMS. California State law -Firearms must not be discharged within 150 yards of residences, buildings, campsites, occupied areas, RECREATIONAL AREAS, or domestic livestock. No shooting from or across any road. No shooting from a vehicle. It is unlawful to carry a loaded weapon in a vehicle.