Club Charter
VOHVC Official Rules
· Speed limit is 15 mph within 50 feet of a campground, campsite, intersection, in the Northstar containment area or concentration of people or animals. Don't drive faster than is safe for conditions.
· You may not drive a motor vehicle on a trail at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent and in no event at a speed that endangers the safety of other persons or their property.
· All California Vehicle Code laws pertaining to driving under the influence or open containers of alcohol apply to off-road. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.
· ATV/UTV/dirt bike operators must possess an appropriate safety certificate: (SVIA) Safety Institute for ATVs/UTVs and Motorcycle Safety Foundation for motorized dirt bikes.
· Stay within designated riding areas and on trails.
· All ATV and motorcycle/dirt bikes riders must wear a helmet, long pants, boots, eye protection, gloves and long sleeve shirt. Brightly colored clothing and head lights are highly encouraged.
· Full size SUV/4x4s will operate at a reasonable rate of speed. These trails/roads are NOT intended for BAJA style high speed use.
· No passengers are allowed on four-wheeled ATVs unless that vehicle is intended for use by two riders.
· Off-Highway Vehicle operation, riding or driving, is allowed only between sunrise and sunset.
· Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.
· Riding double on dirt bikes is not allowed.
· ATVs/UTVs must have a U.S. Forest Service Approved Spark Arrestor in good working order in place at all times.
· Each unlicensed OHV/ATV operator must be under the immediate supervision of a licensed adult and must be capable of operating vehicle control mechanisms.
· Members must abide by the
· Members must abide by Executive Order 11644, Use of off-road vehicles on public lands/ Section 6 Enforcement.
· Street legal, full size passenger type vehicles will need to be inspected before using the OHV course. These vehicles must be off road capable, i.e., four wheel drive. Two wheel drive vehicles may operate if the vehicle is intended for off road usage such as having high clearance and large off road tires. Each vehicle must have the following:
(a) Tow hooks or tow rings on front and back of vehicle
(b) Operational seat belts
(c) First aid kit
(d) Tow straps
(e) Fire Extinguisher
(f) Jack capable of lifting vehicle
(g) Spare tire
(h) Roll bar for open top vehicles
· No member of the VAFB OHV club shall operate an OHV other than areas designated for OHV use. The penalties for violation are as follows:
(a) First offense: six month suspension from the VOHV club. Provide an explanation to the club at a meeting as to why this offense occurred. VOHV Club must vote on reinstatement.
(b) Second offense: permanent suspension from the VOHV Club
(c) Specific acts of negligence will result in immediate expulsion of the VOHVC and may result in federal, state and possibly UCMJ punishments (for Military).
· Prior to being allowed to operate an OHV on VAFB property for recreational purposes each club member shall satisfy the requirements in VOHV Club By-laws Article I, Section II, paragraph C. subsections iii., iv and v. Additionally, members must attend safety training specific to any authorized OHV area on VAFB. This training shall include the following:
(a) A site visit and tour of the authorized OHV area. The tour will include specific instructions on where OHV use is allowed, what restrictions are applicable to the area, an overview of specific safety and environmental issues in or near the area. The procedures for fueling OHVs, smoking restrictions, restroom facility locations, trash disposal procedures, entry, parking and exit procedures, directional traffic flow restrictions, child and adult OHV use restrictions and any restrictions on area use that apply.
(b) Education on applicable Federal, State, local, VAFB and Air Force regulations governing use of the VOHV area. Education will include any safety or environmental issues specific to the area.
· Northstar and other VAFB Area General Restrictions. Membership in the VOHV Club does not authorize the use of any Northstar or other VAFB facilities unless specifically authorized by the Installation Commander. Whenever a member of the VOHV Club opens any locked gate (including gates for access to an authorized OHV area) the gate must be locked once the member passes through. Use of any authorized VAFB area for OHV activities is not allowed to interfere with temporary or ongoing VAFB mission accomplishment to include Northstar deployment exercises.
· All members of the VOHV Club must know and understand the procedures for emergency response to an accident. This includes having the appropriate emergency contact numbers for VAFB when operating an OHV on VAFB property, always operating OHVs with a “wingman” (no solo OHV use on VAFB), having a cell phone or radio for emergency use, never allowing children to ride OHVs without supervision, always signing in (with date and time) and signing out when using an approved VOHV area, and whenever possible let someone know where you will be riding and when you will return. Emergency numbers are located on the back of Club membership cards. These general safety practices ensure a safe riding experience for all.
· It will be customary for club members to contribute the welfare of the club, trails and OHV area. The VOHV Club will coordinate work details within the OHV area as well as other areas as part of a community combined effort. It is expected that the club maintain, police and clean its area in order to keep it operational. It is highly encouraged that club member participate.
· Members of the VOHV club will actively report any unauthorized OHV use to the VAFB Conservation Law Enforcement Officers.
· Members of the VOHV club are not authorized to direct or confront persons who are in the process of unauthorized OHV use, but should take notes of such activity and will report such activity to the VAFB Conservations Officers directly or through the VOHV Club officers. However, VOHV Club designated officials may challenge persons suspicious of using the area without proper credentials and then only to alert VAFB Conservation when violations are noted.
· Should apparent unauthorized OHV use is noted by members of the OHV Club anywhere on VAFB, members must report such unauthorized activity to the VAFB Conservation Officers through the OHV Club officers (e.g., obvious OHV use in an unauthorized area). In the event this occurs in or near an authorized OHV area managed by the OHV Club, the OHV Club will coordinate corrective actions with the VAFB Conservation Officers. The VAFB OHV club recognizes that unauthorized OHV use by its members or by others in or around an area managed by the club may result in adverse actions against the club, up to and including dissolution of the club and or closure of authorized OHV areas managed by the VOHV club.
· In the event a trail becomes blocked or impassable, DO NOT by-pass the obstacle. This creates a new illegal trail. Remove obstacle or turn your OHV around and then report the obstacle to VOHV Club officials.
· When passing through a gated fence make sure you leave it opened if it was opened and close it behind you if it was closed.
· Non-motorized bikes, horse back riding, or hiking is NOT allowed on the designated VOHV trail system for safety reasons.
· OHV training areas are off limits except for training and supervised practice.
· No stunt riding (wheelies, donuts) or speeds over 5 MPH allowed in the OHV staging/parking area.
· When passing traffic, slow to 5 MPH. When overtaking another OHV, wait till that vehicle fully pulls off and allows you to pass.
· OHVs over 99cc are not allowed into the kids play area.
· No major maintenance of OHV is allowed in the VOHV parking area. Minor adjustments are allowed (i.e. spark plug cleaning, carburetor adjustment while attached to vehicle, airing tires, fueling, chain adjustments and similar simple like maintenance).
· In the event an OHV requires towing there shall be a speed limit of 5 MPH. Vehicle will be towed along the most direct route to the parking lot area.
· Fuel vehicles in designated area only. Never carry fuel on an OHV other than in the intended fuel tank. Check fuel level before leaving the staging area.
Descriptions:
ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). Four wheel vehicle that travels on low pressure tires, with a seat that is straddled by the operator, and with handlebars for steering control.
Dirt Bike A lightweight motorcycle designed for use on rough surfaces, such as dirt roads or trails.
Utility Type Vehicle side by side (UTV) Any recreational motor vehicle other than an ATV, motorbike or snowmobile designed for and capable of travel over designated unpaved roads, traveling on four (4) or more low-pressure tires of twenty (20) psi or less, maximum width less than seventy-four (74) inches, maximum weight less than two thousand (2,000) pounds, or having a wheelbase of ninety-four (94) inches or less.
Jeep/4x4 Passenger vehicles capable of driving on rough surfaces. Examples are Jeep Wranglers and four wheel drive trucks and SUV’s.
Pathway or trail Designated path for the exclusive use of off highway vehicles. Pathways can be existing roadways, dirt ways, or paths created by equipment capable of altering the ground and vegetation.
VOHVC Official By-Laws
Membership to the Vandenberg Off Highway Vehicle club (VOHV Club) will be open to all members of the Armed Forces family regardless of race, sex, color, age, religion, creed, or national origin who are otherwise eligible under Article I of the By-laws.
1. Active Members include:
A. Current Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) stationed active duty military and National Guard/reserve component members and members of their immediate family (i.e., spouse and dependent children) who hold a valid ID card issued by the DOD.
B. DOD or other Federal employees who work at VAFB as their primary duty location along with their immediate family members (i.e., spouse and dependent children).
C. Employees of prime contractors working on VAFB. To be considered a prime contractor employee your work should meet the following general criteria. Your primary work location must be at VAFB and be in support of the VAFB mission. Your work should be of a permanent nature. The intended length of your contract must not be less than one year.
2. Honorary Members include:
A. Widows/widowers of members of the Military who otherwise would be eligible as members.
B. Newcomers, who will attend one business meeting and one other VOHV Club event, before declaring membership.
C. Social Members, who are visiting temporarily (i.e. 1-3 visits a year). Active duty military, DOD civilians TDY or on leave status and who satisfies required criteria.
D. Military and or civilian VIPs or other persons who can be granted membership by the I.C..
Section II. Member Requirements
1. Member privileges restrictions and induction requirements
A. Active members shall be entitled to all the privileges and benefits of full membership to include but not limit to all business, social and special club events; voting and holding office(s) on the EB and being appointed as Special Officers, as long as they are in good standing with the club. Military members who PCS are prohibited from being active members and may not vote or hold EB while away from VAFB. Only active members over the age of 18 are allowed to hold office or vote.
B. Honorary members shall be entitled to all the privileges and benefits of full membership to include but not limit to all business, social and special club events. However, Honorary members shall not vote or hold executive office(s). Honorary members may be appointed as special officers of the VOHV Club.
C. To become a member of the VOHV Club one must accomplish the actions in paragraphs i. and ii below. In order to be allowed to operate a recreational OHV on VAFB property (only at an approved OHV location) one must also accomplish actions in paragraphs iii., iv. and v below.
i. Attend a VOHV Club Meeting and introduce yourself.
ii. Fill out a membership application and both agree to and sign the hold harmless agreement.
iii. Provide the VOHV club with proof of medical insurance and liability insurance per Article VII.
iv. Attend each training course for the type of OHV you will use (motorcycles, OHVs/UTVs or off road vehicle). The training for each type of OHV is different.
v. Attend an orientation to any authorized OHV area on VAFB to learn what activities are allowed at the OHV area along with specific restrictions or prohibitions.
2. Termination of membership
A. Voluntary termination. At any time an active or honorary member may provide oral or written notice to a member of the EB to terminate membership.
B. Involuntary termination. Involuntary termination of membership occurs or may occur under the following circumstances:
i. The conduct of a member is such that it brings discredit upon the organization, VAFB or the Air Force.
ii. The basis for membership eligibility no longer exists under the following circumstances: dissolution of marriage of an eligible member, loss of civilian employment at VAFB, or the loss of the prime contractor employment that justified membership. This termination is automatic and requires no action on either the VOHV club or member.
iii. Violation of VOHV Club Rules, Air Force regulations, Federal, State or local law. Violation of any of these requirements is cause for termination of membership. Violation of Safety or Environmental laws (e.g., not wearing required safety gear, not following OHV safety laws, operating an OHV while intoxicated, knowingly harming an endangered species or species habitat, damaging a known archeological site, etc…) while operating an OHV results in immediate membership termination. Other non-OHV related violations are at the discretion of the VOHV Club.
3. Reinstatement will be considered upon submitting a written letter to the EB requesting reinstatement, and a majority vote of 50% of the active membership present.
The only elected EB positions are the President, Vice President, Secretary. Other positions are appointed by the President, but all positions may be nominated for office by the membership. To be considered for an EB position a member must be in good standing with the VOHV Club, be eligible for office and must be present when nominated. Any club member can nominate a qualified person for an office (self nomination is allowed). The current VP will track all nominations.
Section II. Elections
1. Each office shall be voted on individually. The EB shall distribute, collect, and count the ballots. The nominee with the highest number of votes shall be deemed elected. The ballots will be kept by the EB for 72 hours after voting, and then destroyed. Voting will be accomplished by secret ballot.
2. The President is a non-voting member, shall submit a sealed ballot to the Vice-President prior the elections, to be opened and counted in case of a tie.
3. New members joining the month of the election will not vote.
4. Absentee ballots will be available from the EB. The nominating committee will designate a temporary location for a ballot box at the time of election. This is the only way an absentee member shall be able to vote.
5. All EB members shall be elected for a one-year term at the May business meeting. New officers will be installed at the June business meeting. No member shall hold the same office for more than two consecutive terms, unless there is no other candidate running for the position.
6. In the event that any member of the EB PCSs, resigns or in another manner is disqualified to hold office, a special election will be held. If no interest is shown, the president will succeed to the office.
7. Any member of the EB can be impeached. Impeachment will require:
A. A written petition, stating the reasons asking for impeachment, signed by 10% of the active membership, posted for fourteen days before the next meeting. If the next business meeting is more than fourteen days out, a special meeting will be called.
B. A rebuttal from the EB member.
C. A 2/3 majority vote by the active membership present to pass.
1. The President shall:
A. Preside at all meeting of the Club and EB.
B. Be a spokesperson for the VOHV Club.
C. Make no motion or vote, except to cast a deciding vote or break ties.
D. Temporarily hold vacant position on the EB until a special election is held.
E. Serve as ex-officio member for all committees, except nominating.
F. Appoint special duty officials.
2. The Vice-President shall:
A. Assist the President, assumes his/her duties in their absence, and assumes the office in the event that he/she resigns.
B. Perform duties from time to time which may be delegated by the president.
C. Compile and list all candidates for elections.
D. Advises on all questions of parliamentary procedures.
3. Secretary shall:
A. Keep meeting minutes
B. Maintain a file for each club member which includes the following:
i. original membership application,
ii. copies of insurance,
iii. copies of training certificates
iv. original hold harmless agreements
C. Schedule and provide notice of meeting location, dates and time
Section II. EB Duties
1. Allocates club fund to the various activities, with the approval of the general membership.
2. Be responsible for the organization, direction, and operation of the VOHV CLUB.
3. Meets as needed at a time and place designated by the president.
4. Decides all matters before it, by a majority vote.
5. Each member of the EB will furnish his/her successor with a complete job description and recommendations concerning the office or committee chair he/she holds.
7. Members of the EB who miss three consecutive business meetings without being excused or are unable to perform duties shall be considered as having vacated the position. According to By-Laws Article II Section III Number 6.
1. These are the positions to include but may not be limited to (EB assumes all responsibilities for these positions when they are vacant. These positions are not mandatory for Club operation):
A. Fund-raising
B. Webmaster
C. Historian
D. Publicity
2. Standing Committee Chairpersons will be elected to a one-year term with a six-month opt out. A special election will be held if there is a vacancy at the six-month mark according to By-laws Article II Section II.
3. Any Standing Committee Chairperson who misses three consecutive or cannot perform the assigned duties shall be considered as having vacated the position.
4. Each Chairperson is responsible for keeping record of his/her committee and giving copies of their report to the President or vice; one to be kept in the VOHV Club files.
5. Receipts for monies spent by all Standing Committee Chairpersons will be attached to the report for the treasurer. Each chairperson shall keep a full and accurate record of all their expenditures.
6. Webmaster, Publicity, and Historian chair will work together to creatively maintain the VOHV Club website. Webmaster will update the VOHV Club site at a minimum of once a month or as often as needed.
Section II. Standing Committees Duties
1. Fund-raising: Responsible for coordinating fund raising activities for the VOHV Club and work in coordination with the treasurer if appointed.
2. Webmaster: Responsible for updating the web page at least once a month. The web page will have a current calendar, contact for the EB, a copy of the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules.
3. Historian: Responsible for keeping records and history of the VOHV Club.
4. Publicity: Responsible for membership recruitment, providing news articles on the Club to VAFB and or Air Force publications. Coordinate with VAFB Public Affairs on any VOHV club issues.
Section III. Temporary Committees
1. Temporary Committees shall be appointed by the EB.
2. Temporary Committees shall include, but may not be limited to:
A. Special VOHV Club events/functions.
B. Nominating committees, according to By-Laws Article II Section I.
3. Temporary committees will individually appoint their chairperson with the approval of the EB, and with due cause can ask for resignation of the chairperson.
There will be at least one General Membership meeting and one EB meeting per month at a place and time to be determined by the EB, except special meetings that may be called by the president.
A. General Membership meeting: open to all active and social members.
B. EB Meeting: Precedes all General membership meetings; open to all active members.
Article VI – Finances and Responsibilities
A. The VOHV Club is a private organization and shall not accumulate moneys for the sole purpose of financial gain.
B. No tax liabilities will be incurred with any county, state, or country.
C. All moneys raised, other than dues, are used to support VOHV Club activities/events and donations to local charities.
D. No member of the VOHV Club is authorized to incur debts in the name of the VOHV Club without prior approval of the general membership or executive committee. Any debts incurred may result in liability of the member.
E. In the event the costs or liabilities of legitimate (agreed upon) VOHV Club activities exceed the VOHV Club’s assets and income, all members will be held personally liable for the debt, even if they did not directly participate in the debt generating activity.
F. All financial records, including receipts, will be retained for seven years.
G. A quarterly report will be provided during General Membership meetings by the Treasurer.
H. Membership dues will go toward the betterment of the trails and club sponsored activities.
Article VII – InsuranceSection I. Member liability requirements
Each member of the club will be required to hold a minimum of $50,000 in liability property damage and $100,000 bodily injury insurance. Each member will be required to submit a copy of their insurance plan for the VOHV Club file. Renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policies will need to specify these minimums for their particular vehicle and not be specific to the confines of that individual’s property.
VOHVC Official Constitution
A. The name of this organization shall be the Vandenberg Off Highway Vehicle Club (VOHV Club). We shall be a private organization (
B. The purpose of this organization is to bring authorized family and friends together for recreational Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) activities and related events. This club is open to all eligible people as defined by the VOHV Club By-Laws Article I, Section I. However, the primary target is for those persons who are active or interested in motorized OHV use (i.e., 4x4 vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, two wheeled motorized dirt bikes and buggies) not including non-motorized activities such as mountain biking.
The VOHV Club operates on Vandenberg AFB with the consent of the Installation Commander. Operation is contingent on the compliance with Federal, State and local laws, the requirements and conditions of applicable Air Force regulations and instructions and the requirements set forth in the VOHV Club Constitution, By-Laws and Rules.
Section II. Insurance & Liability
Commensurate with the risk involved, the VOHV Club will secure adequate insurance as per the AFI 34-223, unless a waiver is approved by the Installation Commander. Bonding is not required. The members are jointly and severally liable for the obligations of the
The officers of the VOHV Club will be elected by the highest number of votes per By-Laws, Article II, Section III. The officer positions will be: President, Vice-President and Secretary. Special duty officers may be appointed by the VOHV Club President. These special duty officers may include a treasurer, membership coordinator, training specialist, safety officer, special events coordinator or other officer as deemed necessary by the President.
Section II. Governing Body
A. The Executive Board (EB) will consist of the President, Vice-President and Secretary as specified in Article III of the by-laws.
B. The EB will direct the operations of the organization. The standing committees and the provisions for the appointment of their chairpersons are defined in the by-laws.
Membership in this organization shall be in one of two classes, Active and Honorary members:
Active Members include:
A. Current Vandenberg Air Force Base stationed military and National Guard/reserves component members and members of their immediate family members (i.e., spouse and dependent children) who hold a valid ID card issued by the DoD.
B. DoD or other Federal employees who work at VAFB and their immediate family members.
C. Employees of prime contractors working on VAFB (With restrictions as defined in the By-Laws, Section I).
Honorary Members include:
A. Widows/widowers of members of the Military who otherwise would be eligible as members.
B. Newcomers, who will attend one business meeting and one other VOHVC event, before declaring membership.
C. Social Members, who are visiting temporarily (i.e. 1-3 visits a year). Active duty military, DOD civilians TDY or on leave status and who satisfies requires criteria.
D. Military and or civilian VIPs or other persons who can be granted membership by the I.C..
The rights and privileges of all members are outlined in the VOHV Club By-Laws.
Meetings may be held once a month. A voting quorum is the lesser of 25% of the VOHV Club active members or 10 persons including the EB.
The Constitution, By-laws and Rules shall be adopted by a majority vote of 50% of the active membership, upon recommendation of the EB, provided it has been submitted in writing and are subject to final review by the Installation Commander or his or her designee.
Section II. Amendments
The Constitution and By-laws shall be amended by a majority vote of 50% of the active membership, upon recommendation of the EB and are subject to final review by the Installation Commander or his or her designee.
Additions to the VOHV Club Rules are allowed by a majority vote at any VOHV Club meeting. Any deletion or relaxation to the VOHV Club Rules in place at the time of VOHV Club initial approval and throughout the Club’s existence is only allowed if approved by the Installation Commander.
In case of the dissolution of the VOHV Club, funds in the treasury at the time will be used to satisfy any outstanding debts, liabilities or obligations. The balance of the assets will be disposed of as determined by the membership.
Each member (to include family members) of the VOHV Club must have both medical and vehicle liability insurance to operate an OHV on VAFB property per Article VII in the VOHVC By-Laws.