Side-by-Sides Wider Than 68 Inches on a WMA
A side-by-side can fit your trailer, clear your property gate and still be too wide for a Louisiana Wildlife Management Area trail. If your machine is wider than 68 inches, the key issue is not just whether you can get a permit: WMA equipment limits can determine whether you may ride there at all. Here’s what to check before you haul out.
What the 68-inch limit means for a side-by-side
Louisiana WMA riding rules restrict the machines allowed on designated trails. A side-by-side wider than 68 inches may not meet the applicable limit, even if it is titled, carries an off-road decal and is legal to use somewhere else. A permit or proof of ownership does not cancel an equipment restriction.
That distinction matters because “WMA access” is not a blanket approval for every machine on every piece of public land. Riding opportunities and conditions depend on the area, the marked trail system and the current rules. Before planning a trip, check the WMA’s official information and map, along with the current equipment requirements. The broader rules are explained in Louisiana WMA Riding Rules for UTVs.
A side-by-side’s width can be easy to misjudge. A model advertised as compact may still exceed the limit once you account for its tires, accessories or the manufacturer’s stated measurement. Conversely, a figure in a brochure may describe a different dimension than the one an enforcement officer or land manager uses to assess eligibility. Don’t assume that a machine is within the limit just because it looks narrow or has a short wheelbase.
Start with the owner’s manual and manufacturer specifications. Look for the stated overall width, and check whether that measurement includes the tires, mirrors or other equipment. Then ask the relevant WMA or the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries how width is evaluated for the trail you intend to use. If the published specifications are unclear or close to the limit, get an answer before driving there.
| What to check | Why it matters | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Stated overall width | A model’s published dimension may put it over the limit | Find the exact year and trim in the owner’s manual or manufacturer specifications |
| Tires and accessories | A wider setup may affect the machine’s actual outside dimensions | Ask how the WMA assesses width; don’t guess which components count |
| Trail eligibility | A permit does not make an ineligible machine acceptable | Confirm that your particular machine is allowed on the designated trail |
| Other equipment limits | Width is only one possible restriction | Review Louisiana WMA Weight Limits Explained and Louisiana WMA Tire Rules Explained |
| Access requirements | WMA access and riding permission can involve additional steps | Check Louisiana WMA Permit Requirements and the specific area’s rules |
The 68-inch figure is a limit to take seriously, not a target to approach by relying on an uncertain measurement. If the machine is over the limit, treat it as ineligible for the affected WMA trails unless the land manager confirms a specific exception. Do not unload and hope that an informal interpretation will go your way.
Permits and out-of-state machines do not waive equipment limits
A WMA permit, access pass or self-clearing permit serves a different purpose from an equipment-size rule. Completing a required access step does not automatically authorize a machine that exceeds the area’s size limits or allow travel off a designated trail. Check both the paperwork and the machine requirements; satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
If your trip requires a self-clearing permit, follow the instructions at the access point and keep the portion you are directed to retain. The permit process is not a substitute for checking the trail map. See Louisiana Self-Clearing Permit Steps for help understanding that process, and Reading a WMA Map Before You Unload for why the marked trail network matters.
Visitors from another state should make the same checks as Louisiana residents. An out-of-state title, registration or decal may help document ownership or legal status, but it does not change a Louisiana WMA’s trail or equipment restrictions. If you are bringing a machine from Texas, Mississippi or Arkansas, verify the requirements that apply to visiting riders and confirm the WMA rules independently. Riding Louisiana Public Land on an Out-of-State Machine covers the visitor question; it does not replace checking the chosen area’s current conditions.
This is also different from reciprocity for road use. A machine’s paperwork from another state does not make it eligible for every Louisiana trail, and a WMA permit does not make a side-by-side street-legal. Keep the separate questions separate:
- Can the machine be used on the WMA trail? Check width, weight, tire and trail restrictions.
- Can you enter or ride in the area? Check the access requirements, permit instructions and trail designations.
- Can you use public roads to reach the area? Check the road rules for that route; WMA eligibility is not road authorization.
For related paperwork questions, Louisiana Rules for an Out-of-State Machine can help you sort out the distinction between out-of-state status and the rules for riding. If your side-by-side is wider than 68 inches, however, start by confirming whether the WMA trail permits it. No permit or reciprocity arrangement should be treated as permission to ignore a dimension limit.
How to check your machine before you tow
A few checks at home can prevent a wasted trip and help you avoid an enforcement problem at the trailhead.
- Identify the exact machine. Record the make, model, model year and trim. Side-by-sides within the same product line can have different dimensions, and an older model may not match a newer brochure.
- Find the manufacturer’s width specification. Use the manual or official specifications for your exact version. Don’t rely on a third-party listing that may mix models or omit accessories.
- Ask how width is measured for the WMA. If the stated measurement is unclear, or close to 68 inches, ask the relevant land manager before your trip. Clarify whether they assess the manufacturer’s stated width or another measurement.
- Check the rest of the machine restrictions. Width is not the only possible reason a UTV may be refused. Review weight, tires, permitted trails and any seasonal restrictions. Louisiana WMA Riding Rules for UTVs is a useful starting point, but confirm the rules for the specific area.
- Check the map and access instructions. Confirm that the route you plan to ride is marked for your type of machine and that the area is open. Learn the Louisiana WMA Season Closures before choosing a travel date.
- Keep the relevant information available. Bring the manual or save the official specifications, along with required permits and ownership documents. Having them on hand can make a question easier to resolve, though documents do not override a restriction.
A tape measure can help you understand your machine’s physical size, but it cannot settle which measurement the WMA uses. If you want one for a garage check, a basic measuring tape is easy to find at hardware stores or on Amazon. Treat your measurement as preparation, not as official approval.
Also consider practical trail conditions. A machine that technically meets a width limit may still be difficult to maneuver on a narrow or rough route, especially with added racks or other equipment. The published maximum is not a promise that every trail will be comfortable for every machine that qualifies. Choose a trail suited to the vehicle, stay on marked routes and avoid trying to squeeze around gates or barriers.
If your machine exceeds the limit, choose another riding location that allows its dimensions. A private park may set different access rules, but those rules do not carry over to a WMA. Contact the park before towing, and ask about its vehicle-size limits, trail access and any other conditions.
If your side-by-side is wider than 68 inches
The safest plan is to assume that a side-by-side over 68 inches cannot use a WMA trail with that limit unless the responsible authority confirms otherwise. Don’t try to solve the problem by removing mirrors, changing tires or measuring only the body panels unless the WMA has specifically confirmed that approach. Altering one component does not necessarily change the way the machine is classified or assessed.
If you discover the issue after reaching the area, don’t unload and ride while you look for an answer. Contact the appropriate office or follow posted instructions. If the machine is not eligible, leave it off the restricted trail and find a location that accepts it.
Before your next trip, keep a simple record for each machine: exact model and year, official width and weight specifications, tire details, and the WMAs you have confirmed will allow it. Then recheck the rules before departure, since access, closures and requirements can vary by area and may change. This is especially helpful if you own more than one side-by-side or travel with a group using different machines.
The main takeaway is straightforward: a side-by-side’s permit status and its width are separate questions. Check the machine against the WMA’s size restrictions, confirm the measurement with the responsible authority if anything is uncertain, and verify the designated trails before you tow.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
