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Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Rules and Regulations
Rules
Disclaimer: check with the authorities for the most current regulations.  They can change anytime and there are plenty of them, many more than described below.  For more information contact:
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Siuslaw National Forest
855 Highway 101
Reedsport, OR 97467
(541)-271-3611
General regulatory climate
Sorry to say, but it is mostly adversarial.  The dunes are patrolled by the Forest Service, State Police and County Sheriffs.  It's unlikely any of these are going to stop by just to say hi, or to thank you for spending hundreds of dollars in the local economy.  On the other hand, you have to feel sorry for them as they are so tied up in legal actions with the Nature-Nazi's that they can't get much accomplished.
Permits
You need a permit for your sand machine.  There are three classes of Off Highway Vehicles (OHV's)

Class I OHV (ATV)

A motorized, off-highway vehicle 50" wide or less that weighs 800 pounds or less, travels on 3 or 4 tires, and has a saddle or seat.  Pay $10 for a two year permit and sticker.
Class II OHV (sandrail, jeep, etc.)
A motor vehicle capable of off-highway travel that weighs more than 800 pounds.   Pay $10 for a two year permit and sticker.
Class III OHV (motorcycle)
An off-highway motorcycle weighing 600 pounds or less.  Pay $10 for a two year permit and sticker.
Permits are available at the ODNRA office, Oregon Parks and Recreation offices (1-800-551-6949) or certain business. Vehicles registered in OHV programs from other states are honored for 60 days.

Note that a sandrail under 800# doesn't appear to fit in any of the above classes :-))
 
Fees
Day use fees are charged for use of the Forest Service resources.  A day pass costs $5 for each car, whether you are just parking to look, to go to the beach, or to dune all day.  As you can imagine this is very controversial.  You can also purchase a Northwest Forest Annual Pass for $30 (transferable to other vehicles you own).  They have machines at certain  locations that issue passes or you can pick up the annual pass at the ODNRA office or at one of these locations.
Required equipment (sandrails)

Click here for the Forest Service version of these rules
Click here for the State of Oregon version of these rules

DECIBEL LIMIT for Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is 93decibels.
Increased OHV use and the popularity of after market mufflers means more noise. Noise buffers are located between residential and recreational riding areas, and are closed to motorized travel. As defined by state and federal law, vehicle sound is measured by a decibel meter positioned 20 inches and 45 degrees from the exhaust outlet. Have your vehicle checked! Forest personnel are equipped to provide sound checks. Vehicles operating over 93db are subject to citation. (see special section about this)

RED or ORANGE FLAGS (8”x 12”) must be displayed 9 feet above the ground on all vehicles when riding at the Oregon Dunes NRA.

OPERATORS of Class I and Class III ATVs that are younger than 18 must wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. Children under 18 years of age may operate a Class I ATV if they possess a valid driver’s license or hold a Class I ATV operator permit; or they are accompanied by a person at least 18 years old who has either a valid driver’s license, or a valid Class I operator’s permit. Unlicensed Class III motorcycle operators must be accompanied by a licensed or permitted operator, and have attended a Class III safety training class. However, children seven years and younger may not operate a motorcycle on public lands. Unlicensed children cannot operate a Class II vehicle (dune buggy, full-size 4x4).

LIGHTS must be used in limited visibility (before sunrise, after sunset, or when you cannot see clearly ahead for 100 feet).

WORKING BRAKES are required on all vehicles.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS are required to operate on any vehicle equipped with a windshield.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, SEATS, AND SEAT BELTS FOR ALL PASSENGERS must be available in dune buggies and full-size vehicles.

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