General Rules & Participation Requirements

General Rules & Participation Requirements

FRIENDS OF THE BANTAM JEEP ASSOCIATION

These rules apply to all events, activities, and experiences organized, hosted, or operated by the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association (FBJA), whether held on-site, off-site, or at third-party properties. Additional event- or venue-specific rules may apply.

All participants are responsible for reviewing and following applicable rules and instructions before participating.

1. General Participation Rules

Age Requirements

Drivers participating in FBJA driving activities must be at least 18 years old. Children may participate as passengers when properly secured in appropriate child safety seats or seat belts in accordance with Pennsylvania law. Children in rear-facing car seats may not ride on off-road trails, courses, or Jeep Playgrounds.

Registration, Insurance & Waivers

  • All Jeeps participating in designated FBJA driving activities must be registered for the activity.

  • Participating Jeeps must maintain current liability insurance valid during the event.

  • All drivers and passengers must accept the required participation waiver.

  • Required decals, wristbands, and other credentials must be displayed or worn as directed.

Alcohol & Intoxication

Alcohol is prohibited during FBJA driving activities and in areas where it is not expressly permitted by event organizers. Anyone possessing unauthorized alcohol or exhibiting signs of intoxication may be immediately removed from the activity or event; event credentials may be forfeited.

Safe & Respectful Conduct

Participants must drive responsibly, maintain safe speeds, respect all properties and equipment, and follow instructions from authorized personnel. Reckless driving, unsafe conduct, or property damage may result in immediate removal and forfeiture of event credentials.

Pets

  • Well-behaved dogs are permitted where pets are allowed by the event or property owner.

  • Owners must keep dogs under control and clean up after them.

  • Dogs displaying aggression, or dogs whose owners fail to clean up after them, may be required to leave.

2. Event Property & Participant Conduct

  • Remain within designated event areas, routes, and approved access points.

  • Follow posted signs and directions from FBJA staff, volunteers, trail guides, and authorized property representatives.

  • Do not enter restricted areas or access trails, courses, or properties without permission.

  • Respect natural surroundings, facilities, equipment, and neighboring properties.

  • Comply with applicable laws and any additional property-specific regulations.

  • FBJA may remove anyone whose conduct creates an unsafe condition, damages property, or interferes with event operations.

3. Weather, Trail Conditions & Refunds

  • Trails, Jeep Playgrounds, and other driving courses may be modified, reclassified, restricted, or closed at any time due to weather, terrain, or safety conditions.

  • Event managers may restrict vehicles based on tire condition, equipment, capability, or changing terrain.

  • Jeeps with street tires or excessively worn tires may be denied participation when conditions are unsuitable.

  • No refunds will be issued due to weather, changes in trail classification, activity restrictions, or closures of trails, Jeep Playgrounds, or other off-road courses.

4. Off-Road Driving & Trail Rules

  • The following additional rules apply to FBJA-organized trail rides, Jeep Playgrounds, off-road courses, and other designated driving activities, on-site or off-site.

  • Follow instructions from trail guides, course officials, volunteers, and event managers.

  • Remain in your vehicle during trail and course activities unless an authorized event representative directs otherwise.

  • Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and keep the vehicle behind you in sight on guided trail rides.

  • Remain on designated trails and courses; do not attempt unauthorized obstacles or alternate routes.

  • Vehicle recoveries must be directed and performed by authorized FBJA volunteers. Participant vehicles or equipment may be used under their direction.

  • Failure to follow instructions may result in removal from the activity or event at the discretion of event managers.

5. Vehicle Safety & Equipment Requirements

  • Vehicles must pass a basic safety inspection before entering designated off-road trails or courses.

  • Minimum Vehicle Requirements

  • Battery properly secured with an appropriate hold-down; bungee cords and rope are not permitted.

  • Functional seat belt for every vehicle occupant.

  • Roof or roll cage.

  • Working four-wheel drive (4WD) for designated off-road trails and courses.

  • Loose equipment and personal belongings securely stored.

  • No loose, broken, or damaged parts creating a safety hazard.

  • No snowplow brackets.

  • Maximum permitted tire size: 42 inches.

  • Spare tire recommended, but not required.

  • Suitable recovery points where required by trail or activity classification.

  • Acceptable Recovery Points

  • Acceptable recovery points include frame-mounted tow hooks, properly mounted tow points on unibody vehicles, properly mounted receiver hitches (ball hitch removed), and aftermarket bumpers with properly mounted tow points. Event officials may deny entry if recovery equipment is unsafe or inadequate.

Tire Requirements

Street tires and excessively worn tires are not recommended for off-road participation. Permission to participate is at the discretion of event managers based on terrain, weather, and trail difficulty.

Trail Classification & Vehicle Requirements

Participants must select trails appropriate for their vehicle capabilities, equipment, and driving experience. Minimum tire sizes below are based on vehicle wheelbase.

BLACK TRAILS — Modified

  • 33-inch tires for short-wheelbase vehicles (2-door Jeep).

  • 35-inch tires for long-wheelbase vehicles (4-door Jeep or truck, where permitted).

  • At least one traction aid (locker or limited-slip differential).

  • Functional winch.

  • Working 4WD with low-range capability.

  • Front and rear recovery points.

BLUE TRAILS — Intermediate

  • 32-inch tires for short-wheelbase vehicles (2-door Jeep).

  • 33-inch tires for long-wheelbase vehicles (4-door Jeep).

  • Traction aid (locker or limited-slip differential) preferred.

  • Working winch preferred depending on trail conditions, including mud.

  • Front and rear recovery points.

GREEN TRAILS — Stock

  • Stock Jeep or any other Blue/Black-capable Jeep.

  • Driver must know how to operate the vehicle’s 4WD system.

  • Front recovery points.

Trail classifications and equipment requirements may be adjusted at any time based on weather, terrain, safety conditions, and event management decisions.

7. Enforcement & Right to Refuse Participation

FBJA reserves the right to refuse, restrict, or revoke participation when necessary to maintain safety, protect property, or enforce event rules. Failure to comply may result in immediate removal, forfeiture of wristbands or decals, and loss of participation privileges.


8. Rule Changes & Additional Event Requirements

These general rules apply to FBJA-organized events and activities. Individual events, venues, and activities may have additional requirements or operating procedures. Rules and regulations are subject to change at any time. Participants must review current event information and follow all instructions from event organizers.