So what about a jeep an atv route not on private property? I have always thought that ATV UTV and OHV have always been in the same catagory. I thought that if you can fit throught the gate entrance to the trail you can run it. Is that wrong?
Depends how it's marked.
ATV trails will have a gate set not much wider than an ATV and will be posted as an ATV and whatever trail. An OHV trail on NF land generally has a listing of what OHVs they allow on the trail (pictures).
In the end, it is up to you to know where you are allowed or not allowed.
The old adage of "If it ain't signed, bermed, or gated" no longer applied after the Forest Service rolled out their Route rules about 10 years ago.
If on NF or BLM land, get the trail maps on line.
If on State or County land, familiarize yourself with the area. Not all ATV trail are exusive, some are just "Routes".
If in a Private Off-Road park, most anything is game, but know the rules.
If on Private land, ask the rules, and be sensitive to areas which would cause issues, like driving over crops.
One of the things I recommend, especially if you are in an area without many public trails, is to hook up with a local club.
If you are visiting an area, look for books on 4WD trails, or do some web research. It will pay off in the end.