Arizona OHV
Laws and Rules

New for 2009
Definitions
Arizona OHV Laws
Title, Registration and License Plates
Equipment Needed for Registration
Traveling on Arizona Streets or Highways
Traveling on State Trust Land
Traveling on Federal Land
Bureau of Land Management Use
Areas Closed to Off-Highway Vehicles
OHV Laws and Rules Regarding Wildlife and Habitat
OHV Tips
Trip Planning Checklist
 

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is responsible for managing Arizona's wildlife and for helping protect wildlife habitat. By law, the department is responsible for identifying habitat damaged by off-highway vehicles, providing information and education about off-highway vechicles, and enforcing OHV laws. The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages OHV users to protect wildlife habitat by following OHV-related rules and regulations.

Responsible and courteous use of OHVs will help ensure your privilege to use public lands for off-highway riding. Please stay on existing roads and trails, have fun, be safe and encourage others to do the same.

 
Definitions
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All-terrain vehicle means a motor vehicle that satisfies all of the following:
  • Is designed primarily for recreational nonhighway all-terrain travel.
  • Is 50 or fewer inches in width.
  • Has an unladen weight of 800 pounds or less.
  • Travels on three or more low-pressure tires.
  • Has a seat to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control.
  • Is operated on a public highway. ARS 28-101.3

Off-road recreational motor vehicle means a motor vehicle that is designed primarily for recreational nonhighway all-terrain travel and that is not operated on a public highway. ARS 28-101.34

Street or highway means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way if a part of the way is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. (This includes the shoulders of the roadway) ARS 28-101.48

Off-highway vehicle means a motorized vehicle when operated off of highways on land, water, snow, ice or other natural terrain or on a combination of land, water, snow, and ice or other natural terrain. Includes a two-wheel, three-wheel, or four-wheel vehicle, motorcycle, four-wheel drive vehicle, dune buggy, amphibious vehicle, ground effects or air cushion vehicle and any other means of land transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind. ARS 28-1171.3.a.b.
Off-highway vehicle trail means a multiple use corridor that is all of the following:
  • Open to recreational travel by an off-highway vehicle.
  • Not normally suitable for travel by conventional two-wheel drive vehicles.
  • Opened by the managing authority of the property that the trail traverses for the specific designated purpose of recreational off-highway vehicle use. ARS 28-1171.4
 
Arizona OHV Laws
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  • It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle in this state...while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, a vapor-releasing substance containing a toxic substance or any combination of liquor, drugs or vapor-releasing substances if the person is impaired to the slightest degree. ARS 28-1381 A.1.
  • It is unlawful for a person to drive an off-highway vehicle with reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. ARS 28-1174
  • No person shall drive a motor operated vehicle cross-country on public or private lands where such cross-country driving is prohibited by rule or regulation or, in the case of private lands, by proper posting. ARS 17-454
  • A person shall not take wildlife, except aquatic wildlife, or discharge a firearm or shoot any other device from a motor vehicle...except as expressly permitted by the commission. No person may knowingly discharge any firearm or shoot any other device upon, from, across or into a road or railway. ARS 17-301.B

The operation of an ATV requires skill and good judgment. Drugs and alcohol impair both. Laws regarding driving under the influence apply everywhere in the state and apply to operators of ATVs. You can be arrested for driving under the influence even if you are riding on a backcountry trail.

Penalties for operating an ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs are the same for drivers of any motor vehicle. They include jail time and the loss of your driver's license.

 
Title, Registration and License Plates
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The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is responsible for title and registration of motor vehicles in Arizona. Individual offices are located statewide and are listed in the phone book and on the Department of Transportation Web site .
Title and registration are two different things. A title is proof of ownership, while registration allows you to operate a vehicle on public roads. For title purposes ATVs are classified as off-road recreational vehicles. When you buy an ATV from a licensed dealer in Arizona, you must apply for a title at the time of purchase. The dealer will submit the information to the MVD, and the new owner will receive a title in the mail. If you buy a used ATV, you must apply for a transfer of title with the MVD.
The MVD will send the new owner of an ATV an off-road license plate. This plate only allows for off-road travel and will be clearly marked with the letters RV. The license plate is issued for identification purposes only and should not be confused with registration. The license plate does not mean the ATV is street legal, nor does it mean the driver can operate the vehicle on streets or highways.
If the driver of an off-highway vehicle is going to drive on Arizona streets or highways the vehicle must be registered. An ATV must be street legal in order to get it registered and some ATVs may require additional equipment or modivications in order to be street legal. AN ATV must also pass inspection in order to be registered. you can take the ATV to MVD to have it inspected. Only after inspection will the mVD issue a registration plate, which will be clearly marked with an MC. This plate show the ATV is street legal in Arizona and can be operated on streets or highways.
Arizona law requires either an off-road plate or a current registration plate to be securely fastened in a clearly visible position to the rear of the ATV.
 
Equipment Needed for Registration
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In order to get an ATV registered in Arizona it must have the following equipment:
  • At least one brake that can be operated by hand or foot.
  • Brake light.
  • At least one, but not more than two, headlights that shine at least 500 feet ahead.
  • At least one taillight visible for at least 500 feet to the rear.
  • At least one red rear reflector, if not part of the taillight.
  • License plate securely fastened to the rear of the ATV.
  • License plate light.
  • Horn audible from a distance of at least 200 feet.
  • Muffler in good working order and in constant operation. Muffler cutout, bypass or similar device prohibited.
  • Rearview mirror.
  • Seat and footrests for the operator.
  • Fuel tank cap.
  • If you live in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas you may also need to have your ATV emissions tested.
 
Traveling on Arizona Streets or Highways
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  • If you are operating an ATV on a street or highway it must be registered and insured.
  • You must observe and obey all traffic laws and regulations.
  • You must have a class M license for a three-wheel ATV and a class D license for a four-wheel ATV.
  • Registration and proof of insurance must be with the ATV.
  • All persons on an ATV must wear eye protection.
  • Persons, under the age of 18, must wear a helmet on an ATV.
  • A driver may not carry a passenger on an ATV designed for one person.
 
Traveling on State Trust Land
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  • You must get a recreational permit from Arizona State Land Department to be on state trust land. Permits are $15 for an individual and $20 for a family. THey are good for a 12-month period from date of purchase. The recreational permit allows travel only on existing roads and trails.
  • You must register your OHV is you plan to drive it on any maintained public roads or highways on state trust land. In order to determine if a road is maintained, look for road signs such as speed limit or stop signs. If signs are present the road is maintained. If the road has been built up with gravel or other natural materials it is considered to be maintained, and your vehicle must be "street legal" and registered in Arizona.
  • Cross-country travel is not allowed on state trust land, except for hunters picking up legally killed big game.
  • Using an off-highway vehicle to chase or frighten wildlife or livestock on state trust land is not allowed.
  • Arizona State Land Department recreational permits prohibit motorized vehicles from operating within one-quarter mile of a structure (occupied or not), stock tanks or flood control structures.
  • Persons actively hunting or fishing with a valid hunting or fishing license on state trust land do not need a separate recreational permit. If you are pursuing any other activity you must get a recreational permit.
For information on state trust lands contact:
Arizona State Land Department
1616 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-364-2753
 
Traveling on Federal Land
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The minimum equipment necessary to ride on federal public land is:
  • Brakes in good working order
  • Spark arrester (USDA approved) and muffler
  • If riding at night headlights and taillights required.
 
National Forests in Arizona
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There are six national forests in Arizona and OHV rules vary from forest to forest; therefore, it is important to check with the forest you plan to visit to find out what is allowed. Forestlands where OHV use is prohibited have been declared off-limits in order to protect wildlife, vegetation or for your safety. Stay on existing roads and trails
Some Arizona forests have completely prohibited cross-country travel, with a very limited number of exceptions. Those include picking up legally killed big game during certain hunting seasons and traveling from a designated trail to a campsite. Other Arizona forests are moving in that same direction, but rules and regulations are ultimately up to each individual forest. A good rule of thumb is to avoid cross-country travel.
Some roads in national forests require off-highway vehicles to be registered. Generally, roads marked with a horizontal sign on national forestlands require motor vehicle registration. Roads marked with vertical signs generally do not mandate registration.
Some forest areas may be seasonally closed for wildlife or other issues. Each national forest is divided into ranger districts. You can get the best information on riding opportunities, rules and seasonal closures from individual ranger district offices. See National Forest and Other Contacts.
 
Bureau of Land Management Land
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has divided the state into seven field offices. See National Forest and Other Contacts. In general, off-highway vehicles are permitted, with restrictions, on many areas under BLM administration in Arizona. However, designated Wilderness Areas and other sensitive areas are closed to OHV use. The BLM has divided the property that is open to OHV use into two categories, open areas and limited areas.
Open Areas
Open areas are public lands where all types of vehicles, including OHVs, are permitted subject to operating regulations and vehicle standards. ATVs do not need to be registered to ride in open areas. You will find information on BLM open areas its Web site. Another resource is the BLM's Public Lands Information Center Web site.
Limited Areas
Limited areas are restricted to certain types of vehicular use and cross-country travel is not allowed. You must stay on existing roads and trails. The BLM does not require an ATV to be registered in limited areas. Some roads and trails are marked but many are not, so contact a BLM field office regarding specific roads and trails that are open to off-highway vehicles. Keep in mind, if you plan to travel on public roads or highways that cross BLM lands your ATV must be registered.
 
Areas Closed to Off-Highway Vehicles
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There are some ares in Arizona closed at all times, marked or not, to OHV use. These include designated Wilderness Areas, tribal lands and military lands.

Areas closed to cross-country travel at all times are any national, state, county or city park, any wildlife refuge or in the case of private lands, check for proper posting because access can change depending on the landowner.

 
OHV Laws and Rules Regarding Wildlife and Habitat
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Arizona law prohibits taking (pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring or netting) wildlife from a motorized vehicle. An ATV may be used only as a means of travel and not as a hunting aid. It is also unlawful to harass, molest, chase, rally, concentrate, herd, intercept, torment or drive wildlife or livestock from any motorized ground vehicle. Citations can also be issued for damaging habitat or private property.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges all OHV users to be neighborly to other recreationists and to wildlife, and to understand that Arizona's wildlife relies on the land, plants and water around you. It is your responsibility to know the laws.
Arizona law gives the Game and Fish Department the authority to determine if the operation of motor vehicles within a certain area, except private land, is or may be damaging to wildlife reproduction, management or habitat. In such cases, the department is authorized to order such areas closed to motor vehicles. ARS 17-452
 
OHV Tips
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  • Don't ride double. Carrying a passenger on an ATV designed for one person changes the center of gravity, and can cause loss of control leading to serious injury or death.
  • ATVs are not designed to be operated on paved surfaces. Pavement may seriously deminish handling and control.
  • Leave all gates as you find them.
  • Know OHV laws in the areas you enter.
  • Stay on existing roads and trails
The laws referenced on this web site are those most likely to affect recreational OHV users. Other laws may apply and information on this site is subject to change.
 
Trip Planning Checklist
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Like anything else, a safe and enjoyable OHV ride starts with proper planning. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Leave a map of the area you will be riding. That way, if you need help, they will know where to look! Always inspect your machine before every trip to make certain your OHV is in top mechanical condition.
The following checklist will help you remember the items you need to make every trip fun and safe:
  • Plenty of extra water and food
  • Extra fuel and oil
  • A set of basic tools that fit your mahcine
  • A basic first aid kit
  • Extra spark plugs
  • A flashlight
  • A tow strap or rope
  • Waterproof matches
  • Duct tape and electrical tape
  • A tire repair kit
  • A map of your riding area, a compass, and a GPS receiver
  • Your cell phone or two-way radios
  • Your camera
For extended trips your may want to consider adding the following:
  • Spare throttle and brake cables
  • Brake fluid
  • Master links for chain repair
  • A quality survival kit
  • A spare tire or tube
 
New for 2009
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NEW STATE LAWS affecting OHV USE
Here are some important facts that you’ll need to know:
• Effective Jan. 1, 2009, you must annually purchase an off-highway vehicle decal (“OHV Decal”) for any off-highway vehicle you have
that is designed by the manufacturer primarily for off-highway use AND weighs less than 1,800 pounds, in order to operate it in Arizona.
This includes most all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides (utility vehicles), dirt bikes and some sand rails. The OHV Decal must be affixed to your OHV’s license plate.
• The OHV Decal can be purchased after Jan. 1, 2009 at www.servicearizona.com or by visiting Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offices or authorized
third-party providers during normal business hours. The cost of the OHV Decal is still being determined by MVD and is expected to be
announced soon.
• The OHV Decal is an annual user fee that will provide funds for better OHV management and protection of natural resources while
helping maintain access. It is not the same as “registration.” Registration refers to the process that is required if you want to legally ride your off-highway vehicle on improved and maintained roads and streets. For more information, see the registration information in the Frequently Asked Questions at www.azgfd.gov/ohv.
• All OHVs must have an Arizona Certificate of Title. If the vehicle is not titled, or if you have an out-of-state title, you will need to visit an MVD office or authorized third-party provider to obtain an Arizona Certificate of Title by July 1, 2009. For more information, see the titling information in the Frequently Asked Questions at www.azgfd.gov/ohv.
• Travel is limited to roads, trails and areas open by the land management agency for motorized vehicle use. Travel that causes damage to cultural or natural resources, or property or improvements, is prohibited.
• OHVs must have a muffler or noise dissipative device to limit sound to less than 96 decibels.
• Anyone under the age of 18 will be required to wear a properly fitted and fastened U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet when riding any OHV.
For information on the
rules and regulations,
visit Arizona Game and
Fish Dept. at
www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

For more information
on the OHV Decal,
titling or registration,
visit MVD at
www.azdot.gov/MVD.
For more information
on where to ride in
Arizona, visit Arizona
State Parks at
www.azstateparks.gov/ohv.
For more information
on recreating on state
land, visit Arizona
State Land Dept. at
www.land.state.az.us.
 

Attention All Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) Users:
New OHV regulations in Arizona will go into effect Jan. 1, 2009

INTRODUCTION

Thanks to a collaborative effort between a broad coalition of OHV enthusiasts, sportsmen, conservationists, elected officials and the public, new laws that will help better manage Arizona’s rapidly growing OHV use will take effect Jan. 1, 2009. Among other provisions, the new law requires an annual purchase of an Off-Highway Vehicle Decal for the operation of any ATV or OHV in Arizona that meets both the following criteria:

  • Designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain.
  • Has an unladen weight of eighteen hundred pounds or less.

Why is the new law needed?

  • OHV use in Arizona has exploded (347 percent increase since 1998), outpacing the existing funding to manage that growth, protect wildlife habitat, and help maintain recreational access. Revenues generated from the new OHV Decal user fee will be used to help ensure sustainable opportunities and natural resource protection by bolstering funding and grant programs that pay for trail maintenance, signage, maps, facility development, habitat damage mitigation, education, and enforcement.

What does the new law do?

  • It specifies OHV Decal, title, license plate and registration requirements.
  • It specifies equipment requirements.
  • It specifies regulations for safe, ethical and responsible operation.

OHV DECAL / TITLE/ LICENSE PLATE / REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

What is the OHV Decal?

  • The OHV Decal is a sticker that must be purchased annually to allow your OHV to be operated within Arizona. The decal will need to be applied to the upper left corner of your license plate, and your license plate will need to be visibly displayed on the rear of your OHV. The dollars collected through the purchase of the OHV Decal are considered an OHV user fee and apply to all OHVs meeting the bulleted criteria in the following paragraph. The OHV Decal should not be confused with “registration.” Registration is required if you want to your OHV to be “street legal” (i.e., operate it on paved and improved roads and streets - see registration information on page 3).

What is considered an off-highway vehicle for the purpose of obtaining the OHV Decal?

  • An off-highway vehicle is any motor vehicle operated on unimproved roads, trails and approved use areas not suitable for conventional two-wheel-drive vehicular travel. Examples include: ATVs, UTVs, trail motorcycles and dirt bikes. The requirement to purchase an OHV Decal only applies to OHVs meeting both of the following criteria:
    • Designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain.
    • Has an unladen weight of eighteen hundred pounds or less.
  • Pickup trucks, SUVs, cars and other recreational vehicles are not required (and will not be able) to obtain an OHV decal.  All other regulations apply.

How do I obtain the OHV Decal and what does it cost?

  • The OHV Decal will be available for purchase starting January 1, 2009 on-line at www.servicearizona.com or at a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Office or Authorized Third Party Provider. The cost is yet to be determined but will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/ohv when available. The decal is valid for one year. It is the ATV/OHV owner’s responsibility to purchase subsequent year decals.

Title, License Plate, OHV Decal and Registration: What steps do I need to take to be in compliance with the law?

  • Your OHV/ATV must have an Arizona Certificate of Title in your name. If the vehicle is not titled in your name or you have an out-of-state title, you will need to visit an MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider to obtain an Arizona Certificate of Title. All ATV/OHV owners must obtain an Arizona Title for their vehicle(s) by July 1, 2009. Vehicles with an engine displacement less than 49cc’s are not titled in Arizona.
  • The vehicle must have an Arizona license plate. The license plate must be securely attached to the rear of the vehicle and clearly visible.
  • If you need to confirm the vehicle has been issued a license plate and title, you may request a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) online at www.servicearizona.com or visit an MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider. The vehicle identification number (VIN), your driver license number and a $3.00 fee is required to obtain an MVR.
  • Purchase the annual OHV Decal for your OHV on-line at www.servicearizona.com or at an MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider.  The OHV Decal shall be affixed to the upper left corner of the license plate.
  • The OHV Decal is valid for one year from purchase. You will NOT be sent a renewal notice. It is your responsibility to renew and display a current OHV Decal on your vehicle license plate annually.
  • If you want to ride on improved and maintained roads, your OHV can be registered for “street legal” use in Arizona. Your vehicle will first need to be titled and then meet all on-highway equipment requirements, plus you will need to purchase the annual OHV Decal.

How do I register my OHV to be “street legal”? (i.e., to operate it on paved or maintained roads)

  • Depending on how you plan to operate your OHV in Arizona, you have two options:
  • Option 1: If you operate primarily off-highway, then your vehicle is eligible for a reduced Vehicle License Tax (VLT) of $3.00 and waiver of the registration fee.  The following requirements must be satisfied:
    • You must purchase an OHV Decal. An OHV owner may request a free motor vehicle registration when paying for the OHV Decal.
    • The vehicle must be designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and have an unladen weight of 1,800 pounds or less.
    • You must affirm that your vehicle is equipped for highway use and will be primarily used off-highway.
    • Registered vehicles must comply with mandatory insurance requirements.
    • Vehicle emission testing requirements may apply.
  • Option 2: If you operate primarily on improved roads and highways (such as city driving), then you are required to register your vehicle, including payment of all fees, through the standard registration process. You must also satisfy the following requirements:
    • If your vehicle is designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and has an unladen weight of 1,800 pounds or less, you must purchase the OHV Decal.
    • You must affirm that your vehicle is equipped for highway use.
    • Registered vehicles must comply with mandatory insurance requirements.
    • Vehicle emissions testing requirements may apply.

My OHV is currently registered for highway use and is street legal, but I primarily use it off highway. When can I get the reduced Vehicle License Tax (VLT) and the registration fee waived?

  • At the time of your vehicle registration renewal, you will be eligible for the reduced VLT and the registration fee waived if your qualifying vehicle has a valid OHV Decal.  There are no refunds for VLT or registration and you WILL still need to purchase the OHV Decal to legally operate in Arizona as of Jan. 1, 2009. 

I lost my license plate and/or my OHV Decal, now what do I do?

  • If it is lost, stolen or mutilated, then you may purchase a replacement for a $5.00 fee at an MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider.

I own a truck and would like to purchase the OHV Decal to help support the program. Can I do that?

  • No, at this time the OHV Decal can only be purchased for qualifying vehicles:
    • Designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and
    • Has an unladen weight of 1,800 pounds or less

 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

What equipment is required to operate my OHV in Arizona?

  • Brakes.
  • Lighted head and taillights if operated between one half-hour after sunset and one half-hour before sunrise.
  • A muffler or noise dissipative device that prevents sound above 96 decibels.
  • A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-approved spark arrestor device.
  • For those under 18, a properly fitted and fastened U.S. DOT-approved helmet.
  • Sand dunes and certain areas designated by a land managing agency may require a safety flag. The flag shall be at least 6 by 12 inches and attached to the OHV and flying at least 8 feet above the surface of the level ground.

SAFE, ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE OPERATION

What are the new operating regulations?

  • Travel is limited to roads, trails and areas that are designated open by the land management agency for motorized vehicle use.
  • Travel by motorized vehicles that causes damage to wildlife habitat, riparian areas, cultural or natural resources or property or improvements is prohibited.
  • No reckless operation.
  • No removal or placement of regulatory signs.

Can I operate on State Trust Land?

  • An OHV meeting the 1,800-pound requirement and displaying the OHV Decal may cross State Trust Land only on designated or open existing roads and trails. Do not enter closed areas. 
  • Operation of support vehicles (RV, truck, trailer, etc.) requires a recreational permit.
  • Any other recreational purposes (picnics, camping, etc.) require the purchase of the recreation permit from the Arizona State Land Department.

Where can I find more information?

Remember to leave no trace and “Nature Rules!” Stay on Roads and Trails.