Arizona OHV
Laws and Rules

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

Equipment Needed for Registration

• 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

• 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

• 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.

Traveling on Federal Land

• Brakes in good working order

• Spark arrester (USDA approved) and muffler

• If riding at night headlights and taillights required.

National Forests in Arizona

Bureau of Land Management Land

Areas Closed to Off-Highway Vehicles

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

OHV Tips

• 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

Trip Planning Checklist

• 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

• Spare throttle and brake cables

• Brake fluid

• Master links for chain repair

• A quality survival kit

• A spare tire or tube

New for 2009

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?

• ADOT Motor Vehicle Division – www.azdot.gov/mvd
• Arizona State Land Department – www.land.state.az.us
• Arizona State Parks – www.azstateparks.com
• Arizona Game and Fish Department – www.azgfd.gov

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