New OHV regulations in Arizona - Jan. 1, 2009

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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.
  

More information can be found at:

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

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