Arizona OHV Program Overview
OHV Rules and Laws
Out-of-state Visitors
Responsibility
OHV Training
Protect Your Privilege, Prevent OHV Site Closures
Get a Permit
Call Before You Go, Land Agency Contacts
Information, Maps, and Clubs
Report Abuse
General Safety Guidelines
Arizona OHV Program
The Arizona Legislature created the Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program in 1991. The intent of the OHV Program is to guide outdoor recreationists and public land managers in making responsible choices to enhance OHV recreation opportunities throughout Arizona. A small percent (0.55%) of the state motor-fuel tax is directed into an OHV Recreation Fund, which is administered by the Arizona State Parks Board and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, for a variety of statewide OHV projects. The creation of the fund did not raise additional taxes.
The Arizona OHV Program is dedicated to enhancing and preserving motorized recreation opportunities in our state. Through education and information, the program will increase awareness of ways to enjoy the land while minimizing adverse vehicle impact. Please do your part and leave the land the same as or in better condition than you found it.
What is an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)?
An OHV can be just about any motor vehicle such as a pickup truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), four-wheel drive vehicle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), trail motorcycle, dune buggy, sandrail, and snowmobile. OHVs may be used to access a particular destination (camping) or be used as the essential part of the recreation experience (dirt biking).
OHV Rules & Laws
Overview
Each agency that manages land has its own rules, regulations and laws to enforce. Rules and laws change. Before riding or driving on lands, check with the appropriate agency about rules and requirements. Most areas restrict OHV use to established routes. Some areas have seasonal closures to address erosion, watershed, and wildlife habitat protection concerns.
Free OHV Laws, Rules, and Regulations Guide
For OHV Rules and Restrictions, refer to the Arizona Game and Fish Department Guide to Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Laws, Rules and Regulations. Call Game and Fish at (602) 942-3000 for a free guide or visit www.azgfd.gov  for information on OHV rules and regulations.
Title and Registration
State motor vehicle laws apply on many backcountry roads; that means your vehicle must be registered and you must be licensed. A good rule of thumb is if a passenger car can use the road, your vehicle will need to be registered. Some roads and trails are open to unregistered recreational motor vehicles. Check with the local land management agency for information on road status.
Many vehicles are required to display a title plate. The “Off-Road” or “RV” plate that you may have on your OHV is only an indication that the vehicle has been titled in the State of Arizona. It is NOT a registration plate and does not allow you to ride or drive on roads that require your vehicle to be registered.
Contact the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division for more information on the documentation required, equipment, and inspections needed to register OHVs for “street or highway” use at (800) 251-5866 or visit www.azdot.gov/mvd . Contact adjoining states for information concerning what is required when riding or driving in those states.
Crossing Paved Roads Without Vehicle Registration
Local authorities may have jurisdiction on which paved streets and highways you can cross while riding or driving a vehicle that is not registered. Check with your local authorities such as the County Sheriff about current local regulations. If allowed to cross on a paved road, cross at a 90-degree angle where there are no obstructions and good visibility.
Drugs and Alcohol
Use your judgment and sharp reflexes while riding or driving. Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is illegal!
What are the Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Licensing Requirements for Out-Of-State Visitors?
NON-RESIDENT: If you are not a resident of Arizona and are visiting for a short duration of time you do not need an Arizona title plate to ride on unmaintained, existing, open, authorized routes on public lands in Arizona. ARS 28-2001 defines Arizona resident.
RIDING AN UNREGISTERED All-Terrain Vehicle: If you ride/drive on a "graded dirt road" (such as a maintained county road) and you and your vehicle are not properly registered for street and highway use then you will be subject to citation. Arizona residents are also subject to citation even with an Arizona MVD Title Plate (RV - Recreation Vehicle plate) -- this is because a title plate is only an indication that the vehicle has been titled in Arizona - it is not a registration plate.
RIDING A REGISTERED All-Terrain Vehicle: If the machine is insured and street legal and the driver/rider follows other vehicle requirements of the home state (and you are not a resident of AZ) then you should be able to ride your ATV on authorized routes in Arizona. You must abide by Arizona laws, rules, and regulations of course. For example, if you ride on State Trust Land you will need a permit from the Arizona State Land Dept see http://www.land.state.az.us/programs/natural/recreation_permit.htm
CROSSING MAINTAINED STREETS WITH AN UNREGISTERED/ UNLICENSED VEHICLE: In addition, please note that local authorities (such as the County Sheriff) have jurisdiction on which maintained streets and highways you can cross while riding or driving a vehicle that is not registered.
Responsibility
Tread Lightly!
Hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, and OHV recreationists all have certain things in common such as a love of the outdoors and the use of a motor vehicle in the pursuit of recreation. Knowing how to Tread Lightly!® is the responsibility of all recreationists. The Tread Pledge is simple:
Travel only on trails.
Respect animals, plants, and people.
Every time you go outdoors, think safety, bring a friend
and be prepared.
Always leave the outdoors better than you found it.
Discover how fun the outdoors can be when you
Tread Lightly.
For more information on Tread Lightly!® visit www.treadlightly.org or call (800) 966-9900.
OHV Training
All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
The ATV Safety Institute ATV RiderCourse provides hands-on training in basic techniques for riding an all-terrain vehicle. If you recently purchased a new ATV, you may be eligible for FREE TRAINING. For a training center near you, call the nationwide toll-free number (800) 887-2887 or visit www.atvsafety.org .
Off-Highway Motorcycles
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) DirtBike School provides hands-on off-highway motorcycle rider training with an emphasis on safety and skill development. For a training center near you, call the nationwide toll-free number (877) 288-7093 or visit www.dirtbikeschool.com
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The Arizona State Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc (ASA4WDC) provides a 4x4 Safety and Awareness Program that is sanctioned under the United Four Wheel Drive Association (UFWDA) (www.ufwda.org). For more information, visit ASA4WDC on-line at www.ASA4WDC.org .
Protect Your Privilege
Prevent OHV Site Closures
Abuse it, Lose it.
Excessive complaints about OHV recreation uses such as dust, noise, and speed can force OHV site closures. OHV sites are being closed partly because of environmental damage
from OHV use such as violation of clean air rules due to excessive dust from vehicles. Help prevent OHV site closures. Protect your privilege. “Nature Rules. Stay on the trail.”
• Stay on designated routes. Do not make new trails.
• Do not harass wildlife. Riding over plants destroys wildlife habitat.
• Signs are important for travel and your safety. Do not destroy signs.
• Avoid creating dust. Slow down.
• Keep out of closed areas. Do not trespass.
• Keep your OHV quiet. More complaints, more closures.
• Leave gates as you found them, opened or closed.
• Fences keep livestock confined. Do not cut fences.
• Do not drive on a route smaller than the width of your vehicle.
• Pack it in, pack it out. Do not litter.
• Reduce the risk of fire. Make sure your vehicle’s spark arrester is in good working condition.
• Be considerate of others by sharing trails. Pull off to the side of the trail, shut off your engine, and let horses and hikers pass.
• Get involved. Join an OHV club and volunteer to maintain the trails you ride. Provide your input to land managers on OHV projects. Serve on the statewide OHV Advisory Group through Arizona State Parks.
Get a Permit
State Trust Land
Arizona State Trust lands are NOT public lands. You must obtain a permit from the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) to be on State Trust lands. Recreational permits are available for individuals ($15), families ($20), non-profit groups, and for specific events.
Permits are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Permits are subject to certain terms and conditions such as vehicles may not be operated within 1/4 mile of any building or stock tank, leave gates as you found them open or closed, and other terms. Restrictions may apply.
State land may be leased for grazing, commercial, or agricultural use. When recreating on State Trust lands, please follow the rules and keep in mind that someone else is making a living from that land.
To apply for an ASLD Recreation Permit call (602) 364-2753, download a permit application on-line at www.land.state.az.us/programs/natural/recreation_permit.htm , or visit the State Land Department office at 1616 W. Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Indian Reservations
While several tribes provide excellent recreational opportunities, all travel in reservations is restricted to public roads unless you have a permit from the particular tribe. For a listing of tribal government contact information, visit the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs website at www.indianaffairs.state.az.us .
Private Property
Many dirt roads that you ride or drive on cross private property. Respect private property. Ask for permission before you ride on private land. Do not trespass. There can be civil and criminal penalties for violating trespass laws.
Call Before You Go
Before you ride or drive, always contact the appropriate land manager to check on route closures, fire danger, local conditions, special permits/permission, OHV policy, and maps of route and area information.
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers over 12 million surface acres of public lands in Arizona for a variety of uses, including recreation, and to protect the natural resources of the land. There are field offices throughout the state that provide on-the-ground field management. Visit the BLM Arizona at www.blm.gov/az/st/en.html .
BLM Arizona State Office: (602) 417-9200
Arizona Strip Field Office: (435) 688-3200
Lake Havasu Field Office: (928) 505-1200
Kingman Field Office: (928) 718-3700
Yuma Field Office: (928) 317-3200
Safford Field Office: (928) 348-4400
Tucson Field Office: (520) 258-7200
Hassayampa Field Office: (623) 580-5500
Lower Sonoran Field Office: (623) 580-5500
NATIONAL FORESTS
Each of the state’s National Forests has primitive, minimally maintained routes available for OHV use. Always call to check on fire danger, local conditions, and OHV policy. Avoid wet roads. Visit the USDA Forest Service at www.fs.fed.us
Apache-Sitgreaves
National Forest: (928) 333-4301
Alpine Ranger District*: (928) 339-4384
Black Mesa Ranger District*: (928) 535-4481
Clifton Ranger District: (928) 687-1301
Lakeside Ranger District*: (928) 368-5111
Springerville Ranger District*: (928) 333-4372
Coconino National Forest: (928) 527-3600
Happy Jack Information Center: (928) 477-2172
Mogollon Rim Ranger District: (928) 477-2255
Mormon Lake Ranger District*: (928) 774-1147
Peaks Ranger District*: (928) 526-0866
Red Rock Ranger District: (928) 282-4119
South Gateway Visitor Center: (928) 284-5323
Coronado National Forest: (520) 388-8300
Douglas Ranger District: (520) 364-3468
Nogales Ranger District : (520) 281-2296
Safford Ranger District: (520) 428-4150
Santa Catalina Ranger District: (520) 749-8700
Sierra Vista Ranger District: (520) 378-0311
Kaibab National Forest: (928) 635-8200
North Kaibab Ranger District*: (928) 643-7395
Tusayan Ranger District: (928) 638-2443
Williams Ranger District: (928) 635-5600
Prescott National Forest: (928) 443-8000
Bradshaw Ranger District: (928) 443-8000
Chino Valley Ranger District: (928) 777-2200
Verde Ranger District: (928) 567-4121
Tonto National Forest: (602) 225-5200
Cave Creek Ranger District: (480) 595-3300
Globe Ranger District: (928) 402-6200
Mesa Ranger District: (480) 610-3300
Payson Ranger District: (928) 474-7900
Pleasant Valley Ranger District: (928) 462-4300
Tonto Basin Ranger District: (928) 467-3200
*Districts with snowmobile opportunities
Information, Maps, & Clubs
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Responsible for identifying habitat damaged by OHVs, providing information and education about OHVs, and enforcing OHV laws. Visit www.azgfd.gov or call (602) 942-3000.
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council
A national network of volunteers dedicated to the mission of creating a positive future for off-highway vehicle recreation. Call (800) 348-6487. Visit www.nohvcc.org for more information.
Maps, Custom Maps and Information
To obtain a travel map for the area you wish to ride or for information about Arizona’s public lands call the Arizona Outdoor Information Center, (602) 417-9300.
Arizona OHV Clubs
Learn more about Arizona organizations.
Report Abuse
Wildlife
When you encounter wildlife in the backcountry, appreciate it, respect it, and LEAVE IT ALONE. If you observe a game law violation or wildlife harassment contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (800) 352-0700.
Vandalism
If you observe acts of vandalism or habitat destruction, note a description of the persons, vehicles, license plate number, location, time, date, and any other information. Report this information to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 24-hour hotline at (800) VANDALS (1-800-826-3257).
Safety First!
General Safety Guidelines
• Water, water, and more water!
• Tell a responsible person where you are traveling and when you will be returning.
• Do not go alone. Consider riding with a club.
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
• Supervise riders younger than 16. Parents are responsible for their childrens’ safety.
• Know your vehicle. Read the owner’s manual.
• Check your vehicle before each trip.
• Take an off-highway vehicle safety and mechanical training class.
Wear Protective Gear
(as appropriate for your OHV)
• Approved helmet
• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Long-sleeved shirt/jacket
• Over-the-ankle boots
Ride the Proper Size ATV
Recommended by the ATV Safety Institute
and ATV manufacturers:
• Under 70cc: 6 years and older
• 70 - 90cc: 12 years and older
• Over 90cc: 16 years and older
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