Safety
Safety Equipment
Children and ATVs
Proper Size ATV
ATV Training
Alcohol and Drugs
License and Registration

Safety
The guidelines below were developed primarily for those who venture into the backcountry with a four-wheel drive. However, these guidelines also apply to anyone who travels into the backcountry. Adventurous recreationists need to be prepared for the unexpected. Be thrifty with cargo space and plan accordingly. Here are some tips for a safer trip:

• Always tell a responsible person where you're traveling and when you'll return. Give them a specific map if possible, or at least a general area if you intend to explore as you go.
• Don't go alone. Two heads are always better than one and so are two backs if labor is required to free a stuck vehicle. A second person also can be a great help guiding a driver through difficult spots.
• Water, water, and more water! Take at least 5 gallons in each vehicle, plus a minimum of 1 gallon per day per person.
  
• Stay with the vehicle if it's stuck. A vehicle is much easier to find than a person on foot. Walk out for help only if you know exactly where you are and how far it is to help.
  
• Know your vehicle. Take a safety class. Read the owner's manual. Use common sense. If a road looks too tough for your skills, it probably is. If you get in a bind, don't panic; stop the vehicle, get out and assess the situation.
• For safety information or to enroll in an ATV RiderCourse, call (800) 887-2887 or visit www.atvsafety.org

Safety Equipment
If you ride a motorcycle or ATV always wear a helmet, eye protection, and gloves at a minimum. Long sleeve shirt, long pants and boots are also strongly recommended. top

Children and ATVs
Most ATVs have big long seats. So big that it looks like two kids can share one easily, but that's not true. In fact, more kids get hurt sharing an ATV than for any other factor in ATV-related injuries. Parents are responsible for their childrens' safety. Make sure your kids ride with only approved safety
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Proper Size ATV
ATV "Size" and "Minimum Ages" 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 top

ATV Training
The ATV RiderCourse Developed by the ATV Safety Institute provides hands-on training in the basic techniques for riding an all-terrain vehicle. The course also covers protective gear, local laws, finding places to ride, and environmental concerns. If you bought your ATV after 1986, you may be eligible for free training. Those not eligible for the free training may take the course for a small fee. The ATV RiderCourse is available nationwide.

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Alcohol and Drugs
The operation of an off-highway vehicle requires skill and good judgement. Drugs and alcohol impair both. You become a danger to yourself and others when you operate your OHV and take drugs or drink alcohol. Laws regarding DUI apply everywhere in the state, even if you are on a backcountry trail. And, the penalties are the same, including jail and the loss of your driver's license. top

License and Registration
State motor vehicle laws apply on many Forest Service and BLM roads, meaning 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 "street legal". Some roads and trails are open to unlicensed recreational motor vehicles. Check with the local land manager for information on road status.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues two types of license plates for ATVs and trail bikes: an “Off-Road” or “RV” plate and an “MC” plate. The “RV” plate indicates that your vehicle has been titled in the State of Arizona and allows for off-road travel, but it does not allow you to ride on or across roads that require your vehicle to be “street legal.” If you are going to drive your vehicle on public roads, the vehicle must be street legal, which may require additional equipment or modifications, and it must be inspected by MVD. After successful inspection, the MVD will issue a license plate marked with a “MC.” The “MC” plate shows the vehicle is street legal and can be operated on public roads. Arizona law requires either the “RV” or “MC” plate to be securely fastened in a clearly visible position to the rear of the vehicle.

Contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department for more information on the equipment and inspections needed to register ATVs on paved roads. ATVs are not designed to be operated on a paved surface. They are difficult to maneuver and increase the danger of an accident. If you must cross a paved road,cross at a 90 degree angle where there are no obstructions and your visibility is good.

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