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 for $25 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 your OHV to be “street legal” (i.e., operate it on paved and improved roads and streets.) and you'll still need to obtain the OHV Decal.

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 cost of the OHV Decal is $25 and is now available online at www.servicearizona.com or at any Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Office or Authorized Third Party Provider. The decal is valid for one year and it is the ATV/OHV owner’s responsibility to renew their OHV Decal annually.

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.
• 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.
• You can obtain the annual $25 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, like you see here. The placement of the OHV Decal is exactly the same for qualified registered or "street legal" vehicles.
  
  
  
  
• 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 (Streets, Highways or Forest Service Roads) your OHV can be registered for “street legal” use in Arizona. Your vehicle will first need to be titled and needs to meet all on-highway equipment requirements. If you meet the OHV Decal requirements then you will also need to purchase the OHV Decal.
• The Arizona Game and Fish Deaprtment does not Title or Register OHV's. For more information about Titling or Registering your OHV goto MVD or online at www.azdot.gov/mvd.
  

How do I register my OHV to be “street legal”? (i.e., to operate it on paved or maintained roads like streets, highways or forest service roads) Regardless of use, If you meet the 2 OHV Decal requirements you will need to purchase the OHV Decal for your street legal vehicle.

• 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 obtain and be issued an OHV Decal. (Ask for the Decal first at MVD) Then 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. (Option 1, listed above) When can I get the reduced Vehicle License Tax (VLT) and the registration fee waived?

• You must purchase your OHV Decal immiediately, then when your vehicle registration comes up for renewal, you will be eligible for free registration and $3 VLT.  There are no refunds for VLT or registration currently paid in full. You still need to obtain 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 obtain a replacement for a $5.00 fee at an MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider.

I own a truck, jeep or sandrail that's doesn't meet the OHV Decal requirements and would like to obtain the OHV Decal to help support the program. Can I do that?

• No, at this time the OHV Decal will only be issued 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?

• For those under 18, a properly fitted and fastened U.S. DOT-approved helmet.
• 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.
• Eye Protection for operators of vehicles not equipped with a windshield.
• License plate securely fastened to the rear of the OHV and clearly visible.
• Rearview mirror.
• Brake light and at least one red rear reflector (if taillight does not reflect).
• Seat and footrests for the operator and passenger if vehicle is designed to carry a passenger.
• 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.
  

To street legal your OHV you will also need:

• License plate light.
• Horn audible from a distance of at least 200 feet.
• Proper insurance.
• Emissions: Certain areas may also require to have your OHV emissions tested.

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, other than at the direction of a governmental agency.

Can I operate on State Trust Land?

• An OHV meeting the 1,800-pound or less 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.

Are there any OHV Decal exceptions -or- I'm from out-of-state do I need to purchase the OHV Decal?

• A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle or an off-highway vehicle in Arizona without an off-highway vehicle user indicia (OHV Decal) if any of the following applies:
  
  
  • The person is participating in an off-highway special event.
  • The person is operating an all-terrain vehicle or off-highway vehicle on private land.
  • The person is loading or unloading an all-terrain vehicle or off-highway vehicle from a vehicle.
  • During a period of emergency of if the operation is directed by a peace officer or other public authority.
  • All of the following apply (For non-residents):
    • The person is not a resident of Arizona. - and -
    • The person owns the vehicle. - and -
    • The vehicle diplays a current off-highway vehicle user indicia (sticker/decal) or registration (license plate) from the person's state of residency. - and -
  • The vehicle is not in Arizona for more than thirty (30) consecutive days.
    
    

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.gov/ohv
• Arizona Game and Fish Department – www.azgfd.gov/ohv

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