Arizona off-highway vehicle guide OHV laws and places to ride

              Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide
OHV Laws and
Places to Ride
Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and TrailsArizona Game And Fish Department ◆ Arizona State PaParks
Free Map Includedii Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 1
Table of Contents
Introduction. 1
Definitions. 2
Equipment and Safety Requirements . 4
Title, User Fee and Registration. 5
Operation Regulations – Safe and Ethical Use. 8
Courtesy and Landowner Relationships. 10
Land Management Agencies. 10
Places to Ride. 12
OHV Air Quality Laws . 18
Hunting and OHV Use. 19
Report Violations. 19
Protective Gear . 20
Kids and Motorized Vehicles. 22
OHV Education and Training. 23
Tread Lightly. 24
Safety Checklist . 25
Photos provided by:
Andy Little, Arizona State Parks, ATV Safety Institute, George Andrejko,
Jim Harken, Krause Creative, Larry Burns, National Off-Highway Vehicle
Conservation Council and Yamaha Motor Corp.
Introduction
Off-highway vehicle (OHV) use can be a
safe, enjoyable, low-impact activity when users
follow the laws, stay on open or designated roads
and trails, and ride safely and responsibly. The
opposite is true when OHV users lack respect
for the environment, other recreationists and
safety. This guide outlines safe, legal and common
sense approaches to OHV activities to help pro-mote
responsible OHV use and protect your
privilege to ride.
The OHV Recreation Fund was used to create this
Arizona OHV Guide and also funds riding facilities,
education, signage, maps, mitigation and enforce-ment.
These elements are essential to providing
sustainable OHV use in the state of Arizona.
Arizona OHV
Recreation Program
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086
(602) 942-3000
www.azgfd.gov/ohv
Arizona State Parks
1300 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-4174
www.azstateparks.com/ohv
2 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 3
Definitions
Land Manager: Federal, state, county, city, town,
tribal lands or local municipal agency responsible
for the management of properties either publicly
owned or held in trust for beneficiaries.
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV): A motorized
vehicle when operated primarily off of highways on
land, water, snow, ice or other natural terrain or
on a combination of land, water, snow, ice or other
natural terrain. Includes a two-wheel, three-wheel
or four-wheel vehicle, motorcycle, four-wheel drive
vehicle, dune buggy, amphibious vehicle, ground
effects or air cushion vehicle, and any other means
of land transportation deriving motive power from
a source other than muscle or wind.
Off-Highway Vehicle Special Event: An
event that is endorsed, authorized, permitted
or sponsored by a federal, state, county or
municipal agency and in which the event par-ticipants
operate off-highway vehicles on specific
routes or areas designated by a local authority
pursuant to section ARS § 28-627.
Off-Highway Vehicle Trail: A multiple-use
corridor that is open to recreational travel by an
off-highway vehicle and is designated or managed
by or for the managing authority of the property
that the trail traverses for off-highway vehicle use.
ROV (Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle):
An ROV – sometimes broadly referred to as a
side-by-side or UTV – is a motorized off-high-way
vehicle designed to travel on four or more
non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, and non-straddle
seating equipped with seat belts. Some
models are designed with seats for a driver and
one or more passengers.
Street Legal: Refers to vehicles that are
registered for on-highway use. These vehicles
are required to have specific equipment and to
carry proof of financial responsibility (liability
insurance). OHVs that are “street legal” will
display a registration sticker on the upper right
corner of the license plate.
Spark Arrestor: A spark arrestor is a device
intended to prevent combustible materials, usually
sparks or other tiny flaming debris, from escaping
an exhaust system into an area where they
may start a fire. In Arizona, only United States
Department of Agriculture approved spark
arrestors are allowed.
4 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 5
Title, User Fee and Registration
The Arizona Department of Transportation,
Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is the issuing
agency for certificates of title, registration,
license plates and the OHV Decal. MVD of­fices
are located statewide and online services are
available at www.servicearizona.com.
Title: A certificate of title is proof of ownership
for motor vehicles. Since 1985, most OHVs have
been required to obtain an Arizona certificate of
title. As of July 1, 2009, all OHVs in Arizona will
need to be titled. All OHVs must have and prop-erly
display a license plate.
TIP: If you buy a new or used OHV, it is your
responsibility to ensure your vehicle is properly titled.
Title-Only License Plate: The title-only license
plate is currently identified by the letters “RV”
displayed on it. This is an identification plate
and does not allow travel on roads that require
“street-legal” registration. (For exceptions see
www.azgfd.gov/ohv.)
Registration License Plate: The registration
license plate is currently identified by the letters
“MC” displayed on it. This “street legal” plate
does allow travel on roads, trails and areas on
which registration is required. It is your responsibil-ity
to ensure that your vehicle meets the necessary
“street legal” requirements.
Equipment and
Safety Requirements
Equipment you need to
operate your OHV in Arizona:
◆◆ Helmet that is properly fitted, fastened and has a
USDOT safety rating for those 18 and under who
ride on an OHV. (Riders in an OHV such as an
ROV, while recommended for safety, do not need
a helmet.) It is recommended that all OHV users
wear a helmet. (ARS § 28-1179B)
◆◆ Spark arrestor that is USDA approved.
(ARS § 28-1179A.4)
◆◆ Brakes adequate to stop and hold the
vehicle. (ARS § 28-1179A.1)
◆◆ Muffler or noise dissipative device that prevents
sound above 96 decibels. (ARS § 28-1179A.3)
◆◆ Eye protection for operators of vehicles not
equipped with a windshield. (ARS § 28-964A)
◆◆ Headlights and taillights for use from dusk to
dawn. (ARS § 28-1179A.2)
◆◆ Safety flag at least 6” by 12” and 8 feet above the
ground on sand dunes or areas designated by the
land management agency. (ARS § 28-1179A.5)
◆◆ Brake light and at least one red rear reflector
(if taillight does not reflect). (ARS § 28-927)
◆◆ License plate securely fastened to the rear of the
OHV and clearly visible. (ARS § 28-2512D.1&2)
◆◆ Rearview mirror. (ARS § 28-964B)
◆◆ Seat and footrests for the operator and pas-senger
if vehicle is designed to carry a passenger.
(ARS § 28-964B)
To make your OHV street legal
you will also need:
◆◆ License plate light. (ARS § 28-925C)
◆◆ Horn audible from a distance of
at least 200 feet. (ARS § 28-954A)
◆◆ Proper insurance. (ARS § 28-4142A)
◆◆ Emissions: Certain areas may also
require you to have your OHV emissions
tested. (ARS § 49-542C&D)
TITLE-ONLY
PLATE
REGISTRATION
PLATE
6 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 7
Displaying your License Plate: License plates are required to be securely attached to the rear of your vehicle and clearly displayed.
OHV Decal: A vehicle designed by the manufac­turer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and having an unladen weight of 1,800 pounds or less requires the annual purchase of an OHV Decal to operate on public and state lands. You must
display the OHV Decal in the upper left-hand
corner of the license plate.
Sequence for compliance
with OHV Decal law
D
e
termine if your vehicle qualifies for
◆◆the OHV Decal (See above).
O
b
tain a certificate of title for the
◆◆qualifying vehicle.
O
btain a license plate for the qualifying vehicle.◆◆
Purchase OHV Decal.◆◆
Affix OHV Decal to upper left-hand corner
◆◆of license plate.
Purchase street legal registration (needed if you ◆◆intend to ride on roads that require registration; see www.azgfd.gov/ohv for details).
OHV Decal exceptions (ARS § 28-1178A)
You do not need an OHV Decal if you are:
Participating in an off-highway special event.◆◆
O
perating an ATV or OHV on private land.◆◆
L
o
ading or unloading an ATV or OHV
◆◆from a vehicle.
O
p
erating during a period of emergency or if di­◆◆rected by a peace officer or other public authority.
Non-resident OHV Decal requirements
N
o
n-residents that meet ◆◆all of the following are exempt from OHV Decal purchase:
The person is not a resident of Arizona.● ●
The person owns the vehicle.● ●
The vehicle displays a current OHV Decal or ● ●registration from the person’s home state of residency.
The vehicle is not in the state for more than
● ●30 consecutive days.
F
o
r more non-resident OHV Decal information ◆◆visit www.azgfd.gov/ohv.
How the OHV Decal Benefits YOU!
F
u
nds your OHV needs, such as maps, safety ◆◆training, trailheads, trail maintenance.
May reduce your vehicle registration fee.◆◆
Allows for OHV use in some other states.◆◆
Allows you to cross State Trust Land on existing ◆◆roads, trails and designated routes. Note: An
Arizona State Land Department Recreation Permit is required for any other additional recre­ational activities on State Trust Land. Comply
with Land Department use requirements.
www.land.state.az.us.
TIP: Remember to purchase your OHV Decal prior to applying for or renewing your registration. This may make you eligible for a reduced registration fee if you use your OHV primarily on roads that are not suited for conventional 2-wheel-drive vehicular travel.8 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 9
Operation Regulations –
Safe and Ethical Use
Safe and responsible operation
(ARS § 28-1174A-D)
One of the largest threats to sustainable OHV
operation in Arizona is the closure of riding areas
due to irresponsible use. Irresponsible use not only
creates safety hazards, it can also detrimentally im-pact
Arizona’s natural resources (See photo above).
Arizona has adopted regulations to help protect
Arizona’s fragile resources. The following regulations
apply to all off-highway vehicles operated in Arizona
and prohibit operation:
◆◆ With reckless disregard for the safety of persons
or property.
◆◆ Off of an existing road, trail or route in a manner
that causes damage to wildlife habitat, riparian
areas, cultural or natural resources, or property
or improvements.
◆◆ On closed roads, trails, routes or areas.
◆◆ Over unimproved roads, trails, routes or areas
unless driving on roads, trails, routes or areas is
allowed by rule or regulation.
◆◆ That causes damage to the environment as pro-hibited
by rule, regulation, ordinance or code.
OHV travel is limited to roads, trails, routes or areas
that are opened as indicated in rules or regulations
by the land management agency.
Regulatory Signs: A person shall not place or
remove a regulatory sign governing off-highway
vehicle use on any public or state land. Signs are
important for travel and for your safety. Do not
remove or destroy signs.
Other OHV Regulations
Riding Double: When operating your OHV, only
carry the number of passengers that your vehicle is
designed for, especially on ATVs. Proper ATV riding
techniques require operators to shift their weight
and change position in order to maintain control
of the machine. Carrying a passenger can impede
proper riding technique, drastically changing how
the vehicle responds. Many roll-over accidents can
be attributed to the improper carrying of passen-gers
on an ATV. The addition of an after-market
“seat rest” does not lawfully increase the vehicle’s
seating capacity. (ARS § 28-892)
Driving While Impaired: DUI laws apply to
OHV operation too! Never operate under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs — they can
impair your judgment and ability. (ARS § 28-1381)
Wildlife: It is unlawful to chase or harass wildlife.
Remember, where you play is where wildlife calls
home. Ride responsibly by staying on roads and
trails and avoid travel in sensitive habitat areas. If
lawfully traveling off-road, tread lightly and with
care to reduce the likelihood that others will use
the same path. (ARS § 17-309A.1 CR12-4-320A)
10 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 11
Courtesy and Landowner
Relationships
◆◆ Protect your access – respect property, don’t
litter, and always stay on roads and trails. Do not
make new trails.
◆◆ Keep your OHV muffled to reduce exhaust
noise – more complaints, more closures!
◆◆ Mineshafts – stay out, stay alive!
◆◆ Ride responsibly – riding over plants destroys
wildlife habitat.
◆◆ Reduce the risk of fire – make sure your vehi-cle’s
spark arrestor is in good working condition.
◆◆ Be considerate of others – by sharing trails.
◆◆ Avoid creating dust – slow down.
◆◆ Do not cut fences – fences are important for
range management.
◆◆ Leave gates as you found them – open or closed.
◆◆ Keep out of closed areas – do not trespass.
◆◆ Make sure the trail is at least as wide
as your OHV.
◆◆ Know the OHV use regulations for the area
you are in.
Land Management Agencies
Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) –
Do I Need a Permit? – Arizona’s Trust Land is
managed by the Arizona State Land Department.
Trust Land is not public land. An OHV Decal allows
crossing Arizona State Trust Land when operating
on existing roads, trails (unless otherwise prohib-ited)
and designated routes. A valid hunting and
fishing license allows for that specific activity on
State Trust Lands. A recreation permit is required
to camp, hike or conduct any other recreational
activity. To obtain a State Land Recreational Permit,
go to a State Land office, call (602) 364-2753, or
go online to www.land.state.az.us/programs/natural/
recreation_permit.htm.
United States Forest Service (USFS) –
Land of Many Uses! – There are six national
forests in Arizona, and OHV rules vary from forest
to forest. It is extremely important to check with
the forest you plan to visit to find out what is
allowed. Some roads in national forests require
OHVs to be registered as “street legal.” Rules
change regularly. Visit the U. S. Forest Service Web
site at www.fs.fed.us.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) –
National System of Public Lands! – Eight
BLM field offices currently exist in Arizona. BLM
offices are required to allocate planning areas into
three area subdivisions: open (travel permitted
anywhere), closed (e.g., wilderness areas), and
limited (e.g., existing or designated roads/trails,
administrative uses, certain vehicles). Some roads on
BLM lands require OHVs to be registered as “street
legal.” Visit the BLM Web site at www.blm.gov/az.
Indian Nations and Reservations – Tribal lands
have their own rules and regulations regarding OHV
use. Although Federal and State laws are enforced
along some roads and highways, Nation and Res-ervation
laws pertain in all other areas. To operate
your OHV on tribal lands you will need the proper
permit or permission. Visit the Arizona Commission
of Indian Affairs at www.indianaffairs.state.az.us.
Private Property – Many dirt roads cross
private property. Respect private property! Ask
for permission before you operate your OHV
on private roads and trails. Operating without
permission or in a manner that is disrespectful can
lead to closures directly impacting your OHV op-portunities.
Do not trespass — there are criminal
and civil penalties for violating trespass laws.
12 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails
OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 13
Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails
For more detailed descriptions of places to ride visit www.azstateparks.com/ohv
PLACES TO RIDE
Most places that authorize responsible
OHV use in Arizona are managed by
the BLM, USFS and ASLD.LD.LD. Sites
listed in this guide offer sightseeing
opportunities, and prohibit
reckless operation. If you are interested
in high-speed riding, jumps and
other activities, contact a local
“motocross” (MX) facility.
CALL BEFORE YOU GO –
Before you operate your
OHV off-highway, always contact
the appropriate land manager to
check on the type of OHV
recreation opportunity available,
route closures, fire danger,
local conditions, special
permits/permission, OHV
rules, and maps of routes
and area information.
GET A MAP – To obtain
a travel map for the area in
which you wish to operate your
vehicle, call the land manager.
For a custom map, call the
Explore Arizona Outdoor
Information Center at
(602) 417-9300. OHV Laws a 14 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails nd Places to Ride ◆ 2009 15
1  Arizona Strip
(north of Colorado River, St. George)
BLM, Arizona Strip Field Office
(435) 688-3200, www.blm.gov/az
2  Cinder Hills OHV Area (Flagstaff)
Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District
(928) 526-0866, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
3 Kendrick and Mormon Lake / Pinewood
Snowmobile Trail Systems (2 locations)
Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District
(928) 526-0866, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
4  Long Draw OHV Route (Payson-Heber)
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Black Mesa Ranger District
(928) 535-4481, www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf
5  Munds Park (south of Flagstaff)
Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District
(928) 526-0866, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
6  Hayfield Draw/Bryant Park OHV Area
(Cottonwood)
Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District
(928) 567-4121, www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott
7  Alto Pit OHV Recreation Site (Prescott)
Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District
(928) 443-8000, www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott
8  Sheridan Mountain/Smith Mesa OHV
Trail System (Prescott)
Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw and
Chino Valley Ranger District
(928) 443-8000 or (928) 777-2200
www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott
9  Hualapai Mountain OHV Trailhead
(Kingman)
Hualapai Mountain Park, (928) 757-3859
www.mcparks.com/hualapai_mt_park.htm
10  Standard Wash (Lake Havasu City)
BLM, Lake Havasu Field Office, (928) 505-1200
www.blm.gov/az
11 Parker 400 Desert Race Course
(La Paz County)
BLM, Lake Havasu Field Office, (928) 505-1200
www.blm.gov/az
12 Shea Spectator/Pit Areas
and Osborn Wash (Parker)
BLM, Lake Havasu Field Office, (928) 505-1200
www.blm.gov/az
13 Swansea Townsite (Parker)
BLM, Lake Havasu Field Office, (928) 505-1200
www.blm.gov/az
14 Ehrenberg Sandbowl (Ehrenberg)
BLM, Yuma Field Office, (928) 317-3200
www.blm.gov/az
15 Ehrenberg-Cibola (Ehrenberg)
BLM, Yuma Field Office, (928) 317-3200
www.blm.gov/az
16 La Posa (Quartzsite)
BLM, Yuma Field Office, (928) 317-3200
www.blm.gov/az
17 Harquahala Mountain Summit Road
Backcountry Byway (Aguila)
BLM, Hassayampa Field Office, (623) 580-5500
www.blm.gov/az
OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 17
16 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails
18 Yuma East (Yuma)
BLM, Yuma Field Office, (928) 317-3200
www.blm.gov/az
19 Hieroglyphic Mountains Area/
Boulders Staging Area (Lake Pleasant)
BLM, Hassayampa Field Office, (623) 580-5500
www.blm.gov/az
21 Rolls OHV Area (Mesa)
Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District
(480) 610-3300, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/home.shtml
22 Bulldog Canyon OHV Area (Mesa)
Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District
for a required permit (480) 610-3300
www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/home.shtml
23 Desert Wells (Apache Junction)
ASLDLD recreation permit information
(602) 364-2753. AZ Game and Fish Department
for an access guide at (602) 942-3000
www.azgfd.gov/ohv
24 Mescal Mountains OHV Area (Kearny)
Town of Kearny, (520) 363-5547
www.townofkearny.com
25 Sunrise to Big Lake Snowmobile Route
(Springerville)
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Springerville Ranger District, (928) 333-4372
www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf
26 Saffel Canyon Trail (Eagar)
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Springerville Ranger District, (928) 333-4372
www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf
27 Rattlesnake Gap (Greenlee County)
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
C Clifton Ranger District, (928) 687-8600
www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf
28 Gila Box Riparian National
Conservation Area (Safford)
BLM, Safford Field Office, (928) 348-4400
www.blm.gov/az
29 Black Hills Backcountry Byway (Safford)
BLM, Safford Field Office, (928) 348-4400
www.blm.gov/az
30 Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
(Safford)
BLM, Safford Field Office, (928) 348-4400
www.blm.gov/az
31 Redington Pass Backcountry
Touring Area (Tucson)
C C
o
ronado National Forest, Santa Catalina
R R
a
nger District, (520) 749-8700
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado
32 Pima Motorsports Park (Tucson)
Pima County, (520) 762-8771
www.pimamotorsportspark.org
33 Santa Rita Mountain Backcountry
Touring Area (Sonoita)
C C
or
onado National Forest
N N
o
gales Ranger District, (520) 281-2296
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado
34 South Patagonia Mountains
(Sierra Vista)
C C
or
onado National Forest
Sierra Vista Ranger District, (520) 378-0311
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado
35 Great Western Trail (statewide)
For more information visit www.azstateparks.com/ohv or www.azgfd.gov/ohv. 18 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 19
Hunting and OHV use
It is illegal in Arizona to discharge a firearm from a
motor vehicle. A Challenged Hunter Access Mobil-ity
Permit (CHAMP) from the Arizona Game and
Fish Department is available for those who have a
disability and qualify. (ARS § 17-301B)
Do not shoot any firearm or shoot any other device
upon, from, across or into a road or railway. Be sure
of your target and what is beyond it. (ARS § 17-301B)
Shed Hunting – The use of motorized vehicles to
find sheds of cast antlers has increased in popularity.
Irresponsible shed hunting impacts wildlife habitat
and could adversely impact motorized access to
sensitive areas. Shed hunters who use motorized
vehicles must stay on roads and trails when out shed
hunting. Some areas may be closed. (ARS § 17-454
and ARS § 28-1174A.2,3,4,B and C)
Report Violations
Wildlife – When you encounter
wildlife in the backcountry, appreciate it and
respect it. If you observe a game law violation or
wildlife harassment, contact the Arizona Game and
Fish Department at (800) 352-0700. You can re-main
anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if
the provided information leads to an arrest.
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 De-partment’s
24-hour hotline at (800) VANDALS
(1-800-826-3257).
OHV Air Quality Laws
Special consideration – New laws have been
adopted across the Phoenix metropolitan area in
response to air quality concerns. Maricopa County
and cities and towns in the Valley now restrict the
operation of motorized vehicles on unpaved roads
and vacant lots. Check with the Maricopa County
Air Quality Department, the land owner/manager,
or the local city office to find out where recre-ational
use is permissible.
On days when a high pollution advisory (HPA) for
particulate matter (PM10) has been issued by the
Arizona Department for Environmental Quality
(ADEQ), recreational off-highway vehicle use on
an unpaved surface that is not a public or private
road, street or lawful easement is prohibited in
the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. For a map
of the affected area and more details on the HPA
law, go online to http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/
prevent/index.html#ohv. ADEQ also offers free HPA
text message alerts; you can sign up for this service
online at www.azdeq.gov/sms.html.
For more information
on Maricopa County air quality
visit www.cleanairmakemore.com
20 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 21
Protective Gear
Some OHV operation
requires protective clothing
Helmet: Minimum DOT-safety rated motorcycle
helmet. Full-coverage recommended. Protects against
injury and discomfort from windblast, cold, noise,
vegetation and flying objects. A helmet is the most
important piece of protective gear you can wear.
Eye Protection: Motorcycle goggles worn outside
the helmet. Protects against injury from flying debris
and reduces dust which irritates your eyes and im-pairs
vision. Get high-quality lenses, clear or tinted.
Riding Jersey: Cotton or synthetic. Some syn-thetic
materials wick away perspiration and keep
you cool. Some include light elbow pads. They
protect against abrasion, sunburn, windburn, de-hydration
and hypothermia. Bright colors increase
your visibility on the trail.
Elbow Guards: Slip-on elbow guards may be
worn over or under riding jersey. Make sure they
fit properly without restricting movement. They
should also be comfortable.
Gloves: Specially designed off-road motorcycle
or ATV gloves. Protect against injury from flying
debris, trailside hazards like branches and bushes.
They also provide a more secure grip on the
handlebars and protection in case of a fall.
Riding Pants, Hip Pads, Knee Pads: Special
riding pants made of leather, denim or synthetic
materials. Hip pads and knee pads may be built-in
or available separately. The choice is yours.
Riding Boots: Special motocross (MX) boots.
Made of thick leather with steel reinforcements.
Get one size larger to accommodate thick socks to
cushion and wick away moisture. MX boots are the
best protection against foot and ankle injuries. They
also provide the best grip on footrests and provide
sure-footing when you get off the ATV.
Courtesy of the ATV Safety Institute,
www.atvsafety.org
Helmet
Knee Pads
Riding
Boots
Elbow
Guards
(Worn under jersey)
Gloves
Eye
Protection
Riding
Jersey
Hip Pads
Riding Pants
22 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 23
Kids and Motorized Vehicles
Y
outh ATVs are only intended for one operator with no passenger. Children should not ride adult ATVs. Parents are responsible for their children’s safety. Make sure your kids only ride with appropri­ate safety equipment.
Ride the Proper Size ATV
There are ATVs designed for children. Always fol­low manufacturer minimum age recommendations. Supervise children under 16.
O
ne of the first questions you need to ask yourself is whether your child is old enough, big enough and mature enough to handle an ATV. Certainly you know your child better than anyone, but evalu­ate them as objectively as you can ......... their safety is at stake. Download the Young Rider “Readiness Checklist” at www.atvsafety.org to help you evaluate:
Physical development. ◆◆
Visual perception/motor development. ◆◆
Social/emotional development. ◆◆
R
easoning and decision-making ability.◆◆
OHV Education and Training
Arizona Game and Fish
Department (AZGFD)
AZGFDZGFDZGFDZGFD provides an online OHV curriculum for
safety, ethical use, OHV laws, the desert environment, landowner relations, and other components designed
specifically for Arizona OHV operators.
www.azgfd.gov/ohv
Arizona State Parks (ASP)
ASP’s Web site provides information on OHV clubs, where to ride, permits, ethics and safety, OHV laws, volunteering, vehicle equipment, mine shaft safety,
the State OHV Program, and much more.
www.azstateparks.com/ohv
ATV Safety Institute (ASI)
ATV RiderCourse provides hands-on training in basic techniques for riding an all-terrain vehicle.
1-800-887-2887, www.atvsafety.org
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)
D
irtBike School provides hands-on off-highway motor­cycle rider training with an emphasis on safety and skill development. 1-877-288-7093, www.dirtbikeschool.com
National Off-Highway Vehicle
Conservation Council (NOHVCC)
NONO
H
VCCCC develops and provides a wide spectrum of programs, materials and information, or “tools,” to individu­als, clubs, associations and agencies in order to further a positive future for responsible OHV recreation.
1-800-348-6487, www.nohvcc.org
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle
Association (ROHVA)
RORO
H
VA promotes the safe and responsible use of a new and emerging category of recreational off-highway vehicles; the ROROV is sometimes referred to as a side-by-side or utility terrain vehicle. www.rohva.org
United Four-Wheel Drive
Association (UFWDA)
UFWDUFWDUFWDUFWD
A p
rovides a 4WDWD Safety and Awareness
Program. www.ufwda.org/4wdawareness.htm 24 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails
OHV Laws and Places to Ride ◆ 2009 25
Tread Lightly
Tread Lightly! is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible recreation through ethics education and stewardship.
The word TREREAD reminds us to help keep Arizona beautiful while preserving access to places to ride.
Travel responsibly on roads, trails and
permitted areas.
Respect the rights of others, especially private
landowners and other recreationists.
Educate yourself on laws and equipment.
Avoid sensitive areas like meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams unless on a designated route.
Do your part to leave the area better
than you found it.
Safety Checklist
O
ff-Highway Vehicle enthusiasts need to be prepared for the unexpected. Of course, some necessities de­pend on what type of vehicle you are riding or driving, where, in what season, and how long your adventure will be. Here are a few ideas for your checklist:
Navigational Needs: Area maps & guides C Compass, with mirror Permits, if needed G GPS equipment
Personal Safety: Extra water & food F First-aid kit C Cell phone* Spare eyeglasses Sunscreen I Iodine W Whistle Blanket W Waterproof matches Hat Medicine** I Insect repellent F Flashlight Jacket
Tool Box: Pocket knife E Electrical & duct tape N Nylon cord Basic tools
Field Recovery: Tire repair kit Spare tire & jack L Leather gloves E Extra fuel & oil Tow strap E Extra batteries Sturdy tow rope or chain Jumper cables Shovel E Emergency flares E Extra spark plugs F Fire extinguisher F Flashlights Headlight and F Firestarter taillight bulbs
Spare ignition key E Extra water!
Remember to: Tell a responsible person where you are traveling and when you will be returning. D Do not go alone. Consider riding with a club.
*Cell phones cannot be relied on to work outside of metropolitan areas.
**Carry necessary prescriptions in case you have an unexpected extended outing.
Safety Checklist
Go Prepared
Inspect your vehicle before each trip.
A great resource is your owner’s manual!
Remember START-GO:
Steering and drive system
Throttle and brakes
A ctivate lights
Registration
Tires, wheels and suspension
Gasoline and oil
O perate safely, ethically and responsiblyThe Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, (602) 942-3000, or with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.
JUNEUNEUNE 2009/IEIN/FOD
A
rizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway
P
hoenix, AZ 85086
(602) 942-3000
www.azgfd.gov
A
rizona State Parks
1300 W. Washington Street
P
hoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-4174
www.azstateparks.com