FAQ’s Regarding Senate Bill 1167 (formerly House Bill 2573): Off-highway Vehicle Recreation Bill
Question: Why do we need this legislation?
Answer: This legislation
will provide long overdue resources
to resolve issues created by
the dramatic increase in off-highway
vehicle (OHV) use. (Since
1998 OHVs have increased more
than 347 percent to nearly
400,000 in Arizona.) The
inability to properly manage
the dramatic increase and use
of OHVs threatens future riding
opportunities for OHV enthusiasts
in Arizona.
Where will the new resources go?
Answer: Revenue will help identify lawful places for operators to ride and clearly convey the need for responsible riding and operator expectations. Monies will also be available for law enforcement, trail/facility development, rider education and information, and mitigation of resource damage from OHVs. Administrators of this fund are Arizona State Parks Department, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Arizona State Land Department. (The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division will administer the registration.)
Question: What’s in it for me –the rider?
Answer: These funds would
ensure an opportunity for you
to continue to responsibly enjoy
OHV recreation in the future.
Funds generated from this program
will bolster OHV management
efforts in the state.
There would be an increase of
funds for grants and agreements
to help maintain and develop
trails and facilities, information,
education and programs including
signage and maps, mitigation
for damage caused by OHVs, law
enforcement and efforts to reduce
inappropriate or irresponsible
use.
Question: I don’t pay anything to ride now, why should I have to pay a new fee?
Answer: In order to maintain and ensure riding opportunities for the future we must be able to maintain and develop facilities, educate and inform riders, and enforce laws to promote responsible riding. Unfortunately, this requires money, and current revenue sources for OHV management are inadequate to meet the dramatic increase in OHV use. A “user play, user pay” program is a reasonable approach to generating money from those who enjoy the benefits of the program. In other words, those who use OHVs pay for the management of OHVs by paying an annual fee.
Question: I’ve heard it’s going to be $50 a year to register?
Answer: Wrong! The legislation
does not specifically state
an amount. Revenue estimates
are based on an anticipated
annual fee of $20. However,
the actual fee will need to
be set through a rule making
process that will require substantial
public involvement and input.
Question:
I already pay for registration
on my quad. Why should I have
to pay more?
Answer: If you pay to
register your quad for the road,
you are paying an average of
$97 a year. Why not pay
around $20 annually and be able
to drive on or off-highway and have your money
go toward OHV issues you care
about? (Currently
registration dollars go to the
Highway User Revenue Fund; most
Forest Service Roads require
street registration.)
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