The operation of an off-highway vehicle requires skill and good judgment. 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. You can be arrested if you are driving under the influence even if you are on a backcountry trail, and the penalties are the same including jail time and the loss of driver's license. Learn more about Arizona off-highway vehicle law, rules and regulations

Yes, contact the Motor Vehicle Department for more information on the equipment and inspections needed to register a motor vehicle. However, it is unsafe to ride 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. Learn more about Arizona off-highway vehicle law, rules and regulations

Yes. You must have a recreational permit or a hunting or fishing license to be on State Land. However, a hunting or fishing license is valid only if you are actively engaged in hunting or fishing. Recreational Permits are available for individuals and families and are issued for one year from the date of purchase. The Individual Permit is $15.00 and the Family Permit is $20.00. Non-profit group and event recreational permits are also available. They require a different permit and usually require a longer processing time. You may pick up your recreational permit in person at the State Land Department main office at 1616 West Adams, Phoenix AZ 85007. Permit applications can also be requested by mail or by telephone during normal business hours by calling (602) 364-2753. Learn more about Arizona off-highway vehicle law, rules and regulations

State motor vehicle laws apply on many Forest Service and BML 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. Learn more about Arizona off-highway vehicle law, rules and regulations

Get involved. Educate yourself by stopping in and talking with land managers at their office. Or, if you see them in the field, stop and ask questions.

• Respect others. Be especially cautious around horses and hikers. Pull off to the side of the trail, shut off your engine, and let the horses or hikers pass.
• Keep your OHV quiet. Loud OHVs have no place in the backcountry. Remember: <dB=>6 (Less sound equals more ground.)
• Stay on trails and in areas open to OHV use.

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Each agency that manages public land has its own rules, regulations and laws to enforce. Rules and laws change. Before using public lands, check with the local land management agency office about rules and requirements. Keep current about changes in OHV regulations. Most areas restrict OHV use to established roads and trails. Some areas have seasonal closures because of wet roads or wildlife breeding or nesting areas. Learn more about Arizona off-highway vehicle law, rules and regulations

The "Off-Road" plate on your ATV is only an indication that the ATV has been titled in the State of Arizona. It is NOT a registration plate and does not allow you to ride on roads that require your vehicle to be registered. Learn more about Arizona off-highway vehicle law, rules and regulations

The minimum equipment necessary to ride on Federal public land is:

• Brakes in good working order.
• Spark arrester (ATVs and motorcycles) and muffler.
• Lights, headlights and taillights if riding at night.

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State Trust Land is land that was granted to Arizona by the federal government when Arizona became a state in 1912. Trust lands total approximately 9.4 million acres and are managed by the State Land Department. The land is held in trust by the State of Arizona, and by law, must be used to generate revenue to fund public schools, universities and other state institutions. State Trust Land is NOT public land. You must have a permit to be on State Trust Land.

Most state land is already leased to someone. When recreating on state land, please keep in mind that someone else is trying to make a living from that land.

• Leave gates the way you find them, either open or closed.
• Vehicles must travel on existing roads and trails.
• Camp at least 1/4 mile from any livestock or wildlife water catchments, tanks, etc.
• Obey posted signs, respect closed areas.
• If you pack it in - pack it out, don't litter.

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You must have a permit to ride an OHV on state trust land. You can obtain a permit the following ways:

• Contact the Arizona Public Lands Information Center in Phoenix at (602) 417-9300
• Contact the Arizona State Land Department in Phoenix at (602) 364-2753
• Log onto the land department’s Web site and follow instructions on how to obtain a recreation permit at http://www.land.state.az.us/

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The ATV RiderCourse
Developed by the ATV Safety Institute, the ATV RiderCourse 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 December 30,1986, 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. To sign up call: 1-800-887-2887

Off-Highway Motorcycle Training
T.E.A.M. Arizona (480) 998-9888
T.E.A.M. Arizona conducts basic rider training for dirt bikes.

Four-Wheel Drive
Arizona State Association of Four-Wheel Drive Clubs (602)-258-4BY4
The ASA4WDC sponsors safety clinics that teach the basics of 4WD.