The Arizona
Game and Fish Department became involved
with Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation
in 1972 when legislation was passed that
gave the Arizona Game and Fish Commission
the authority to approve and expend funds
to identify habitat damage, provide information
and education, and provide law enforcement
for OHV related activities. Although the
authority to conduct these activities was
approved, it was not until 1989 that funding
was actually provided to administer these
duties. With this revenue, the Arizona Game
and Fish Department funds personnel and resources
to meet the Department's mission of conserving,
enhancing, and restoring Arizona's diverse
wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive
protection and management programs, and to
provide wildlife resources, safe watercraft
and off-highway vehicle recreation for the
enjoyment, appreciation, and use of present
and future generations.
New - Friday, June 27, 2008 Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano signed into law SB1167. The rules and regulations of that bill will go into effect on January 1, 2009, thanks in large part to a joint effort between Arizona Sportsmen and Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) user groups. OHVs are defined as those machines primarily designed by the manufacturer for off-highway use and weighing 1,800 pounds or less. New requirements include:
- Purchase of an annual sticker through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) validating use of the OHV in Arizona. This will be a flat fee that is yet to be determined but it is anticipated to be lower than the value license tax currently being charged for registration. This includes all-terrain vehicles, side by sides (Utility Vehicles), dirt bikes, and sand rails. Trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), cars, and other recreational vehicles (motor homes) will not be affected.
- OHV Operators and riders under the age of 18 will be required to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet designed for motorized vehicle use
- Sound restrictions for OHVs generating sound greater than 96 decibels
The goal of the new regulations is to provide better OHV management and protection of natural resources while maintaining access. Funds generated from this program will be used to help ensure sustainable opportunities by bolstering grant programs that pay for maintenance, signage, mitigation, education, and enforcement. Remember to leave no trace and that Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails.
NOTE: The following files are PDF's and require the free Adobe
Acrobat Reader. For text-only, use Adobe
Access.
|
