The following questions
are frequently asked by Arizonans like you
who are interested in outdoor recreation.
For your convenience, the questions are organized
by subject.
If your question is still not answered, please come in to an office
location near you or call us. |
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| Off-Highway Vehicle
(OHV) Questions |
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Question
Where can I ride OHVs?
Answer
Click here for:
Arizona OHV Trails and Places to Ride.
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Question
What are the rules and laws concerning OHVs?
Answer
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. |
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Question
Are there laws about alcohol and drugs for OHV driving?
Answer
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. |
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Question
Do I need to be registered or licensed to drive my OHV?
Answer
State motor vehicle laws apply on many Forest Service and BLM 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. |
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Question
Can I register my ATV? ("Make it street legal"?)
Answer
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. |
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Question
What does the "RV" license plate on my ATV mean?
Answer
The "RV" 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. To ride on paved or maintained roads you need the "MC" or Motorcycle registration plate. |
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Question
What Equipment do I need?
Answer
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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Question
What is State Trust Land?
Answer
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. |
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Question
Do I need a permit to operate my OHV on State Trust Land?
Answer
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. As of Aug. 1, 2008, The Individual Permit is $50.00 and the Family
Permit is $75.00. 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. |
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Question
What rules should I follow on State Trust Land?
Answer
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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Question
How can I help keep OHV areas open?
Answer
- 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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Question
Where can I go for training?
Answer
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. |
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| Boating Questions |
Question
Which boats must be registered?
Answer
All motorboats must be registered in Arizona regardless of their size,
construction, or type and size of motor. This includes, for example, inflatable
rafts, sailboats and canoes with motors (including electric motors). Exceptions
to the registration requirement include watercraft used solely as lifeboats
and those documented by the U. S. Coast Guard. |
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Question
I just bought a boat. What do I do?
Answer
If the boat is new, you need three things:
• A completed application (provided by the Game & Fish Department)
for Arizona watercraft certificate of number.
• A bill of sale with the name of buyer and seller, hull ID number, length,
manufacturer, purchase price and sales tax paid.
• Proper registration fees and license tax.
If the boat is used and previously registered in Arizona you will need
the following:
• A registration signed off by the previous owner(s), releasing ownership
on the back of the certificate.
• A bill of sale with the name of buyer and seller, signature of seller,
hull ID number, length, manufacturer, and purchase price. A bill of sale showing
sales tax paid is required in addition to the registration if the boat was purchased
from a watercraft dealer.
• A completed application form (this could be from the back of the registration
certificate or on form 1532 provided by the Department).
• Proper registration fees, license tax and transfer tax.
• No penalty fee will apply.
If the boat is used and previously registered or titled in another state,
you will need the following:
• Original title (if coming from a title state) or original registration
(if coming from a registration state) which is signed off by the previous owner(s).
• If purchased by a watercraft dealer, a bill of sale showing sales tax
paid in addition to the title or registration.
• A completed application form.
• Proper registration fees and license tax.
Note: Please call the Department for any transaction not covered in this
section and to verify the correct fees. |
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Question
When transferring ownership, how many signatures are required to release
ownership?
Answer
There are three joint ownership designations.
• AND/OR The use of “and/or” requires the signatures of both
parties if both are living. Upon legal proof of the death of either party, the
Department shall transfer registration upon the signature of the living party.
• AND The use of “and” requires the signatures of both parties.
In the event of the death of either party, the interest of the deceased party
shall be handled through probate proceedings.
• OR The use of “or” shall express to the Department the intent
that either of the owners have full authority to transfer registration of the
watercraft. |
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Question
This is the first time I renewed my watercraft. Why did my expiration month
change?
Answer
All new watercraft registrations issued are valid for twelve months. The
second year of registration will be for 7-18 months (fees and tax are pro-rated
appropriately) to fit into the "staggered registration system" wherein
the expiration date is determined by the last two digits of the "AZ" number. |
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Question
How long do transactions take when they are processed through the mail?
Answer
Transactions through the mail may take up to 30 days. for your convenience,
renewal notices are sent six weeks prior to the expiration. The registered
owner can then achieve renewal through the mail by promptly sending the
renewal and proper fees to the Watercraft Registration Section, which in
turn will mail the owner the certificate and decals. If you prefer, registered
owners can also complete registration by coming to a Department office. |
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Question
I live in another state and would like to use my boat on Arizona waters.
What are your requirements?
Answer
Non-resident watercraft may operate in Arizona for a period of 90 days
without Arizona registration, provided it is in compliance with the numbering
system of the U.S. Coast Guard or their home state. If the watercraft continues
to operate on Arizona waters, it must be registered with the Department
before the 90-day period ends. |
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Question
What is a hull identification number?
Answer
A hull identification number (or HIN) means a number assigned to specific
watercraft by the manufacturer or by a government jurisdiction as prescribed
by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is similar to a car's vehicle identification
number. All watercraft manufactured after August 1972 are required by federal
law to have a 12 digit HIN. your watercraft will require inspection if
it is homemade or newer than the 1972 and does not have a conforming HIN
number. |
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Question
How do I place my AZ number and decals on my watercraft?
Answer
The AZ number shall be painted on or attached to each side of the forward
half of your watercraft. It shall read from left to right, be in block
letters not less than three inches high, and be of a color that contrasts
with the color of the hull. It shall be the only number on the forward
half of your boat and should be clearly visible from 100 feet away during
daylight hours. The letters AZ and the suffix shall be separated from the
numerals by a hyphen or equivalent space.
The decals shall be affixed 3 inches in front of the AZ on both sides of
the forward half of the watercraft. See the example below.
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