Arizona OHV

Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona State Parks and Trails • Arizona State Land Department Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide FREE MAP INCLUDED PROGRAM Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086 602-942-3000 www.azgfd.gov Arizona State Parks and Trails 1110 W. Washington St. #100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 1-877-MY-PARKS www.azstateparks.com Arizona State Land Department 1616 W. Adams St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-542-4631 www.azland.gov TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Title, User Fee and Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Equipment and Safety Requirements. . . . . . . . . . 8 Children and OHVs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Operation Regulations and Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Where to Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Courteous and Ethical OHV Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Report Violations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 OHVs and Hunting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Key Agencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Air Quality Laws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 OHV Education and Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The Arizona Game and Fish Department receives Federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and thus prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age and sex pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To request an accommodation or informational material in an alternative format or to file a discrimination complaint please contact the Director’s Office at (602) 942-3000 or by mail at 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Discrimination complaints can also be filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Diversity and Inclusive Workforce, Attention: Public Civil Rights and Disability Coordinator, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. IERD/2021 OHV Safety Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover INTRODUCTION Where do OHV decal dollars go? Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) provide a great way to access and enjoy Arizona’s amazing outdoor recreation opportunities. OHV riding can be a safe, enjoyable, low-impact activity when users follow the laws and riding ethics. If OHVs continue to cause damage to habitat, land management agencies may be forced to implement closures. • 7  0% goes to the administration of a statewide OHV Program in the following percentages: This brochure contains information about the state’s OHV laws, and is designed to help users understand responsible riding practices, protect the environment, and preserve their privilege to ride. This brochure was created through funds provided by the Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund, which also contributes monies to education programs, trail maintenance, trailside support facilities, signage, maps, habitat mitigation and OHV law enforcement. OHV recreation is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in Arizona, and that popularity continues to grow at an astounding rate. According to the Arizona State Parks and Trails 2020 Trails Plan, 24% of Arizonans considered themselves motorized recreational users. That figure represents more than 1.7 million people who seek OHV recreation opportunities. In addition, a 2018 Economic Impact Study conducted by Arizona State University found that resident and non-resident riders contribute roughly $2.6 billion annually to the state’s economy. • 3  0% goes to the Highway User Revenue Fund (distributed to counties and cities for road and highway maintenance) - 60% to Arizona State Parks and Trails for grants funding, trail maintenance, signage, education and enforcement.  - 35% to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for enforcement, education and outreach.  - 5% to the Arizona State Land Department for mitigation, signage and enforcement. How the OHV decal benefits you • P  rovides funding for OHV needs such as trail construction, maps, safety training, OHV recreation areas, trailheads, trail maintenance and education. • A  llows 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 recreation activities on State Land. Comply with Land Department use requirements. www.azland.gov • P  rovides funding for OHV law enforcement officers to ensure users are all following the rules and riding safely. • M  ay reduce the vehicle license tax for street legal registration. Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 3 DEFINITIONS Land manager: The federal, state, county, city, town, tribal or local municipal agency responsible for the management of properties either publicly owned or held in trust for its beneficiaries. Off-highway vehicle (OHV): (a) Means a motorized vehicle that is operated primarily off of highways and that is designed, modified or purpose-built primarily for recreational nonhighway all-terrain travel. (b) Includes a tracked or wheeled vehicle, utility vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, four-wheel drive vehicle, dune buggy, sand rail, 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. By definition, ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, RZRs®, ROVs, motorcycles, mopeds and snowmobiles are all considered OHVs. (A.R.S. 28-1171) Motorcycle: A motor vehicle that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and that is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but excludes a tractor, an electric bicycle, an electric miniature scooter, an electric stand-up scooter and a moped. (A.R.S. 28-101 41.) All-terrain vehicle (ATV): “All-terrain vehicle” means either of the following: 1. A motor vehicle that satisfies all of the following: Is designed primarily for recreational nonhighway all-terrain travel, is 50 or fewer inches in width, has an unladen weight of 1,200 pounds or less, travels on three or more nonhighway tires, and is operated on a public highway. 2. Or, a recreational off-highway vehicle that satisfies all of the following: Is designed primarily for recreational nonhighway allterrain travel, is 80 or fewer inches in width, has an unladen weight of 2,500 pounds or less, travels on four or more nonhighway tires, has a steering wheel for steering control, has a rollover protective structure, and has an occupant retention system. (A.R.S. 28-101 3.) 4 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. Highway: The entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained by the federal government, the department, a city, a town or a county if any part of the way is generally open to the use of the public for purposes of conventional two-wheel drive vehicular travel. Highway does not include routes designated for off-highway vehicle use. (A.R.S. 28-1171 3.) Street: The entire width between the boundary lines of every way if a part of the way is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. (A.R.S. 28-101 67.) Street legal: Refers to vehicles that are registered for highway use. These vehicles are required to have specific equipment and carry proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance). Off-highway vehicle trail: A multiple-use corridor that is designated and managed by the land management agency. OHV WEIGHTS AND MEASURES It is important to read your specific OHV manufacturers owner’s manual to determine the correct weights and measures for your machine. Dirt Bike Wheels/Tires: 2 > 50 cc OHV Decal Required ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle)/ OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Wheels/Tires: 3 or more Seat type: Straddle Width: 50” Maximum Wheelbase: 61” Maximum OHV Decal Required UTV (Utility-Type Vehicle) Wheels/Tires: 4 Width: 50” Minimum, 80” Maximum Wheelbase: 110” Maximum Weight: 2 ,500 Pounds Maximum OHV Decal Required IMAGE COURTESY OF POLARIS Four-Wheel Drive Full-Size Vehicle Wheels/Tires: 4 Weight: E xceeds 2,500 Pounds No OHV Decal Arizona Arizona Off-Highway Off-Highway Vehicle Vehicle Guide Guide5 5 TITLE, USER FEE AND REGISTRATION Understanding of OHV registration and decal requirements There are two ways to register your OHV: • Street legal — residents and non-residents • Title only — residents only All residents and non-residents are required to purchase an OHV decal. All OHVs designed by the manufacturer primarily for use over unimproved terrain that weigh 2,500 pounds or less are required by law to display a valid OHV decal to operate on public and State Trust Lands in Arizona. Visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV for additional information on the registration and decal processes. Street-legal registration Anyone (resident or non-resident) who wishes to operate their OHV on maintained roads as well as trails must register their machine as street legal through the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office or authorized third-party MVD service providers. Many dirt roads are maintained roads and require street-legal registration and equipment, just like a paved road. Street-legal registration comes with a motorcycle endorsed license plate. The registration sticker displaying the valid month and year goes in the upper right corner. The OHV decal goes in the upper-left corner. Street-legal OHV requirements (A.R.S. 28-1179): • O  ne brake which can be operated by hand or foot • Brake light • H  eadlight(s) and taillight(s) visible at 500 feet • One red rear reflector • L  icense plate securely fastened to the rear 6 • License plate light • Horn • Muffler • Rearview mirror • S  eat and footrests for the operator and passengers • Fuel tank cap Title-only registration Title-only registration (off-road designated license plates) and non-resident OHV decals only allow operation on unimproved roads and trails. They do not allow for travel on pavement or graded dirt roads, except for the incidental crossing of these roads while accessing trails. If you have an off-road plate or a non-resident OHV decal, you must trailer the OHV to a location where you can access the unimproved roads and trails. Title-only registration is available to residents only through the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) or an authorized third-party MVD service provider. For a list of MVD offices and authorized third-party locations visit www.azdot.gov. Non-resident OHV decal requirements Arizona requires non-residents wanting to operate -' their OHV within the state to purchase a nonPROPER DECAL PLACEMENT ·1 resident OHV decal. The decal must be purchased I. prior to riding an OHV within the state. For more -, 0 information visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV. 0 I ,----, ( ___ _J .I ,-1 ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV) Left rear quadrant on permanent plastic or metal frame members visible to outside inspection. MOTORCYCLE Left fork leg, either horizontal or vertical, visible from the left. RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (UTV/ROY) On the left rear quarter panel of a recreational off-highway vehicle. CX) CX) ,-1 _I OHV decal exceptions (A.R.S. 28-1178) You do not need an OHV decal if you are: • p  articipating in an off-' highway special event; SNOWMOBILES Left quadrant of the metal frame visible to the rear. 0 1I '- 0 You must display the non-resident OHV decal in a manner that is clearly visible for inspection on the left rear quarter panel (driver's side) of vehicles with three or more wheels, or on the left fork leg for two- wheeled vehicles. • o  perating an OHV -' on private land; G 1I ,_ • Iloading or unloading -' an OHV from a vehicle; I I I I I I I I I I I -, ---+ I I I L ___ _J I I L ___ J I I I I I L ___ J I I I____ I I_ 1 I I L ___ J I I L ___ J I I I I I I I •-- ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT • i f directed a peace 5000by W CAREFREE HIGHWAY PHOENIX AZ 85086-5000 officer or other public Andrew Johs safety authority. 5178 Western Way Perris, CA 92571 Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide I i ___ _J L- I_ • Vehicle insurance Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. 1 r- I • -'o�lperating during a period J ____ ----' ',---1 of emergency; or SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR OPENING INSTRUCTIONS ,- 7 EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS • Eye protection is required for operators of OHVs not equipped with a protective windshield. (A.R.S. 28-964.A) OHV protective gear • Spark arrestor that is approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (A.R.S. 28-1179.A4) • Helmets (required if under 18) • S  eat belts (if operating a UTV) — All front-seat passengers and all passengers under 16 years of age (A.R.S. 28-909) • Riding jersey • Chest protector • Elbow guards • Riding pants • Hip pads • Knee pads • Riding boots Equipment needed to operate an OHV in Arizona: • T  he best equipment for preventing a brain injury is a helmet. A properly fitted and fastened helmet — approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation — is required for those under 18 who operate or ride an OHV. Helmets are strongly recommended for OHV operators and riders over 18. (A.R.S. 28-964.A and A.R.S. 28-1179.B) • S  park arrestor: 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 USDAapproved spark arrestors are allowed. • M  uffler or noise dissipative device that prevents sounds above 96 decibels during prescribed stationary sound testing. (A.R.S. 28-1179.A3) • H  eadlights and taillights for use from dusk to dawn. (A.R.S. 28-1179.A2) • Brake light and at least one red rear reflector (if taillight does not reflect) (A.R.S. 28-927) • License plate securely fastened to the rear of the vehicle and clearly visible. (A.R.S. 28-2512D1&2) • Rearview mirror (A.R.S. 28-964.B) • S  eat and footrests for the operator and each passenger, if the OHV is designed to carry a passenger. (A.R.S. 28-964.B) • S  afety flags are required on sand dunes and where required by the land management agency. They must be at least 6 inches by 8 inches and 8 feet above the ground. (A.R.S. 28-1179.A5) Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 9 CHILDREN AND OHVs Off-road riding is a great family activity. It’s an opportunity for youngsters to learn new skills and develop self-confidence, and for parents to spend quality time outdoors with their children. One of the first things to consider is whether a child has the physical ability and maturity to handle an OHV. A parent knows their child better than anyone, so being able to evaluate that child objectively is important. After all, the safety of the child is at stake. Providing proper instruction is a key responsibility of parents. That includes supervising children under 16 at all times. It’s also important to select an OHV that’s appropriate for the size of the child. There are size- and age-appropriate OHVs designed for children. Children should never ride OHVs designed for adults. Always follow the manufacturer’s minimum-age recommendations, and make sure children only ride with the appropriate safety equipment. It’s important to make sure that children under 16 stay off maintained roads. After all, a driver’s license is required and maintained roads usually have the most vehicle traffic, which poses the greatest risk for a child. For additional information on children and OHVs, visit AZGFD’s OHV Safety Education webpage at www.azgfd.gov/OHV. 10 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 11 OPERATION REGULATIONS AND SAFETY Operation restrictions violation classification (ARS 28-1174A-D) One of the biggest threats to sustainable OHV operation in Arizona is the closure of riding areas due to illegal and unethical use. Irresponsible users not only create safety hazards, but they also negatively affect Arizona’s natural resources (see photo below). Arizona has adopted strong regulations to protect the state’s fragile natural resources and the ability to visit such beautiful spots. It is unlawful for anyone to drive an OHV: • W  ith reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. • O  ff 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. • O  n closed roads, trails, routes or areas (with the exception of hunters retrieving animals in designated areas in accordance with land management agency rules). Other OHV Regulations Driver’s license: A valid driver’s license is required when operating on roads that meet the definition of a highway (this includes maintained dirt roads). (A.R.S. 28-3151) Riding double: Operating an ATV without the proper safety components for an additional rider (foot rests and permanently attached seat) can be dangerous. Operating an ATV (quad) in this manner impedes proper riding techniques and drastically changes how the vehicle responds. Proper riding techniques require operators to shift their weight and position to maintain control of the ATV. Many injuries sustained in OHV crashes can be attributed to passengers riding improperly. (A.R.S. 28-892) Driving while impaired: DUI with an OHV is just like a DUI in any other vehicle. It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person is impaired to the slightest degree. (A.R.S. 28-1381) • O  ver unimproved roads, trails, routes or areas, unless driving on roads, trails, routes or areas is allowed by rule or regulation. • T  hat causes damage to the environment as prohibited by rule, regulation, ordinance or code. 12 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 13 WHERE TO RIDE H ! Arizona has tons of diverse and amazing places to ride your OHV. Get the details at azstateparks.com/where-to-ride. Before venturing off-highway, check with the appropriate land manager for route closures, fire danger, local conditions, special permits and permission, specific OHV laws, route maps and area information. 2 1 H ! ! H H ! 3 H ! H ! H ! H! ! HH !! H H ! H ! H ! H ! H ! H ! H! ! H ! H H ! ! H H H! ! H ! H ! H ! H ! ! H H! ! H H ! H ! H ! H ! H ! H ! !! H H H ! H ! H ! H ! H ! 6 4 H ! ! H H H ! ! H ! H! ! H H ! H ! ! H H ! 5 H ! H !! H H ! H ! 14 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. H ! H ! H ! Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 15 COURTEOUS AND ETHICAL OHV USE Watch your speed. A person shall not drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, conditions and actual and potential hazards then existing. Whether speed limit signs are present or not, you must drive your OHV at a speed that allows safe operation and full control of the machine at all times. If you are driving at a speed that causes you to skid, slide or otherwise lose control when encountering a hazard, you are traveling beyond reasonable and prudent speed. (A.R.S. 28-701 A.) Keep out of closed areas. Do not trespass or drive on closed roads or cross-country. Be mindful of your dust around homes and camps. Excessive dust is one of the top complaints from landowners, and it’s one of the reasons private roads are being closed across this state. Leave gates as you found them — open or closed. If a rancher intends a gate to be open, they will open it all the way up against the fence, or tie it off to a post. If a gate is open but left on the ground, assume it should be closed and close it. The impact of OHVs: What are the issues? The use of OHVs during hunting season has dramatically increased. While OHVs have made access to some backcountry areas and big game retrieval easier for some hunters, the increased use has created new challenges. Off-trail use. Operating an OHV off-trail is illegal. Illegal off-trail operation of OHVs can cause soil erosion and damage fish and wildlife habitat. Illegal OHV operation threatens the future of OHV recreation. Proliferation of roads. Cross-country travel has led to the creation of tens of thousands of illegal roads across the state. A new road can be created with just two or three passes of a vehicle. If you see tire tracks leading somewhere, do not follow them. NOTE: Washes are not considered roads except on some Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. If traveling in a wash on BLM land, stay in the wash bottom the entire time. A person is in violation as soon as their tires touch the bank or leave the wash. 16 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. What can be done to reduce the impact? • Stay on open roads and trails. • A  void wet areas. OHVs can do serious damage to meadows, streams and other wet areas important to wildlife and Arizona’s water supply. Even a lighter-weight OHV with low-pressure tires can do lasting damage. • A  void using muddy roads whenever possible to prevent damaging the roadways. Also avoid driving off-road to avoid standing water. This causes the “braiding” of roads and leads to a significant amount of habitat damage. If it is too muddy, turn around. • R  espect private property. Many dirt roads and trails cross private property. Always ask for permission before operating an OHV on private roads and trails if posted. Operating without permission, or in a disrespectful manner, can lead to closures directly affecting your OHV opportunities. Do not trespass — there are criminal and civil penalties for violating trespassing laws. • R  espect other recreationists. Slow down or stop your OHV when approaching others on the trail. When meeting equestrians, approach slowly, pull over and stop. Once the equestrians have passed, continue. • T  o reduce noise and emissions, keep your OHV properly tuned and muffled. • L  imit OHV use in or near campgrounds. Be respectful of other campers’ desires for quiet and minimal disruption. • W  hen overtaking others on the trail, pass in a safe and courteous manner. Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 17 REPORT VIOLATIONS If a wildlife violation is observed, contact the Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-352-0700. If acts of vandalism, habitat destruction or egregious OHV use are observed, try to get a good description of the people, vehicle, license plate and any other important information. Report this information to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 24-hour hotline at 800-VANDALS (800-826-3257) or the applicable county sheriff’s office. NOTE: Use caution when attempting to collect information to report, and do not confront the people engaged in the unlawful activity. OHVs AND HUNTING OHVs are an excellent tool to access Arizona’s backcountry, but hunters need to remember that hunting with the aid of a vehicle is prohibited. An OHV can be used to access a particular hunt area, but a hunter cannot exclusively hunt from a motor vehicle. It is illegal to discharge a firearm from a motor vehicle or shoot from, across or into a road or railway. (A.R.S. 17-301B) Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it. Motorized big game retrieval is highly restricted. Check with the appropriate land management agency to determine if motorized big game retrieval is legal in a particular game management unit for that species. If allowed, do not travel cross-country in wet conditions. You are still responsible for any habitat damage. The use of motorized vehicles to find shed antlers has increased in popularity. Shed hunters who use OHVs must stay on roads and trails, and avoid areas that are closed. Irresponsible shed hunting impacts wildlife habitat and can adversely impact motorized access to sensitive areas. (A.R.S. 17-454 and A.R.S. 28-1174) It is unlawful to chase or harass wildlife. Ride responsibly by staying on roads and trails and avoiding travel in sensitive habitat areas. (R12-4-320A) 18 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 19 KEY AGENCIES Arizona Game and Fish Department The Arizona Game and Fish Department provides education programs, law enforcement and outreach materials for Arizona’s diverse OHV community. AZGFD conserves and protects the state’s more than 800 species of wildlife. To schedule an education course, get information on OHV laws or request outreach materials, use the information provided below. Arizona Game and Fish Department — Headquarters 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086 602-942-3000 www.azgfd.gov/OHV Arizona State Land Department Arizona’s Trust Land is managed by the Arizona State Land Department. Trust Land is not public land. An OHV decal allows crossing Trust Land when operating on existing roads, trails and designated routes (unless otherwise prohibited). A State Land recreation permit is required to park and stage an OHV tow vehicle, camp, hike or conduct any recreational activity on Trust Land. A valid hunting or fishing license allows for those specific activities on Trust Lands. Recreation permits can be printed from home and are valid for one year from the date of purchase. To obtain a permit or learn more about State Trust Land visit land.az.gov or call 602-542-4631. Arizona State Land Department — Central Office 1616 W. Adams St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-542-4631 www.land.az.gov Arizona State Parks and Trails Arizona State Parks and Trails manages 34 parks statewide for a wide range of recreation opportunities. One of the agency’s primary tasks is to distribute millions of dollars a year in project funding. Funds are used for education, law enforcement, trail development, trail maintenance, developing support faculties and a wide range of other OHV-related needs. For information on any of the agency’s parks or OHV 20 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. management, use the information below. 110 W. Washington St. #100 Phoenix, AZ 85007 1-877-MY-PARKS www.azstateparks.com U.S. Forest Service There are six national forests in Arizona, and OHV rules vary from forest to forest. It is important to check with the forest to find out what is allowed and to learn about current conditions. Some roads in national forests require OHVs to be registered as “street legal,” and rules change regularly. Below is contact information for all six forests. There are also some fee areas. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest — Main Office 30 S. Chiricahua St. P.O. Box 640 Springerville, AZ 85938 928-333-6280 www.fs.usda.gov/asnf Coconino National Forest — Main Office 1824 S. Thompson St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 928-527-3600 www.fs.usda.gov/coconino Coronado National Forest — Main Office 300 W. Congress Tucson, AZ 85701 520-388-8300 www.fs.usda.gov/coronado Kaibab National Forest — Main Office 800 S. 6th St. Williams, AZ 86046 928-635-8200 www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab Prescott National Forest — Main Office 344 S. Cortez St. Prescott, AZ 86303 928-443-8000 www.fs.usda.gov/prescott Tonto National Forest — Main Office 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85006 602-225-5200 www.fs.usda.gov/tonto Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 21 Bureau of Land Management Numerous and diverse opportunities for OHV recreation exist on BLM-managed public lands. Miles of trails and open areas await all types of OHV enthusiasts. Please obey all signs regarding the management of public lands and routes. Know where you are driving, respect private property, stay well away from livestock, and wildlife and their water sources. The BLM regulates the use of roads, trails and land under its jurisdiction in order to meet specific land management objectives, to protect resources and to provide public safety. Bureau of Land Management — Arizona State Office 1 N. Central Ave. Suite 800 Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-417-9200 www.blm.gov/arizona Office on Tribal Relations Tribal lands have their own rules and regulations regarding OHV use. To operate an OHV on tribal lands, the proper permit or permission is needed. Visit the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations at gotr.azgovernor.gov. All off-highway vehicles must comply with state regulations and restrictions. Please make sure to check your state’s laws before enjoying OHV routes on public lands. 22 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 23 AIR QUALITY LAWS In the portions of Maricopa and Pinal counties designated as Area A (see map) Dust and OHV use The following applies when a PM10 High Pollution Advisory (HPA) has been issued: To reduce dust pollution (PM10), communities across Maricopa and Pinal counties have specific laws for the operation of motor vehicles on unpaved roads, dry washes, riverbeds and open areas. Check with the Maricopa County Air Quality Department for laws on vehicle use in unincorporated areas of Maricopa County, and city agencies for areas within city boundaries. Always check with the appropriate land manager for road closures, fire danger, special permits and permissions, and other possible restrictions before operating your OHV. In unincorporated areas of Maricopa County The following apply at all times: • I f operating an OHV on unpaved public property in unincorporated areas of Maricopa County, make sure the property is maintained by a federal or state agency, city, town or Maricopa County, and that the property is open to the public for vehicular use. • I f operating an OHV on private property in unincorporated areas of Maricopa County, make sure to have consent from the property owner. Stay off of posted land. • A  n OHV cannot be operated on an unpaved surface that is not a public or private road, street or lawful easement, unless that OHV is being operated in the normal course of business or in an event that is endorsed or sponsored by a public agency. Before heading out, check to see if a PM10 HPA has been issued at www.azdeq.gov/forecasting. Please visit the following websites for more information on air quality laws related to OHV use and the penalties associated with violating these laws: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality: www.azdeq.gov/dustprevention Maricopa County Air Quality Department: www.maricopa.gov/AQ Pinal County Air Quality Department: www.pinalcountyaz.gov/AirQuality/Dust Sign up for HPA text message alerts: www.public.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZDEQ/ subscriber/new www.cleanairmakemore.com/make-thecommitment/sign-up-for-email-text-alerts For more information, see Maricopa County Air Quality Department Ordinance P-28 (Off-Road Vehicle Use in Unincorporated Areas of Maricopa County). Enforcement will occur within unincorporated areas of Maricopa County (i.e., county islands and other areas not legally part of a city or town). A violation of the ordinance could result in a Class 3 misdemeanor with the possibility of performing at least eight but not more than 24 hours of a community restitution course related to OHVs. 24 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 25 CHECK BEFORE YOU GO Before heading out, see if a PM10 HPA has been issued at www.azdeq.gov/forecasting. Follow the requirements listed on page 25. Named Locations in Area A 19: Hieroglyphic Mtns/Boulder Staging Areas 21: The Rolls OHV Area 22: Bulldog Canyon OHV Area 23: Desert Wells Multiuse Area 26 Nature Rules! Stay on Roads and Trails. Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide 27 OHV EDUCATION AND TRAINING There is no better time to get out and about on your OHV than now, and no better place to ride than on a trail made for that purpose. Going on a trail is purely about the experience, sightseeing, nature, trees, hills, gravel, wildlife —