New OHV Laws in Arizona 2025 Explained

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) like ATVs are a popular form of recreation in Arizona, but their operation raises several safety issues. To address these safety issues, the Arizona legislature recently passed new safety regulations concerning the operation of OHVs. These changes went into effect at the beginning of January. If you currently own an OHV or are considering getting one, then you need to understand the new OHV laws in Arizona to avoid legal incidents.

Arizona Senate Bill 1567 and New OHV Regulations

In June 2024, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed Senate Bill 1567 (SB 1567), which added a number of new safety regulations concerning OHVs and their use. A quick summary of the new additions is below:

• Driver’s License Requirements – Most importantly, SB 1567 establishes that no person shall operate an OHV on state or public roads without a valid driver’s license. You do not need a license to operate an OHV on roads specifically for OHVs.
• Helmet Laws – Unless there is a proper child-restraint system or a roll-over cage, all OHV riders and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Adults over 18 do not have to wear helmets.
• Dui Provisions – SB 1567 also now counts OHVs as motor vehicles for DUI laws, meaning open container laws now apply to OHV riders and passengers.
• Parental Liability Laws – SB 1567 also adds several provisions that can hold parents and guardians liable for any OHV violations their children under 12 commit. For children between 12 and 15, either parent or child can be liable, but not both.
• OHV Definition – Arizona law defines an OHV as a motorized vehicle meant primarily for off-highway all-terrain traversal. SB 1567 also amended this definition to explicitly include dirt bikes, as previous definitions left them out.

These new requirements went into effect on the first day of 2025 and are set to expire on June 1st, 2027, unless the state government and governor extend the legislation further.

Arizona OHV Training Course Details

One of the most important aspects of the new bill is the inclusion of mandatory safety courses. Starting January 1st, 2025, any new OHV vehicle registrations or renewals will require proof of course completion. The state-sponsored course is created by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and consists of a 10-minute instructional video and 20 multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of OHV safety and operation. Once you complete the course, you can give proof to the Department of Transportation and receive the appropriate OHV decal for your vehicle.

How Much Does the OHV Safety Course Cost?

Fortunately, there is no fee to take the OHV safety course. Arizona residents can take it for free online at the state DMV website, while non-state residents can take it at the AZGFD’s website portal.

Why Did They Make Changes to OHV Regulations?

The Arizona legislature made these regulatory changes to address the risks of operating OHVs, particularly among younger riders. OHVs carry several risks over traditional vehicles for a number of features, such as:

• Lack of Cabin Protections – ATVs lack the safety features other vehicles have, like airbags, seatbelts, and enclosed cabins, which significantly reduce the risk of injury.
• High Speed Capabilities – OHVs can reach very high speeds, but their lightweight designs make them prone to flipping over.
• Environmental Hazards – OHVs are usually operated on rough, nob-paved terrain, which can cause operators to lose control due to uneven ground.
• Operator Inexperience – Many OHV operators are young and engage in risky behavior, which is why new legislation aims to protect minor riders and passengers.

The legislature hopes that by modifying OHV regulations, Arizona will see fewer injury accidents involving these vehicles.

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