FAQ

Yes, in most cases. An OHV designed by its manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and weighing 2,500 pounds or less must display a valid Arizona OHV decal to operate on Arizona public and State Trust lands. The decal is valid for one year from its purchase date.

Arizona does not issue a separate "OHV license." Operators must carry a valid driver's license wherever state motor-vehicle laws apply, including maintained roads. The vehicle must also have the registration, current OHV decal, liability insurance, and equipment required for where it will be operated. One registered owner must complete the free "OHV Decal: Safe & Ethical Riding in Arizona" course to purchase an OHV decal. Confirm current requirements with Arizona Game and Fish and MVD before riding.

The older AZGFD bulletin said a nonresident owner could be exempt when the vehicle displayed a current home-state OHV decal or registration and remained in Arizona for no more than 30 consecutive days. That exemption is no longer current: Arizona Game and Fish says Arizona stopped accepting out-of-state OHV decals in 2019.

Visitors whose OHV is designed primarily for unimproved terrain and weighs 2,500 pounds or less must purchase an Arizona nonresident OHV decal. As of January 1, 2025, at least one registered owner must create a free AZGFD portal account and complete the free "OHV Decal: Safe & Ethical Riding in Arizona" course. The nonresident decal permits operation on non-maintained roads and trails, with incidental crossings of maintained roads; it does not make the vehicle street legal. Short-term visitors generally cannot obtain Arizona street-legal registration unless they meet Arizona domicile, garaging, and insurance requirements. Confirm the current rules before bringing a vehicle to Arizona.

The network is intended primarily for OHVs capable of current route conditions: width, wheelbase, clearance, tires, range, and driver experience all matter. AZAT can't promise every segment is passable by every ATV, UTV, motorcycle, Jeep, or pickup.

Gate width and vehicle restrictions vary by location and can change. Follow posted restrictions and current land-manager maps rather than assuming any vehicle fits every gate.

Leave gates as you find them unless a posted sign instructs you to close the gate. If a sign says "Close the Gate," close and secure it after passing through. Never force, damage, bypass, or alter a locked or closed gate; turn around if access is not clearly permitted.

Motorcycle suitability depends on the route, road status, rider skill, range, and legal access. Riders are responsible for confirming their vehicle class is allowed on each road they use.

Requirements depend on vehicle type, registration, location, and whether travel occurs on a road or trail. Consult the current Arizona MVD OHV guide and Arizona law for lights, brakes, horn, mirror, muffler, spark arrestor, plate display, seating, helmets, and other equipment. Carrying emergency equipment doesn't substitute for legally required equipment.

Motor vehicle use is governed by the applicable National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map, posted signs, closures, and forest orders. Use only roads and trails open to your vehicle class and season of use.

An OHV decal may authorize travel across State Trust land on existing roads and trails, but it does not authorize stopping, staging, parking, camping, or other recreation. Those activities require the appropriate Recreational Permit. Trust land is not the same as public land, and access is not guaranteed.

Only with lawful authorization. Don't assume an AZAT line grants access to tribal or private property. Remain on the verified route, obey signs and gates, and obtain any required tribal permit or landowner permission before entering.

Motorized and mechanized travel is generally prohibited in designated federal Wilderness. If the route appears to enter a prohibited area, turn around and report the conflict.