Third-Party offices “…do everything that the MVD does – titling and registering,” Moss said.
Christmas is coming and some fortunate folks may find a special gift in their driveways – a new Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) wrapped with a big red ribbon.
The OHV is defined as “a motorized vehicle that is operated primarily off of highways and that is designed, modified or purpose-built primarily for recreational non-highway all-terrain travel,” according to Arizona Game and Fish Department literature, the “Off-Highway Vehicle Guide.”
Unfortunately, the surprise of receiving an OHV during the holiday season might be followed by shock when owners go to register the vehicle and are confronted with new regulations that roll out on the first day of the new year.
Howard Moss is well versed in the registering of vehicles and regulations for operating vehicles in Arizona. Since 2004, he has been the owner of Arizona Auto License Services, which has six authorized Third-Party offices – five in the Phoenix area and one in Flagstaff.
Starting in 2025, all OHV drivers will be required to complete a certified safety course and provide proof of completion to the transportation department. To register an OHV in the state of Arizona, “there is a 10-minute video that must be watched and then there will be a 20-question test,” Moss explained. “One person in the household that’s an owner of the vehicle has to take this course. It’s available either on computer or mobile device at MVD NOW, and you must set up an account. You can also go to an MVD field office or an authorized Third-Party office.”
Third-Party offices “…do everything that the MVD does – titling and registering,” Moss said.
Included in the category of OHV is the popular all-terrain vehicle (ATV), which is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires, has a seat that is straddled by the operator, and has a handlebar.
Some other vehicles included in the OHV category are UTVs (utility task vehicles, like the side-by-side), motorcycles, dirt bikes, trail bikes, mopeds and snowmobiles.
The surprise of having to view a video and take a test may be even more unsettling for longtime OHV owners who have been used to renewing their vehicles without the extra requirements.
“Some people are going to be shocked when they go to renew,” he said. “They’ll say, ‘I’ve owned an ATV for 20 years and now you’re telling me I have to take a test?’ They’re going to be surprised that before they can renew they do need to do this safety test.”
Moss, for one, is glad to see the new rules. “I think everyone should be safe – safety for yourself and other people who are on the trails.”
Another new law contributing to safe OHV use will take effect on Dec. 31, 2024. It requires drivers and passengers under age 18 to wear helmets.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department states that OHV recreation is a popular outdoor activity in the state, with more than 1.7 million people participating. “I think ATV ownership is definitely going up,” said Moss. “People are looking for more recreation, more things to do. Everyone was quarantined during COVID and now they want to get out and get some fresh air.”
Moss says the most common mistake people make is driving their OHV on a commercial roadway without registering it properly. “A lot of people think they just register it off-highway. If you buy an ATV from an ATV dealer, they get you an OHV sticker and RV plate, for off-road only.”
There are three categories of OHV use. The first is exclusively off-highway, with no maintained road use. The vehicle will be used off-road at all times; therefore, the vehicle is issued an off-road plate and no yearly registration is issued.
The second category is primarily off-highway with some maintained road use. The vehicle will be used mostly off-road, but occasionally used on-road and is issued a small-sized motorcycle plate. The vehicle is exempt from the registration fee, but insurance is required. Also, an applicable class of license is required to operate the vehicle.
The third category is primarily on-highway with maintained road use. The vehicle will be used mostly on-road. The vehicle is issued a small-sized motorcycle plate. Normal registration fees will apply and insurance is required. Also, an applicable class of license is required to operate the vehicle.
Confusion can arise when an OHV owner is driving on a dirt trail and must use a paved highway suddenly. “For example, you’re on a trail, but then in the middle of it you have to cross a highway to get to the trail on the other side,” Moss explained. This would be a case for registering the vehicle as primarily off-highway with some maintained road use.
Also, if an OHV will be driving on the highway, it must be street legal. “Anyone 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,” according to the “Off-Highway Vehicle Guide.”
In addition, the Arizona Game and Fish Department offers an OHV safety education course that includes instruction on the basic skills required to safely ride or operate an OHV. FBN
By Betsey Bruner, FBN
Photo by Betsey Bruner: A line of used off-highway vehicles are ready for purchase at Eagle Mountain Powersports near the Tonto National Forest.