Arizona law requires an annual Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Decal for any vehicle operated on unimproved roads, trails, and approved use areas not suitable for normal two-wheel-drive vehicles. Examples include All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, and dune buggies. This does not apply to pickup trucks, SUVs, cars, and other recreational vehicles. The law also mandates that the state name at the top of an Arizona license plate must be clearly visible. Any license plate frames or covers that obscure the plate violate this law.
An “Off-Road” or “RV” license plate on your OHV only indicates that the vehicle has been titled in the State of Arizona. It is NOT a registration plate and does not permit you to operate on roadways that require your vehicle to be registered (street legal/licensed). However, there are exceptions for incidental use on roads requiring registration (street legal/licensed vehicles). Generally, incidental use would be crossing a road or very limited travel on it to get to an OHV area/trail. Check with the local land managing agency for roadway status information.
State motor vehicle laws apply on many backcountry roads, meaning your vehicle must be registered and you must have a license. Here’s a general rule: If a passenger car can use the road, it needs to be registered. You will also need an OHV Decal to operate on unimproved roads, trails, and approved use areas not suitable for normal two-wheel-drive vehicles if your vehicle meets the criteria listed below.
The OHV Decal is a sticker that must be purchased annually to allow your OHV to operate in Arizona. The decal will need to be affixed to the upper left-hand corner of your license plate, and your license plate will need to be clearly displayed on the rear of your OHV. The funds collected through the purchase of the OHV Decal are considered OHV user fees and apply to all OHVs that meet the criteria listed in the next paragraph. The OHV Decal should not be confused with “registration.” Registration is required if you want your OHV to be “street legal” (legal to operate on paved and improved roads).
An off-highway vehicle is considered to be any motor vehicle that is operated on unimproved roads, trails, and approved use areas not suitable for normal two-wheel-drive vehicles. Examples include ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes and dune buggies. The requirement to purchase an OHV Decal only applies to OHVs that meet both of the following criteria: designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and has an unladen weight of 1,800 pounds or less. Pickup trucks, SUVs, cars, and other recreational vehicles are not required (and will not be able) to obtain an OHV Decal. All other regulations apply.
To comply with the law, your OHV/ATV must have an Arizona Certificate of Title in your name. If the vehicle is not titled in your name, or you have an out-of-state title, you will need to visit an MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider to apply for an Arizona Certificate of Title. Vehicles with an engine displacement of less than 49cc are not titled in Arizona. The vehicle must have an Arizona license plate that is securely fastened to the rear of the vehicle and clearly displayed. You can purchase the annual OHV Decal for your OHV online at AZMVDNow.gov or at any MVD Office or Authorized Third Party Provider. The OHV Decal will be affixed to the upper left corner of the license plate.
If you wish to register your OHV to be “street legal,” i.e., operate it on paved or maintained roads, you have two options depending on how you intend to operate the OHV in Arizona. If you operate primarily off-highway, then your vehicle qualifies for a reduced Vehicle License Tax (VLT) of $3.00 and is exempt from registration fees. You must purchase an OHV Decal. The vehicle must be designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and has an unladen weight of 2,500 pounds or less. You must certify that your vehicle is equipped for highway use and will be operated primarily off-highway.
If you operate primarily on improved roads and highways (such as driving within a city), then you must register your vehicle, and pay all applicable fees, through the standard registration process. If your vehicle is designed by the manufacturer primarily for travel over unimproved terrain and has an unladen weight of 2,500 pounds or less, you must purchase an OHV Decal. You must certify that your vehicle is equipped for highway use. Registered vehicles must comply with mandatory insurance requirements. Vehicle emissions testing requirements may apply.
