Learn About Our OHV Education Programs
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s all off-highway vehicle (OHV) safety education course includes instruction on the basic skills required to safely ride or operate an OHV. These include responsibilities of OHV riders to others and the environment, general information on preparing for the unexpected, additional educational resources, laws, rules and regulations for the safe, ethical and responsible operation and use of OHVs.
UTV Safety Education Program
As of Jan. 1, 2025, customers are required to take the free course “OHV Decal: Safe & Ethical Riding in Arizona” in order to purchase a decal.
Whether you have been off-roading for years or are just thinking of giving it a try, we have opportunities for you to brush up or try out your ATV skills. Take an off-highway Vehicle education course now. You can choose one of two online courses: https://www.offroad-ed.com/arizona/ or https://www.atvcourse.com/usa/arizona/ , both courses are AZGFD approved. Another option is to try your skills at one of our in-person courses by signing up for an event today.
While these courses provide valuable safety and operational information, they are not the free OHV course that was identified in the new OHV legislation.
Most insurance companies offer a discount on your UTV or ATV insurance rate for completing one of our courses.
ATV Safety Education Program
As of Jan. 1, 2025, customers are required to take the free course “OHV Decal: Safe & Ethical Riding in Arizona” in order to purchase a decal.
Whether you have been off-roading for years or are just thinking of giving it a try, we have opportunities for you to brush up or try out your ATV skills. Take an off-highway Vehicle education course now. You can choose one of two online courses: https://www.offroad-ed.com/arizona/ or https://www.atvcourse.com/usa/arizona/ , both courses are AZGFD approved. Another option is to try your skills at one of our in-person courses by signing up for an event today.
While these courses provide valuable safety and operational information, they are not the free OHV course that was identified in the new OHV legislation.
Most insurance companies offer a discount on your UTV or ATV insurance rate for completing one of our courses.
School OHV Safety Education Program
Quail Kids is an interactive learning experience designed to teach young riders the importance of off-highway vehicle safety. The course topics include protective riding equipment requirements, matching rider abilities to the machine size and ethical riding.
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.
Courteous and ethical OHV use
OHV trail riding is all about enjoying and sharing natural spaces with your friends and family. But when you’re out on the trail, it’s critical to have a set of rules that everyone can follow to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun experience on the trail. For additional information watch OHV Laws, Safety & Ethics video.
The Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide has even more information. Stay on open roads and trails.
OHVs and hunting
OHVs are an excellent tool to access Arizona’s back-country, 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. 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. It is unlawful to chase or harass wildlife. Ride responsibly by staying on roads and trails and avoiding travel in sensitive habitat areas. The Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide has additional information. Also watch the OHV Laws, Safety & Ethics video.
Resources – Video and print
Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Guide
Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Laws brochure
Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Laws brochure Spanish
OHV Laws, Safety & Ethics video
Recreation in Arizona
License your off-highway vehicle for going out on trails. Check out the lakes in Arizona and what they have to offer.
buy your OHV decal
OHVs are required by law to display a valid Arizona decal to operate on public and state trust lands in Arizona.
spend some time boating on arizona lakes
See information about many Arizona lakes, including fishing, facilities and lake amenities.