Mandatory AZ Offroad Safety Course

[aka619er]

Sorry if this is a VIN but,

https://www.12news.com/article/news...izona/75-4c615474-d66b-4225-84d7-da44e840341a

Arizona Outdoor Fun specializes in getting you up close and personal with the famous Sonoran Desert by providing Guided and Unguided ATV/UTV tours, Off-road rentals, Shooting Adventures, and Dirt Bike rentals.
ARIZONA

Governor signs bill mandating new rules for operating off-road vehicles in Arizona​

The bill introduces a safety course requirement for operating off-highway vehicles. A valid driver's license is also required.
Author: Kevin Reagan
Published: 5:52 PM PDT June 21, 2024
Updated: 6:00 PM PDT June 21, 2024
PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs has signed legislation introducing new restrictions and requirements for operating off-highway vehicles in Arizona.
Arizona Senate Bill 1567 requires someone to possess a valid driver's license before operating these types of recreational vehicles.
If a child under 12 is caught violating the state's OHV operation restrictions, then a citation shall be issued to the child's parents. A juvenile between 12 and 15 may receive a citation if they drive without a license.

The legislation additionally instructs the Arizona Game and Fish Department to certify a safety course in off-road driving. Starting in 2025, a person will be expected to complete this safety course and provide proof of completion to the transportation department.
The safety course requirement will be repealed in June 2027.
SB 1567 further redefines existing law to ensure Arizona's liquor and open container laws apply to all "self-propelled vehicles," rather than vehicles primarily designed for public highways.
The bill passed through the Arizona Legislature with bipartisan support. Hobbs signed the bill this week.

 

[UltraLucky]

So ….SB 1567 further redefines existing law to ensure Arizona's liquor and open container laws apply to all "self-propelled vehicles," will the open container law apply to boats, is there a distinction between vehicles and boats/vessels?

 

[pixrthis]

California’s over reach is spilling into Arizona. I know a lot of people who moved to Arizona to get away from California politics and it still looks like you guys will be blue before I die.

 

[PaPaG]

If Blue Californians keep moving to AZ AZ is doomed, keep your Commifornia politics in Commifornia!

 

[Loony Toon]

California’s over reach is spilling into Arizona. I know a lot of people who moved to Arizona to get away from California politics and it still looks like you guys will be blue before I die.

This has been going on for the past 10yrs. Californians come here thinking they can act and do whatever the fuck they want because it's not Calif. So instead of acting responsibly and giving a shit about everybody else, they continue their Califucking bullshit here.

Go ahead ask me how I really feel!!!!!!

 

[Boatymcboatface]

This has been going on for the past 10yrs. Californians come here thinking they can act and do whatever the fuck they want because it's not Calif. So instead of acting responsibly and giving a shit about everybody else, they continue their Califucking bullshit here.

Go ahead ask me how I really feel!!!!!!

It’s a good thing you don’t pay taxes on California living rent free in your head.

 

[2Driver]

What a fucking joke. Typical Lib solution to problems …. Mandate a permit, pass a course, put on a warning label.

My son gained a lot of driving skills by driving a SXS under my supervision way before he was 12. By the time he was 16 he was already driving the Jeep and SXS very well. This bill eliminates all this.

The ironic part is these people, like Hobbs, are so disconnected from the subject matter they pass laws and don't have a clue what they even did.

 

[LAPII]

Serious question....how do you attribute this to California, when AZ has its own process for moving a bill like that forward? One of AZ own senators had to sponsor and move this forward?

 

[Captain Dan]

Serious question....how do you attribute this to California, when AZ has its own process for moving a bill like that forward? One of AZ own senators had to sponsor and move this forward?

Because it's too easy to bash CA for AZ's inability to keep their state red. That goes back to 1996.

 

[riverroyal]

I'm always surprised when the RDP crowd gets all pissy about a safety course and cert.
But, the minute someone has a 'incident" it's immediately on here to bitch.
I'm sure it's a 20 minute online quiz.
If it saves one fatality or bad accident then I will gladly give up 20 minutes

75% of utv operators suck. You prob fit into the 25% expert drivers, it is a RDP site with enthusiasts, not weekend assholes.
Think about the operator approaching on a trail...I'd like to think he is safely speeding towards me

For underage operators, I'm also OK with this being more regulated. It already is to a extent
If your (rdp enthusiasts) kid is with you and you trust them then im good with that. It's the other 75% again that turn kids lose and crack open beers.

Also IF you are in a accident and it utv vs utv, you need to be the one with the cert or you're already guilty.

Nothing to do with california or people moving there. Just a coincidence on timing.

 

[riverroyal]

Also...it my opinion street usage will be illegal in Az next. It's unfortunately bound to happen.
MAYBE this bill can slow that down

Glass half full thinking. Which happens rarely with me

 

[Sportin' Wood]

Cliff notes on enforcement strategy? I doubt AZ has the means to enforce this regulation. My guess is that this bill actually costs the state more money than it is worth. If the training cert is required for out of state OHV passes, the visitors will just stop buying them. We are normally happy to pay for the OHV stickers because the money in most cases goes to an OHV commission. Personally I don't have a problem with taking an online test, but I do have a problem with enforcement taking money out of OHV improvements.

West Virginia has this OHV thing figured out, AZ would be wise to follow their lead. One of the contributing factors of my interest in Snowbirding in AZ is that I can scratch my OHV itch all winter.

 

[HNL2LHC]

I am all for it if it will teach the Ranger/Danger guys to pull over while going so slow on a trail. A 20 minute test will be much shorter than following this guy for an hour on a trail without any room to pass Him.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I'm betting Ichabod Crane aka Steven Latoski from Kingman (mohave county public works director & flaming liberal) was instrumental in this legislation. Weirdo has an unhealthy obsession and hatred for anything OHV....

@RiverDave something to be aware of.

 

[77charger]

I’m actually surprised the hag signed a bill. She’s practically vetoed everything even from her own party.

And I’ll just say it. Too many sign and driver newbies on sxs doing stupid stuff that draws attention. I ride my dirtbike but only stick to singletrack midweek no way I’ll ride an open area or a wash on a weekend.

 

[pixrthis]

I just took the California boating license test yesterday and was surprised that you don’t need a license to rent a boat or jet ski. Will Az require renters to have an OHV license?

 

[DWC]

I just took the California boating license test yesterday and was surprised that you don’t need a license to rent a boat or jet ski. Will Az require renters to have an OHV license?

I’m betting no chance. Unless it’s really fast.

 

[4Waters]

Do you still need to complete the course if you are a renter?

 

[pixrthis]

Do you still need to complete the course if you are a renter?

Nope

 

[4Waters]

Nope

Seriously

 

[pixrthis]

Seriously

Seriously.

 

[4Waters]

Seriously.

Un fuckin real

 

[Sportin' Wood]

http://mason.gmu.edu/~jkozlows/lawarts/09SEP09.pdf

Many years ago I did some work for Roger Norman in Nevada. He tried unsuccessfully to introduce language that would recognize Offroading as an inherently dangerous sport and therefore putting the ownership on the individuals who where participating. The proposal was based loosely on changes in California regulations that freed up the development of Skateboard parks. I believe that snow sports also has this type of identification which allows operation of ski resorts.

I'm at a loss as to what the state hopes to achieve? Utah has also created a license structure. I'm curious if the data support the intent, I assume the intent is less injuries, but I still question why the state needs to play nanny.

I will say I would rather see regulations around licensing than placing regulations on speed, power and engine size. My guess is that the OEMs would support this as it places more ownership on the government, which seems a mistake and a risk for the state.

 

[HNL2LHC]

I just took the California boating license test yesterday and was surprised that you don’t need a license to rent a boat or jet ski. Will Az require renters to have an OHV license?

I’m betting no chance. Unless it’s really fast.

Do you still need to complete the course if you are a renter?

Nope

Seriously

Seriously.

Un fuckin real

Setting up my Montana LLC and going to start renting my boat to myself. No need to take the test…..

 

[RiverDave]

So my kids can’t ride their quads anymore?

And I believe it is already anything over 50cc’s you have to be 16 years old.. my youngest rides the smallest quad we have which is 90 cc’s.. the other two are on 250’s.. and are ready to graduate to something bigger.

Second question my kids can’t drive a SXS now?

Thirdly it now appear no open containers at all?

Fourth it now appears that myself and everyone else has to take a class to be able to Offroad?


Did I miss anything?

Is there a way to fight this?

 

[Bpracing1127]

So my kids can’t ride their quads anymore?

And I believe it is already anything over 50cc’s you have to be 16 years old.. my youngest rides the smallest quad we have which is 90 cc’s.. the other two are on 250’s.. and are ready to graduate to something bigger.

Second question my kids can’t drive a SXS now?

Thirdly it now appear no open containers at all?

Fourth it now appears that myself and everyone else has to take a class to be able to Offroad?


Did I miss anything?

Is there a way to fight this?

Yes tell everyone you know stop fucking up our freedoms lol.

 

[BTR]

So my kids can’t ride their quads anymore?

And I believe it is already anything over 50cc’s you have to be 16 years old.. my youngest rides the smallest quad we have which is 90 cc’s.. the other two are on 250’s.. and are ready to graduate to something bigger.

Second question my kids can’t drive a SXS now?

Thirdly it now appear no open containers at all?

Fourth it now appears that myself and everyone else has to take a class to be able to Offroad?


Did I miss anything?

Is there a way to fight this?

Become mayor, then congressman, then senator after buying the Ultra molds for RD Kustom Botes.

 

[RiverDave]

By reading this it also removes open container in the back of truck beds.. which previously I believe was actually legal?

 

[dribble]

California’s over reach is spilling into Arizona. I know a lot of people who moved to Arizona to get away from California politics and it still looks like you guys will be blue before I die.

Bullshit. In California children can still operate an ATV. The Governor of AZ is a democrat who used to be a social worker. Biden won Arizona. The voters in Arizona chose those people.

 

[DWC]

So my kids can’t ride their quads anymore?

And I believe it is already anything over 50cc’s you have to be 16 years old.. my youngest rides the smallest quad we have which is 90 cc’s.. the other two are on 250’s.. and are ready to graduate to something bigger.

Second question my kids can’t drive a SXS now?

Thirdly it now appear no open containers at all?

Fourth it now appears that myself and everyone else has to take a class to be able to Offroad?


Did I miss anything?

Is there a way to fight this?

You missed the part where Californians did this.

 

[PlanB]

Stolen elections have consequences.

 

[pixrthis]

Bullshit. In California children can still operate an ATV. The Governor of AZ is a democrat who used to be a social worker. Biden won Arizona. The voters in Arizona chose those people.

How do you like having to have a boating license? I’m surprised the OHV license didn’t start in California, I just ride my dirt bike without registration because they won’t issue one but allow kids on dirt bikes to wheelie through city streets. From where I sit, we in California lead the way on most stupid ideas but I’ve only lived through fifty seven years of law abiding citizens having rights chipped away. Arizona has always been on the list of a possible retirement escape. Do you know anybody who votes blue that left California and moved to Arizona? I don’t understand where Arizona’s blue votes are coming from.

 

[2Driver]

So my kids can’t ride their quads anymore?

And I believe it is already anything over 50cc’s you have to be 16 years old.. my youngest rides the smallest quad we have which is 90 cc’s.. the other two are on 250’s.. and are ready to graduate to something bigger.

Second question my kids can’t drive a SXS now?

Thirdly it now appear no open containers at all?

Fourth it now appears that myself and everyone else has to take a class to be able to Offroad?


Did I miss anything?

Is there a way to fight this?

Riverroyal says you are getting all pissy. And yes to all of the above.

AZGF is a POS and all ready way too far out of bounds with their original purpose. My son when 9 took a hunter saftey course so he could get a license. It was such a joke and waste of time it was embarrassing. Hes 23 now and we still laugh about it.

 

[riverroyal]

It's not so much pissy. But nobody on rdp will really change shit.
Adapt. Take the 20 minute quiz and move on .
Let's be real.. not one of us will change our off road routine. Bill signed or not. Gov intervention or not. None of us will
Do anything different. So go off road and enjoy.
Kill your tv.....stop following bs news and social media, live your best life.
Nobody gets out alive.

 

[Bpracing1127]

It's not so much pissy. But nobody on rdp will really change shit.
Adapt. Take the 20 minute quiz and move on .
Let's be real.. not one of us will change our off road routine. Bill signed or not. Gov intervention or not. None of us will
Do anything different. So go off road and enjoy.
Kill your tv.....stop following bs news and social media, live your best life.
Nobody gets out alive.

This!!!!

 

[Boatymcboatface]

How do you like having to have a boating license? I’m surprised the OHV license didn’t start in California, I just ride my dirt bike without registration because they won’t issue one but allow kids on dirt bikes to wheelie through city streets. From where I sit, we in California lead the way on most stupid ideas but I’ve only lived through fifty seven years of law abiding citizens having rights chipped away. Arizona has always been on the list of a possible retirement escape. Do you know anybody who votes blue that left California and moved to Arizona? I don’t understand where Arizona’s blue votes are coming from.

Boater ID annoyed me for a day while I did the test but now my 12yr old daughter can legally drive our boat whenever she wants! Win for her and me.

 

[Outdrive1]

So my kids can’t ride their quads anymore?

And I believe it is already anything over 50cc’s you have to be 16 years old.. my youngest rides the smallest quad we have which is 90 cc’s.. the other two are on 250’s.. and are ready to graduate to something bigger.

Second question my kids can’t drive a SXS now?

Thirdly it now appear no open containers at all?

Fourth it now appears that myself and everyone else has to take a class to be able to Offroad?


Did I miss anything?

Is there a way to fight this?

Yup This is fucked

 

[DRYHEAT]

This is just another chapter in the government nickel diming the population to death.

As for blaming Californians, the same percentage of liberal scum is leaving California along with conservatives.

Arizona is also inundated with refugees from Oregon Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, etc. etc. apparently woke people like mild weather and warm summers.

And for the umpteenth time, would you people quit leaving your dang porch lights on all damn night!

 

[monkeyswrench]

"Arizona Senate Bill 1567 requires someone to possess a valid driver's license before operating these types of recreational vehicles."

This part bothers me. In effect, it kills the riding for a lot of kids. It will also effect sales I would think. Just sounds like BS, and just another way for them to make you pay for what used to be free.

 

[4Waters]

This is just another chapter in the government nickel diming the population to death.

As for blaming Californians, the same percentage of liberal scum is leaving California along with conservatives.

Arizona is also inundated with refugees from Oregon Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, etc. etc. apparently woke people like mild weather and warm summers.

And for the umpteenth time, would you people quit leaving your dang porch lights on all damn night!

You left out get off my lawn

 

[Sportin' Wood]

https://legiscan.com/AZ/bill/SB1567/2024

Remember ol' Sportin' Woods philosophy on access laws. "Enforceable by fine means it is legal for a fee."

The Arizona Game & Fish Department employs 74 wildlife managers throughout its six regional offices: Pinetop, Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma, Tucson, and Mesa.

I've not been able to locate the fine, but it would be helpful to understand the delta between the cost of an OHV permit and the fine. The safety test expires in 2027, so that leads me to believe this bill is about something other than safety concerns. Which it appears, may be true as there is additional regulations that are way more troubling for me concerning the murky definitions of off road travel and what may considerably change the landscape on access. IMHO the subjective nature of this state law could set precedent to close more access, but I'm no lawyer. Who decides what driving recklessly is? I'm guessing a judge will error on the side of caution.

Looks like AZ Game and Fish is tasked with enforcement. Watercraft are not included. I've got some thoughts to ponder. The bill looks to have moved through the legislature in only 4 months. It was sponsored by Senator Sine Kerr a Republican so all you folks crying about the Democrats should understand they are all the same. If you're a Resident of AZ and a registered Republican you should kick her out.

Don't blame Katie Hobbs on this one and let the Sponsor off the hook. Someone in AZ with a few coins in thier purse should file a lawsuit, otherwise this is law and unwinding it will be a nearly impossible effort.

My question is where are all the OHV access groups? ORBA BRC, AMA, etc etc etc. This moved quick, but these groups should have keyword alerts set up on this stuff and get in front of these issues. Are they asleep at the wheel, or complicent in this? My guess is the Jeepers figured it was a UTV regulation and said "Good" like some of you in this community, but from what I gather, it sticks it to everyone, not just the UTVs.



An OHV is a motorized vehicle that is operated primarily off of highways and that is designed, modified or purpose-built primarily for recreational nonhighway all-terrain travel. An OHV includes a tracked or wheeled vehicle, utility vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, four- wheel drive vehicle, dune buggy, sand rail, amphibious vehicle, ground effects or air cushion vehicle and any other means of land transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind. (A.R.S. § 28-1171). Statute outlines operating restrictions for people driving OHVs. Some of the restrictions include prohibiting a person from driving an OHV: 1) with reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property; 2) off of an existing road, trail or route in a way that causes damage to wildlife habitat, riparian areas, cultural or natural resources or property or improvements; 3) on roads, trails, routes or areas closed as indicated in the rules or regulations of a federal agency, this state, county, municipality or by proper posting if the land is private; and 4) over unimproved roads, trails, routes or areas unless driving is allowed by a rule or regulation (A.R.S. § 28-1174)

 

[Eliminator21vdrive]

Related/unrelated I just had to waste more than half my day to get boater card for CA. A bunch of ocean related shit that I'll never need.............

 

[propcheck]

Well yet again Arizona proves to be true Blue in the political arena. Now I am all for the bashing of California politics and the left BUT the fact that folks blame “Californians” for the demise of their freedoms tells me they are not savvy to the game of politics. If you want to figure it out look at the voter base and the demographics of an area then ask yourself who is really controlling the vote.
there Are lots of voter analytics available for free online that provide the information.
If I care enough about it I would immediately post the email address of the sponsor of the bill in online communities related to the issue with a nicely worded letter explaining they will receive no money in the coming election cycle because of their actions and ask everyone to forward it from their address.
Then I would register a political action committee that targets the removal of this individual from office and start a funding it with donations. But that is just my crazy idea

edit:

Ok I checked you probably do not want to remove the bill sponsor she is a moderate republican based on vote history. the Precinct demographics reflect majority caucasian,married,middle class voters with some level of college education.

 

[mesquito_creek]

https://legiscan.com/AZ/bill/SB1567/2024

The bill looks to have moved through the legislature in only 4 months. It was sponsored by Senator Sine Kerr a Republican so all you folks crying about the Democrats should understand they are all the same. If you're a Resident of AZ and a registered Republican you should kick her out.

Don't blame Katie Hobbs on this one and let the Sponsor off the hook.

Look like most people missed this important detail.

If you think republicans in HOA gated communities bordering pristine desert are you OHV allies you are probably wrong. If you think older conservatives who cash out life savings and buy million dollar homes in Havasu all share you love of large groups of SxS running around all winter… well…

This is what happens when AZ goes from 4 million to approaching 8 million people.

 

[Ricks raft]

Look like most people missed this important detail.

If you think republicans in HOA gated communities bordering pristine desert are you OHV allies you are probably wrong. If you think older conservatives who cash out life savings and buy million dollar homes in Havasu all share you love of large groups of SxS running around all winter… well…

This is what happens when AZ goes from 4 million to approaching 8 million people.

Hopefully it dies on the Governors desk.

OP,s opening statement says “Governor signs bill”

 

[mesquito_creek]

OP,s opening statement says “Governor signs bill”

I stand corrected…

Governor Action 06/21/2024 Signed

I was reading an old docket, when trying to figure out where the republican Kerr district is. Oddly enough she represents a rural district closer to Havasu than Scottsdale.

 

[Joe mama]

The open container deal will end up with empty cans all over the desert.

 

[dribble]

How do you like having to have a boating license? I’m surprised the OHV license didn’t start in California, I just ride my dirt bike without registration because they won’t issue one but allow kids on dirt bikes to wheelie through city streets. From where I sit, we in California lead the way on most stupid ideas but I’ve only lived through fifty seven years of law abiding citizens having rights chipped away. Arizona has always been on the list of a possible retirement escape. Do you know anybody who votes blue that left California and moved to Arizona? I don’t understand where Arizona’s blue votes are coming from.

The boating license came up on Hot Boat.com years ago. A large percentage of the posters were in favor of it. I wasn’t. I don’t have one because I’m old enough to have been boating for 50 years. Next year I’ll pay the ten bucks and get it. I also have never attached a Mussel
Sticker to my boat.

I know people who left California for Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Tennessee, Florida and Texas. All of them are dyed in the wool MAGA Republicans. I don’t know one democrat who left for one of those states.

In my opinion, Biden won Arizona in 2020 because Trump continually blasted John McCain and Cindy Mc Cain made it her mission to kill Trump’s chances there. Republican’s outnumber democrats there by six percent. Last year it was four percent. The Republican population there has grown by two percent.

Literally, all of the border states as well as Nevada have huge Latino citizen populations (32.5 percent in AZ) Those people want their extended family members to be able to come here (documented or not). That’s where the vast majority of the democratic vote is coming from in those states. Not the few that transferred in their tech or Tesla jobs. In fact I’d be willing to bet that for every CA Democrat that moved to one of the listed red states, two Republicans move there.

 

[Bpracing1127]

What’s a boater ID card? lol is that a Cali thing lol.

As for offroading, fuck em. I won’t be getting a card of class or anything.

Catch me if you can

 

[riverroyal]

What’s a boater ID card? lol is that a Cali thing lol.

As for offroading, fuck em. I won’t be getting a card of class or anything.

Catch me if you can

Just start passing people. It works when I watch smoke n scan on you tube