This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in Arizona. It increases the maximum unladen weight for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that require registration from 2,500 pounds to 3,500 pounds. Additionally, it modifies the definition of an ATV to reflect this new weight limit. The bill also establishes a new vehicle license tax (VLT) rate for ATVs and OHVs weighing between 2,500 pounds and 3,500 pounds, setting it at 50 percent of the statutorily prescribed VLT. The collected VLT will be directed into a newly created Off-Highway Vehicle Laws Enforcement Fund, which will be used solely for enforcing OHV laws in Arizona. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Director of the Department of Transportation adopt rules for an OHV usage classification for vehicles within the specified weight range within 12 months of the bill's effective date. It also clarifies that occupants of OHVs with the appropriate user indicia can recreate for the day on state trust lands and must comply with state trust land recreational permit requirements, including for overnight camping. The bill ensures that the funds collected are continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing, thereby providing a stable funding source for OHV law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-101, 28-1177, 28-4302, 28-9551, 28-364, 28-141, 28-5201, 28-9503, 28-5601, 28-9501, 28-2001, 28-1225, 44-1641, 28-601
Senate Engrossed Version: 28-101, 28-1177, 28-1182, 28-5801, 28-4302, 28-9551, 28-364, 28-141, 28-5201, 28-9503, 28-5601, 28-9501, 28-2001, 28-1225, 44-1641, 28-601, 28-2003, 35-146, 35-147, 28-1176, 17-261, 35-190, 35-313