Arizona has its own rules for off-highway vehicles, and they cover side-by-sides. This guide explains the state decal, the free online course, helmets and the gear a machine must carry. It comes from Arizona law and from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). Every source is linked at the bottom. We checked these pages on November 9, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you ride.
Do side-by-sides count as off-highway vehicles?
Yes. Arizona law lists a recreational or utility side-by-side vehicle as an off-highway vehicle (OHV). That means the OHV rules apply to a UTV.
What is the OHV decal?
The decal is Arizona’s OHV user indicia. State law requires it for an OHV that is built mainly for travel over unimproved terrain and weighs 2,500 pounds or less unladen. The law says a person may not operate, or allow the operation of, a vehicle that meets those tests without the indicia.
The law has exceptions. It does not apply on private land, for example, and the statute exempts vehicles used off-highway only for farming, ranching, construction, mining or building trades. Violations are civil traffic violations unless a section says otherwise.
What does it cost and how do you buy it?
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) lists the decal at $25 a year. AZGFD gives the same $25 and adds that a processing fee applies. The decal is valid for one year and can be renewed.
- Arizona residents buy through ADOT Motor Vehicle Division offices, authorized third parties or AZ MVD Now.
- Nonresidents can buy only online, through an AZGFD portal account.
The free online course
Since January 1, 2025, AZGFD has required a free course called “OHV Decal: Safe and Ethical Riding in Arizona” before a decal can be bought. One owner, or a representative of an organization, takes it once, however many OHVs they own. ADOT describes it as a short video followed by 20 questions.
Riding from out of state
Arizona no longer accepts OHV decals from other states. AZGFD says a nonresident decal covers only non-maintained roads and trails on public and state trust land, and the machine has to be hauled to the trailhead. It does not make a machine street legal.
ADOT also offers a nonresident OHV 30 day permit for $15 that allows use of forest or maintained roads, with its own conditions. Read the ADOT page before you plan around it.
Helmets, gear and lights
Anyone under 18, driver or passenger, must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet that is designed for motorized vehicles and has a minimum US Department of Transportation safety rating. This applies on public or state land. A child passenger who is properly secured in a child restraint, in a machine with rollover protection, is an exception.
State law also lists equipment for the machine:
- Adequate brakes.
- A headlight and taillight from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
- A muffler that limits sound to 96 decibels, except on a closed course.
- A spark arrestor approved by the US Department of Agriculture, kept working while the engine runs, except on a closed course.
AZGFD adds that eye protection is required for operators of vehicles without a windshield.
Children and OHVs
Arizona law sets limits on how a minor under 12 may operate an OHV, and a citation for a violation by a child under 12 goes to the parent or legal guardian. We did not find a minimum operating age in the state OHV law. AZGFD tells parents to judge a child’s physical ability and maturity. Rental rules are separate from state law, so check the rental company’s requirements.
Alcohol
AZGFD says you can be arrested for driving under the influence even on a back country trail.
Renting a UTV?
The law puts the duty on whoever operates or allows the operation of the machine. Call us at 866-739-4114 to confirm the decal on the machine you book.
Want to ride? See the UTVs at our Glendale pickup, or call us at 866-739-4114. Our Phoenix UTV rental guide covers the machines and the trail areas near town.
Five UTVs at our Glendale pickup, from $360 a day
Add the free UTV trailer at checkout with any rental while the offer runs. Rates are per 24 hours. The damage waiver, helmet and taxes are added at checkout, and the full cost breakdown is on the fleet page.
Can-Am X3 Turbo R X3204From $360 a daySee dates and reserve
Can-Am X3 Turbo X3206From $360 a daySee dates and reserve
Can-Am X3 DS MAX X3409From $409 a daySee dates and reserve
Can-Am Maverick Turbo X3 MAX X3410From $409 a daySee dates and reserve
Polaris RZR PRO XP 4 1000 X3411From $409 a daySee dates and reserve
Looking for a different seat count? We also book Polaris RZR and Ranger models through Polaris Adventures. Renters must be 25 or older with a valid license. Planning to camp near the trail? See our Phoenix toy hauler rentals and RV rentals.
Quick answers
Does a side-by-side need an Arizona OHV decal?
It does if it meets the state tests: it is built mainly for travel over unimproved terrain and weighs 2,500 pounds or less unladen. Arizona law lists side-by-sides as off-highway vehicles.
How much is the Arizona OHV decal?
ADOT lists the decal at $25 a year, and AZGFD says a processing fee also applies.
Does Arizona accept an OHV decal from another state?
No. Arizona no longer accepts OHV decals issued by other states.
Do children need a helmet on an OHV in Arizona?
Anyone under 18, driver or passenger, must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet designed for motorized vehicles, with a minimum US Department of Transportation safety rating, on public or state land.
Sources
- Arizona Revised Statutes 28-1171, Definitions
- ARS 28-1174, Operation restrictions
- ARS 28-1177, Off-highway vehicle user fee and indicia
- ARS 28-1178, Exceptions
- ARS 28-1179, Equipment requirements
- ARS 28-1181, Civil traffic violation
- AZGFD, OHV frequently asked questions
- AZGFD, OHV decals
- ADOT, OHV and boating registration
