Senate Bill 1567, introduced by Republican Senator Sine Kerr, district 25, will amend sections 4-251, 28-1171, 28-1174, 28-1179, and 28-3151 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The proposed legislation will modify and add provisions relating to OHV use in Arizona.

The bill aims to establish regulations requiring a driver’s license to operate an OHV, prohibit the consumption of alcohol while operating an OHV, and mandate safety measures for minors operating OHVs. The Bill introduces provisions that change the definition of an OHV to include dirt bikes and removes the term “four-wheel drive”. The Bill will also institute a mandatory OHV Safety Education Course that must be completed before obtaining an OHV decal.

New Provisions

The bill introduces comprehensive changes regarding the operation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in Arizona. Below is a detailed summary of the key provisions and amendments:

1. Driver License Requirement: Operating an OHV without a valid driver’s license will be prohibited.
2. Alcohol Prohibition: The bill extends the prohibition of consuming alcohol in motor vehicles to include OHVs.
3. Safety Measures for Minors:
   • Minors under 18 must wear protective helmets while operating or riding in an OHV.
   • Restrictions are placed on allowing minors under 12 to operate OHVs, limiting them to designated areas and prohibiting reckless operation.
4. Citation Protocol:
   • Citations for OHV violations committed by minors under 12 will be issued to their parents or legal guardians.
   • Minors aged 12 to 16 may receive citations themselves or have them issued to their parents or legal guardians, but not both.
5. OHV Safety Education Course (OHV Course):
   • Starting January 1, 2025, completion of an OHV Course is required for OHV operation.
   • The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will certify the course, which must include online options.
   • A report on the course’s implementation must be submitted by December 1, 2026, with recommendations for further action.
6. Modifies the definition of an OHV to include:
   1. a recreational or utility side-by-side vehicle, rather than a utility vehicle; and
   2. a dirt bike, rather than a four-wheel drive vehicle.
7. Defines a dirt bike as a lightweight motorcycle that is designed for use on rough terrain, including unsurfaced roads or tracks.
8. Miscellaneous:
   • Definitions of “motor vehicle” and “OHV” are modified.
   • “Dirt bike” is defined separately.
   • Technical and conforming changes are made.

Amendments: Several amendments were made, including additional prohibitions on OHV operation related to driver licenses and alcohol possession, further restrictions on minors operating OHVs, and changes to certification and reporting requirements for the OHV Course.

Senate Action: The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 4-3-0 on February 15, 2024.

View the text of the Bill

Below is the actual text of the Bill from the State Legislature.