Arizona, with its vast landscapes and diverse terrains, is a paradise for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. Whether you’re zipping through the Sonoran Desert, tackling rugged mountain trails, or exploring the scenic backcountry, having the right OHV registration is crucial for a smooth and legal riding experience. In Arizona, OHV registration is divided into three main types: Exclusively Off Road, Primarily Off Road, and Primarily On Road. Each type offers distinct benefits and considerations. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

1. Exclusively Off Road

What It Is: Exclusively Off Road indicates that the vehicle will never touch a road. This type of registration would be best for private land use or strictly just trails.

Pros:

• Permanent Plate: Since the vehicle will never touch a road, there is no annual MVD registration cost. So the vehicle gets a recreational vehicle plate and no annual vehicle registration sticker.
• Cost-Effective: You pay a one time fee for the plate and then only an annual renewal of the OHV sticker for Game and Fish. 
• Insurance: This type of registration does not require insurance to keep the vehicle current

Cons:

• Limited Legal Use: Vehicles registered under this category have restrictions on their use, particularly if you want to use them on public roads as they are not allowed to touch a maintained road.

2. Primarily Off Road

What It Is: Primary Off Road indicates that the vehicle will be used mostly on trails and will only occasionally use maintained roads to cross to get from one trail to another or to briefly go into town for fuel. 

Pros:

• More Maneuverability: Having this type of registration allows some use of maintained roads allowing the user to get from one trail to another without having to trailer it short distances.
• Reduced Fees: Since the vehicle user is stating that the vehicle will only briefly operate on maintained roads, a drastically reduced tax is assessed. 

Cons:

• Annual MVD Registration: This registration requires both an annual renewal of MVD registration as well as Game and Fish Registration. If they are not renewed on time, it can result in different expiration dates.
• On-Road Limitations: If you plan to use your vehicle on public roads, additional requirements and modifications are needed to comply with road use regulations. This does not give full street access and use to the vehicle. 

• Insurance: Since the vehicle will be operated on maintained roads, an active Arizona insurance policy is required to keep the registration current. 

• Safety Modifications: The operator must comply with additional safety modifications to operate the vehicle on maintained roads. 

3. Primarily On Highway

What It Is: Primarily On Highway use indicates that the vehicle will be used on maintained roads as well as off highway trails. This type of registration does not limit the user to operate on maintained roads where the law allows these types of vehicles. 

Pros:

• Access to Road Use: It allows you to legally operate the vehicle on all ADOT maintained roads.

Cons:

• Additional Fees: With this registration, the vehicle operator pays the full registration fee plus the Game and Fish fee. This can range from $10 to several hundred depending on the year and make of the vehicle. With 2 types of registration, if they are not renewed together, this can result in different expiration dates. 
• Insurance: Since the vehicle will be operated on maintained roads, an active Arizona insurance policy is required to keep the registration current.
• Safety Modifications: The operator must comply with additional safety modifications to operate the vehicle on maintained roads. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of OHV registration in Arizona depends largely on how and where you plan to use your vehicle. Exclusively Off Highway offers a cost-effective and straightforward approach for off-road use, while Primarily Off Highway allows more flexibility and use options state wide. Primarily On Highway allows for the most flexibility on use and is required in certain areas in order to operate the vehicle.

The user is required to declare their use at the time of registration by completing an Off Highway Vehicle decal application. The registration type can be changed at any time to update the intended use of the vehicle. 

Regardless of the registration type you choose, always make sure to stay informed about local regulations and requirements to enjoy your off-roading adventures safely and legally. Happy riding!