Once again we are a target of the AZ Government

[105Coues]

Fellow hunters, Once again the state of AZ is trying to pry a little more money out of our pockets. Rep. Weiers (Glendale) has sponsored HB 2443 which is another attempt at creating a $50.00 per year, per ATV or motorcycle to legally ride it in the state of AZ (other than private land of course). He claims this is “one of the best things” he can do for the state.

Currently 0.55% of the gas tax flows into the Off Highway Vehicle Recreation fund which amounts to 2 million a year. Seventy percent of which goes to the AZ State Parks and 30 percent is used by the Game and Fish dept. I wasn’t even aware the state parks condoned ATV riding in them. It must pay for the no OHV signs they post everywhere!

I guess the government view is the lands do not belong to the people anymore unless they pay a user fee. There is already a fee to just to legally enter state trust lands.

 

We all know that the $50.00 per year is just a starting point to test the water and it radically increase over time as did the AZGFD tags and licenses.

 

The following is from the bill:

 

C. A person shall not drive an off-highway vehicle on roads, trails or routes unless they are posted open or drive on any roads, trails or routes if driving is prohibited.

 

How many roads or trails have you seen that were posted OPEN?

 

The following is a link to the article with more info:

 

http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2007/01...127_news_17.txt

 

Next is the legal:

 

http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?in...lls/hb2443p.htm

 

And finally someone to send your comments too. There are a lot of them but if you copy and paste it doesn’t take long.

 

http://www.azleg.gov/memberRoster.asp?Body=H

 

We need to stick together to at least limit the abuse and corruption.

[DesertBull]

I already paid a registration fee when I bought my ATV, just like any other vehicle. Are they going to make jeeps, 4x4 trucks, sand rails, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, etc pay this fee (I call it a tax) too?

[Diamondbackaz]

I already paid a registration fee when I bought my ATV, just like any other vehicle. Are they going to make jeeps, 4x4 trucks, sand rails, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, etc pay this fee (I call it a tax) too?

Street legal vehicles are exempt since they are already registered. I have 3 atv's and that $150.00 a year. Thats more than my vehicles.

[DesertBull]

By registered, do you mean you they have a license plate and DMV title?

[ultramag]

when i register my quad it costs me 150.00 bucks,So is this on top of that? 50.00 bucks would be cheaper. I dont use my quad on the highway anyway so do we save on the MC plates becuase of it.

[Diamondbackaz]

when i register my quad it costs me 150.00 bucks,So is this on top of that? 50.00 bucks would be cheaper. I dont use my quad on the highway anyway so do we save on the MC plates becuase of it.

 

No, since it is street legal, it is exempt from the copper sticker.

[ultramag]

so the cooper sticker replaces the street legal plates?

[CouesUnlimited]

I am somewhat confused on the topic, maybe someone can help clairfy things. When I purchased my quad, I think I may have payed extra to get an RV plate for it. Now does what does that allow me to do or not to do??? I also purchased a permitt to ride on state trust land which I hang on the rear view mirror of my vehicle. Do I have to get something else to be "legal"??? Anyone know about the requirenments at the Dunes in Yuma??? I would appreicate any feedback. Thanks.

[youngbuck]

I am somewhat confused on the topic, maybe someone can help clairfy things. When I purchased my quad, I think I may have payed extra to get an RV plate for it. Now does what does that allow me to do or not to do??? I also purchased a permitt to ride on state trust land which I hang on the rear view mirror of my vehicle. Do I have to get something else to be "legal"??? Anyone know about the requirenments at the Dunes in Yuma??? I would appreicate any feedback. Thanks.

 

As far as the Dunes go in california you need a california permit. Not sure what they cost, ive nver had one. One guy i was with got a 100 dollar fine for not having one though. I talked to my dad about this new az system for while and if it goes through he says he will just get his quad street legal and drive it to work and where ever he wants. He told me it woudn't cost that much more to be street legal over the new proposed plan, but he can go any where, including the buenos aires

[couestaxi]

Thats interesting!, I did not know AZGF got funds from the gas tax. AZGF puts out brochures dealing with illegal off road use and a hotline to call, they have signs with a 1-800-vandals number on it warning folks to stay on established roads and trails. Yet if you call any of the numbers the all end up at operation Game Thief. The dispatcher will then tell you AZGF does not have time to try the Sheriff. They won't even transfer your call! They will gladly take your money but will not do anything about those breaking our current laws. Why not try to enforce what we have. Why would those that don't abide by our current laws change their minds? I think it is just an excuse to get rid of off road vehicles all together. Especially the wording on "road open" signs.

[DesertBull]

So, what are the guidelines for being street legal? Horn, mirrors, head lights, tail lights, brake lights, insurance, emmissions test?

[EagleEye]

Thanks for keeping us informed I emailed them my disapproval and concerns.

[105Coues]

FYI---This is not the Copper sticker program. That program failed so this is another attempt

[flagcoueskiller]

Wait minute, this much discussion over $50.00? Because they are going to raise it to extreme levels like they did with Big Game Tags was the worry some had. Do you really think a resident deer permit is extremely expensive? How about elk, antelope? I think there are far more important issues facing us than $50 a year to ride a quad.

[DesertBull]

$50 is just a start. Wait and see.