After seven years in the making and three attempts in the Arizona Legislature the last three years, Governor Janet Napolitano signed legislation into law that created a new license fee for off-highway vehicles June 26.

The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2009. The new license fee will be required for all OHV use, including all-terrain vehicles and cycles, dirt bikes ect. Exemptions include riding on private land or a closed course such as in a motocross event and using an OHV for work.

While the Legislature has yet to set a fee, it is estimated it will be about$20 per year with an additional $3 for street registration of OHVs with the required equipment. Previously, street registration was based on the value of the vehicle and averaged about $100 per year, according to the Arizona Game & Fish department.

Graham County Super-visor and owner of Drew & the Crew Motorsports Drew John has been a supporter of the bill since its inception. He said he was extremely pleased that legislation written by OHV users was signed into law.

“If we didn’t do something, somebody was going to do something for us,” he said.

John said he was especially pleased with a section of the bill he lobbied for that requires helmet use by all riders younger than 18.

Arizona Revised Statute 28-964 requires an operator or passenger of a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor-driven cycle who is younger than 18 to wear a helmet. That law, however, has been interpreted for street use only. The new law will require those younger than 18 to wear a helmet every time they ride ATVs or similar vehicles.

John said fees from the registration will bolster resources for OHV management including facilities, signs, maps, law enforcement and safety and educational programs. He said it will also help protect Arizona’s natural resources and designate trails for use. There have already been talks about extending the ATV Outlaw Trail from Safford to Show Low.

While funds are split between multiple agencies, John said the majority of the new registration fees will directly benefit recreational riders. There will be a public meeting in the General Services Building in the coming months to answer the public’s questions concerning the bill.