Parents Could Be Ticketed in Arizona Under This New Law

I live in a rural part of Arizona. During the Covid lockdowns, it seemed like all my neighbors bought off-road vehicles. It made sense; it was a way to get out in the fresh air and enjoy being outside, away from everyone else.

We don't have sidewalks where we live. Instead, next to the road is an unimproved area, perfect for riding horses or bicycles with rugged tires. As the popularity of offroad vehicles began to take hold, it became a thoroughfare for ATV riders.

READ: Tax, Text, and Transgender: 3 Arizona Laws Taking Effect This Year

Unfortunately, some riders were going very fast, many were not wearing the proper gear, and many were underage. Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona legislature have stepped in to create some new guidelines regarding underage riders.

Arizona’s Off-Road Ruling: A Shift in Responsibility

Governor Katie Hobbs just signed Senate Bill 1567. The new law, among other restrictions, will hold parents and guardians accountable for underage operators of off-road vehicles.

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Off-road vehicle drivers will now be required to have a license to operate the vehicle. The new law now:

•  Requires a person to possess a valid driver's license to drive an off-highway vehicle (OHV).
•  If a minor under 12 years old drives an OHV without a license, the citation will be issued to the parent or legal guardian of the minor and not to the minor.
•  If a minor between 12 and 15 years old drives an OHV without a license, the citation may be issued to either the minor or the parent or legal guardian.

The new law puts the responsibility on the shoulders of parents to rein in their offspring’s off-road recklessness.

READ: If You See THIS in Arizona, You Must Run Away Immediately!

Safety Courses Available

The new law strongly encourages off-road vehicle operators to take a safety course. The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers certified safety courses to educate parents and children about off-road vehicle safety.

While the law doesn't prohibit underage riders and operators, it outlines new rules and regulations to keep young drivers safe.

[ Sources: MSN | AZLeg.gov | AZGFD.gov | InMaricopa | 12news.com ]