Protecting Trails by Enforcing the Rules: ‘Riding Shotgun’ With AZ Game & Fish’s Law

Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) hopped in with one of its own for the final episode of its “Riding Shotgun” series: off-highway expert Officer Micah White. Officer White not only serves as an active member of law enforcement, but also as the AZGFD’s Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Law Enforcement Program Coordinator. He knows first-hand the importance of staying safe, staying legal, and lessening your impact on the environment when you’re out on the trails.

On a drive with AZGFD’s Public Affairs and Media Relations Director, Michael Colaianni, Officer White shared his key tips to staying in-bounds while off-highway exploring.

What does Officer White love most about his job of keeping folks safe in an OHV? “It’s a great excuse to go outdoors,” he said. “If you like to explore, it’s the best thing around.” 

With the surge in popularity for OHV driving in Arizona over the last few years, Officer White’s job is more critical than ever. There were 190,000 OHV decals (the sticker permits that keep side-by-sides legal on- and off-highway in Arizona) sold in 2023 — an 80% increase compared to what was sold in 2020-2022.

Increased popularity also increases challenges for safe drivers, and the officers who enforce OHV safety measures. When asked what he considered to be the most significant challenges from that overwhelming increase in OHV interest, Officer White said, “Making sure that everyone knows the rules of the road. A lot of people don’t even know that there are laws associated with off-highway vehicles.”

He has a point — there are no speed limit signs in the wilderness. Driving at a speed both “reasonable and prudent” is, however, always relevant, both on- and off-highway. 

Officer White’s top priority when it comes to on-trail reminders? Helmets, seatbelts, and safe speeds for all.

“How can OHV driving impact the environment negatively?” Colaianni asked Officer White.

White replied with a close-by example: In Yuma, tank tracks from before World War II remain visible on open ground. Military training for Africa-bound troops left scars all over the backcountry; Yuma’s terrain still hasn’t recovered, over three-quarters of a century later.

Officer White went on to explain — one vehicle trampling over new grass isn’t immediately very impactful. But when a second and third vehicle follow those tracks, permanent indentations begin to appear. By the fourth vehicle, drivers have created a new road. 

“There are thousands of new roads across Arizona that shouldn’t be there,” White said. Why? New roads lead to habitat fragmentation, where that path could lead right through fawning grounds.

“We need people to stay on the designated roads and trails,” White said. Keeping your group accountable and conscientious of the imprint you’re leaving on the environment can make an enormous difference.  

At the heart of OHV problems, Officer White believes? Speed. Excessive speed leads to the need for helmets and seatbelts; speed leads to accidents, swirling dust, and road damage. Speed can also lead to written citations out on the trails.

As he reminded Colaianni, “Dirt roads in the woods weren’t built with speed in mind.” 

Officer White said that beyond his most commonly issued citation — no OHV decal sticker on a vehicle — kids without helmets are his top concern.

“OHVs can be extremely destructive,” Officer White said at the conclusion of his drive with Colaianni around Flagstaff’s beautiful trails.

When asked for his final thoughts on safety, the environment, and OHV driving as a sport, White had these three points: Drive at a reasonable speed. Be conscientious of others. Take basic safety precautions, like helmets and seatbelts.

“Those things will preserve the sport of recreation for the future,” he said.

Find more information on OHV decals, helmet and seatbelt laws, and protecting wildlife habitats while recreating at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website.