Sedona sets speed limit for off-highway vehicles amid resident complaints

The Sedona City Council has unanimously approved Arizona’s first speed limit for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in their first meeting on Oct. 8. This measure is aimed at addressing safety and noise concerns voiced by local residents.

This 15-mph speed limit, specific to OHVs, may take effect early next month on Morgan Road, a route leading to a popular off-road trail in the Broken Arrow neighborhood.

The new speed limit follows years of appeals from residents who say the increase in OHV traffic has made their streets dangerous and disrupted their quality of life. The area’s scenic Morgan Road has been heavily impacted, with locals reporting close calls between pedestrians and speeding vehicles. 

City Attorney Kurt Christianson explained that the new ordinance allows for a change in city code, permitting a speed reduction from the current limit of 25 mph to 15 mph on certain streets, starting with Morgan Road.

“There has been an increase in OHV traffic since COVID, leading to a big boost in visitation, and residents are looking for some way to restore peace and quiet," said the Communications Director for the City of Sedona Lauren Browne.

The city council will meet again on Nov. 12 to discuss and potentially pass the resolution for the speed limit on Morgan Road.

For the first 30 days of implementation, police will issue warnings and communicate with OHV companies about the new regulations. Speed limit signs will also be modified to inform drivers of the changes.

“We want to ensure that our residents can enjoy their homes without the disturbance of excessive noise and speeding vehicles," said Browne.