Senate committee advances ATV bill allowing road use across Tennessee

April 08, 2025 | Finance, Ways and Means, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee

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Senate committee advances ATV bill allowing road use across Tennessee

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss a significant piece of legislation concerning the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on state roadways. The proposed bill aims to permit the operation of ATVs on local roads and highways, a move that has been in development for over a year in consultation with the Department of Transportation.

The bill addresses a practical issue faced by rural residents who currently can drive tractors on roads but are restricted from using ATVs for similar purposes, such as transporting goods to farms. The legislation seeks to create uniformity in ATV regulations across Tennessee, allowing these vehicles to traverse roads with speed limits of 45 miles per hour or less, while explicitly excluding interstate highways.

During the meeting, committee members raised questions about the specifics of the bill, including the definition of ATVs and the parameters for their operation. Senator Lowe clarified that the bill would allow ATVs to cross state highways at right angles and potentially drive on certain roads, but emphasized that it is not intended for recreational use. Instead, the legislation is designed to facilitate practical transportation needs in rural areas.

The Department of Safety's legislative director, Elizabeth Stroker, confirmed that the bill would not restrict current ATV users but would expand the roads available for their use. She noted that safety requirements, such as licensing and insurance, would remain in place, and vehicles must have appropriate safety features if they were originally manufactured with them.

The committee also discussed operational limitations, including restrictions on nighttime driving and the requirement for vehicles to have lights if they were equipped with them at the time of purchase. The bill aims to balance the needs of rural residents with safety considerations, ensuring that ATVs can be used effectively without compromising road safety.

As the committee continues to review the bill, it is clear that this legislation could significantly impact rural transportation in Tennessee, providing greater flexibility for ATV users while maintaining safety standards on the roads.

Converted from Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee Apr 8, 2025 meeting on April 08, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

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