Senate approves local option to allow utility terrain vehicles on certain roads

The Senate passed SB 88, which creates a local opt-in process for allowing utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to be driven on certain public streets. Under the measure, a county or municipality may designate two-lane roads or municipal streets with posted speed limits under 55 miles per hour for UTV operation after a safety determination that considers speed, traffic volume, and the character and use of the roadway.

Senator Wright, sponsor of the bill, explained that the change is intended to "create a safe path for communities to opt in to the legal street use of utility terrain vehicles" and to close a loophole in which some vehicles were registered out of state to obtain automobile plates. The bill requires that a UTV be operated only by a licensed driver or a person with a learner's license accompanied by a licensed driver; it also makes violations noncriminal traffic nonmoving violations to help law enforcement with enforcement.

Senator Smith stated her opposition on safety grounds and said manufacturers oppose UTV street use. "I respectfully will be voting against the bill," Smith said. Senator Wright said he had contacted a manufacturer that denied knowledge of the letter of opposition reportedly submitted earlier and urged colleagues to support the measure. The Senate voted 32 yays, 5 nays and the bill passed.

Why it matters

The bill shifts the decision about whether to authorize UTV street use to local governments and establishes minimum statewide operator and enforcement rules. It attempts to balance local control with statewide minimum safety and licensing requirements.