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Committee passes local‑control bill letting counties, cities authorize UTV road use
Summary
A House committee approved legislation to let counties and cities authorize use of utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on local roads under defined equipment and operator requirements. Supporters said the change aims to boost tourism in rural counties; the measure passed as amended on a voice vote.
A House Public Transportation Committee voted to advance a local‑control bill that would allow counties and cities to authorize the operation of utility terrain vehicles, commonly called UTVs or side‑by‑sides, on local roads under specified equipment and operator requirements.
Representative Trey Steinle presented House Bill 1606 and said, "this is a local control bill," meant to give rural counties and municipalities the option to allow UTVs on roads to support tourism and local travel. Steinle told the committee the bill defines a qualifying UTV (a side‑by‑side with rollover protection), sets a width limit of about 80 inches, and establishes an engine cutoff of roughly 900 cubic centimeters to distinguish UTVs from other off‑road machines.
Under the bill as presented, an operator would need a valid driver's license (operators must be at least 16 under current statute), the UTV must be registered in the county where it is operated, and standard liability insurance must be maintained with proof carried on the vehicle. Vehicles would be required to meet basic roadway equipment standards, including at least two headlamps, rear turn signals, at least one brake light and seat belts, Steinle said.
Steinle and witnesses emphasized that the bill would not change existing allowances for agricultural use of ATVs or UTVs; Steinle said it "does not in any way impact how AG currently uses UTVs" and is aimed at side‑by‑side recreational and local travel use in smaller counties.
Sharp County Judge Mark (last name not specified) testified in support, saying Sharp County relies heavily on tourism and that allowing counties to authorize UTV use could encourage longer tourist stays. Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell also supported the bill, telling the committee such local control would let law enforcement regulate UTVs on county roads and could increase economic activity in rural areas. Mark Whitmore of the Association of Arkansas Counties said county judges and sheriffs helped craft the bill and that many are supportive.
Steinle introduced and moved an amendment adding Tyler Deas as a senate sponsor; the committee approved the amendment by voice vote. After testimony and discussion the committee recorded a motion to pass the bill as amended; the committee approved the motion by voice vote and the bill passed out of committee.
The transcript records that Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) were neutral on the measure; no formal roll‑call vote tally was recorded in the committee proceeding.
