Bill would let counties and cities authorize street use and create state registration for ATVs/UTVs

Sen. Dan Linojewski introduced LB690 to allow registration of all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and to permit counties and municipalities to adopt ordinances authorizing limited street use. "LB 6 90 allows counties and municipalities to pass an ordinance granting street use of their vehicles in their representative jurisdictions," Linojewski said.

Supporters included owners, dealers and recreation groups who argued that state registration would keep tourism and related spending in Nebraska and would simplify an inconsistent patchwork of local ordinances. Ken Lonowski, an owner‑operator who testified in support, described safety equipment commonly fitted to modern UTVs — headlights, taillights, turn signals, three‑point seatbelts and roll cages — and said many models can accommodate child seats with appropriate installation.

Dealership testimony described customers who travel to neighboring states to register and ride because those states have clearer, statewide registration and street‑use rules. Kayla Walford, a dealership representative, said the patchwork of municipal ordinances makes enforcement difficult and that consistent rules would help local law enforcement and retailers.

Neutral witnesses asked the committee to consider regulatory consequences. Josh Eickmeier of the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board warned that defining ATVs/UTVs as "motor vehicles" without an explicit exclusion could bring them under the Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act and trigger dealer and manufacturer licensing obligations; he recommended a narrow amendment if the bill is intended only to add registration and street‑use permissions without changing industry licensing.

Committee members raised safety questions including seat‑belt and child‑seat fit, speeds, use on high‑speed roads, and whether municipalities could opt out. Sponsor Linojewski said agricultural exemptions would remain for farm uses and that he would work with stakeholders and agencies on narrow technical fixes, including a weight‑limit amendment he offered during the hearing.

The fiscal note presented by the sponsor’s office estimated increased fee revenue of about $1.2 million in 2025–26 and $1.86 million in 2026–27; proponents said the note did not capture tourism and secondary economic impacts. No committee vote was reported at the hearing.