Committee hears bill to authorize statewide ATV/UTV registration and street use; safety and regulatory questions remain

Senator Dan Linojewski introduced LB690, a proposal to allow Nebraskans to register all‑terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task/terrain vehicles (UTVs) for use on county roads and in municipalities that adopt ordinances permitting street use. He told committee members the bill is intended to remove confusion caused by a patchwork of local rules, provide predictable statewide registration, and capture registration revenue currently taken in by neighboring states.

Supporters — including dealer representatives, UTV owners and clubs — said registration would bring economic benefits by keeping tourism spending in Nebraska and would produce DMV revenue. Ken Lonowski, an owner‑operator and rider, described safety features on many modern UTVs (three‑point seat belts, roll cages, lighting, turn signals) and said many models accommodate child seats. Kayla Walford, speaking for a dealership, said the bill would remove inconsistent local rules that force owners to trailer vehicles between towns.

Neutral testimony from the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board warned of an unintended consequence: if ATVs/UTVs are defined as motor vehicles, an expanded set of dealer and manufacturer licensing requirements under the Motor Vehicle Industry Regulation Act could apply. The licensing board recommended an amendment to make clear these vehicles are not included under that licensing act unless the legislature intends that result. The Nebraska Association of County Officials told the committee it can work with DMV to implement registrations if the Legislature approves statewide authority.

Committee members asked about safety, child restraints, speed and where the vehicles would be allowed. Witnesses and members noted distinctions between agricultural exemptions, local ordinances that already permit some street use, and the need to avoid forcing farmers who use UTVs in routine work to obtain new plates. Senator Linojewski offered an amendment (AM442) to remove weight limits in the bill to address concerns about how electric and heavier UTVs would be treated.

There were no formal votes at the hearing. The sponsor said he would work with the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, NACO, and stakeholders on technical amendments to avoid unintended licensing consequences and to address safety provisions requested by committee members.