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Senate approves exemption for helmets on under-18 passengers in UTVs with roll cages and seat belts
Summary
House Bill 13, amended in the Senate, passed to exempt passengers under 18 from a helmet requirement when traveling in utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) equipped with roll cages and seat belts; the amendment requires seat-belt use when helmets are not worn.
Boise — The Idaho Senate passed House Bill 13 as amended March 5, a bill that creates an exemption allowing people under 18 not to wear helmets while riding in a UTV that is equipped with a roll cage and seat belts, provided the child wears a seat belt when not wearing a helmet.
Sponsor remarks: Senator Burd (floor sponsor) said the intent is narrow: where a UTV is equipped with a roll cage and the child occupant does not wear a helmet, the vehicle’s seat belt must be used. The floor amendment added the explicit requirement that the child must be belted if not wearing a helmet.
Opposition remarks: Several senators said they would vote no on the bill for safety reasons; Senator Woodward said, "I don't allow my own children to do this ... I have to vote no." The sponsor and floor recognized the safety concerns but argued the rule balances parental choice and the presence of passive safety features such as roll cages and seat belts.
Vote: The Senate recorded 29 ayes, 4 nays, with two absent; the bill passed and will be returned to the House.
