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Committee OKs bill to allow utility-terrain vehicles on roads with speed and safety conditions
Summary
After extended questioning and testimony from the Department of Safety, the Senate Finance committee recommended a bill that permits ATVs/UTVs on state and local roads with posted speed limits at or below 45 mph, subject to licensing, insurance and local opt-outs.
The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee on April 8 recommended for passage a transportation-sponsored bill to allow utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) and similar off‑highway vehicles to operate on roads across Tennessee with specified limits.
Sponsor Sen. Mark Lowe and the Department of Safety said the measure aims to create statewide consistency. Elizabeth Stroker, legislative director and assistant general counsel at the Department of Safety, told the committee the change makes access uniform: “You can operate on any of these local roads as long as the speed limit is not above 45 miles per hour.” She added it excludes the interstate system and keeps existing licensing and insurance requirements in place.
Committee members raised safety questions about vehicle capabilities, lighting, seat belts and whether locals can opt out. Stroker and other department staff said existing safety features must be used if present on the vehicle (for example, factory-installed doors or seat belts), and local governments may opt out of specific roads; the department plans to publish an exclusion list online.
Sen. Sarah Hensley asked if vehicles must be confined to daylight; the witness said that is current law and remains in place. Members also discussed the Adventure Tourism Act and how earlier local authorizations would be grandfathered. After an extended recess to hear agency experts, the committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill for the calendar by a recorded vote of 10 ayes, 0 nays.
The sponsor and supporters described the measure as pragmatic for a largely rural state, allowing property owners and farm operators to move vehicles across lower-speed roads while maintaining safety and local control.
What’s next: The bill is recommended for passage to the calendar committee. Local governments retain authority to restrict vehicle use on specific roads and the Department of Safety will post exclusions and guidance.
