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Hanksville work session: town affirms state control over highways, updates local wording to allow street-legal UTV/ATV use on town streets
Summary
Councilors discussed off-highway vehicle (OHV) language and traffic code. Participants said town streets under 45 mph can legally be used by properly licensed, street-legal off-highway vehicles; responsibility for state highways (Highway 24 and 95) remains with the state.
HANKSVILLE
Council members and staff reviewed proposed code language that governs motor vehicles and off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on town streets. The discussion clarified that street-legal, licensed UTVs/ATVs may operate on town streets that meet state speed requirements (typically under 45 mph), but the town cannot unilaterally designate state highways (U.S. Highway 24 and 95) for local OHV use.
Why it matters: The town receives regular use of side-by-sides and similar vehicles for recreation and local travel; clear local rules reduce confusion for riders and enforcement officers.
What was discussed and the outcome: - Councilors emphasized that state law governs traffic and highways; the town cannot override state control of Highway 24 or Highway 95. - Participants proposed language to recognize street-legal off-highway vehicles (including 3-wheel and 4-wheel off-road motorcycles) for use on town streets where state law permits and where the vehicle is properly licensed. - Members discussed signage and public awareness so riders know where they can and cannot ride (for example, avoiding riding on highway shoulders). - Council agreed to revise local code language to allow street-legal OHVs on town streets and to remove overly restrictive local prohibitions that conflict with state law; the town will keep highway exceptions in the code because those roads are under state jurisdiction.
Next steps: Staff will update definitions in the draft code (including a definition for motorcycles/UTVs that addresses three-wheel vehicles) and will return revised language for formal review.
