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House hears bill to limit municipal ATV road designations after safety concerns
Summary
HB41 would require that municipal designations of 'ATV accessible' roads directly connect to recreational areas, a change sought after sheriffs reported cities designating entire municipalities, creating traffic hazards; committee reported favorably (7–0).
The House heard HB41 on Jan. 23, a bill aiming to restrict how local governments designate roads as ATV-accessible. Sponsor Susan Cohen told the chamber the Utah Sheriff's Association requested the change after seeing some cities designate entire municipalities as ATV accessible, creating traffic hazards because the only legal requirement to drive an ATV is to be eight years old.
Cohen said the statute’s original purpose was to let motorists on ATVs reach recreational trail systems, but that some communities have used the language broadly, allowing ATVs on city streets with no direct access to recreational areas. She said the association documented several serious accidents and fatalities tied to the broader designations.
Committee reporting showed a favorable committee vote (7–0, 7 absent). Discussion focused on whether local ordinances could have fixed misuse and on definitions that would exempt agricultural or authorized uses; the sponsor said agricultural uses and vehicles with appropriate decals remain exempt.
The committee endorsement advances HB41 toward the next reading and potential floor action.
