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House Passes Limit on Municipal ATV Road Designations; License Amendment Fails
Summary
The House passed House Bill 41 restricting municipal designation of roads open to off‑highway vehicles and defeated an amendment to require an operator's license for off‑highway vehicles on highways; the bill passed the House 67–1 and moves to the Senate.
The Utah House on Jan. 25 approved House Bill 41, legislation clarifying municipal authority to designate roads open to off‑highway vehicles (ATVs) and limiting such designations to roads providing direct access to recreational areas, sponsors said.
Representative Susan Cohen, sponsor of HB41, said the measure responds to concerns from the Utah Sheriffs' Association that municipalities had overused designation authority. Representative Murray offered a floor amendment (pink sheet) to require a valid motor vehicle operator's license to operate off‑highway vehicles on highways, arguing the change would prevent children from operating dangerous off‑road vehicles in traffic. Lieutenant Howard and Representative Olson opposed the amendment, saying it would unduly restrict rural trail connectivity, tourism and family trail use.
The amendment was put to a voice vote and failed. The House then opened the machine vote on the bill itself; the Speaker announced House Bill 41 had received 67 yes votes and 1 no vote and passed the body. The bill will be forwarded to the Senate for consideration.
Floor discussion focused on balancing public safety and the economic/tourism benefits of trail systems; sponsors and opponents noted carve‑outs for agricultural implements of husbandry and local ordinance flexibility.
