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Senate concurs with House changes to allow limited off-highway vehicle road use; opponents warn of lost local control
Summary
The Senate concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 181 to permit certain off-highway vehicles on public roads at lower speed thresholds; supporters cited out-of-state experience and stakeholder backing, while opponents warned cities could lose local input. Final roll call was 18 yes, 8 no, 3 absent.
The Utah Senate took up first substitute Senate Bill 181, which addresses off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on public highways. Sponsor Senator Jenkins described two House changes: a reduction of the allowable speed from 50 mph to 45 mph and removal of an opt-in/opt-out provision that had permitted some cities greater local control. He cited Wyoming and Arizona experience to argue the change poses limited safety risk and noted stakeholder support from state agencies and industry groups.
A senator on the floor objected to removal of the local opt-in amendment, saying the change removed local input for towns (noting concerns for communities such as Park City and smaller municipalities), and raised police and chief-of-police concerns. The sponsor said he had reviewed accident and usage patterns from other states and would place the broader vehicle categorization on a master transportation study list.
After debate the Senate moved the concurrence and took a final roll call; the clerk announced first substitute Senate Bill 181 passed this body with 18 yes votes, 8 nay votes and 3 absent and the bill was referred to the House for its further action.
