House committee hears push to let emergency UTVs travel beyond two-mile limit

The House Transportation Committee heard testimony on proposed changes to Pennsylvania’s vehicle code that would allow emergency-use utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to travel on roadways beyond the current two-mile statutory limit.

Representatives and first responders gathered in Harrisburg for a public hearing on bills including House Bill 297 and House Bill 2233. Rep. Perry Stambaugh, the prime sponsor of HB 297, said the bills grew from requests by local fire departments and aim to close a gap that forces responders to trailer UTVs long distances before they can reach incidents.

"This was a concern that was brought to me a couple years ago by our fire departments in Perry and Juniata counties," Stambaugh said, describing why he sponsored the legislation.

Testifiers from Central Bucks Regional Police and volunteer fire companies outlined operational examples they say show the need for limited on-road authority. Capt. Lance Carlin of the Central Bucks Regional Police Department described acquiring a Can-Am Defender UTV and using it for trail patrols, missing-person searches and large-event coverage. "These vehicles are essential because they allow us to reach areas that traditional patrol vehicles cannot safely or efficiently access," Carlin said, arguing that Title 75 recognizes ATVs but not UTVs and that current law is too restrictive.

Captain Paul Kreuter, who also serves as president of Doylestown Fire Company No. 1, recounted several rescues and said departments want registration plates and a narrow statutory exception so UTVs can travel short roadway segments for patrols, event coverage and access between trail points. "We just would like to be able to use these UTVs to do the things that we do on a daily basis," Kreuter said.

Chief Nick Campbell of the Blaine Volunteer Fire Company described liability concerns if crews operate on a road when the law technically forbids roadway travel. Campbell noted that many UTVs are factory-equipped with safety features such as roll cages, doors or nets, lights and seatbelt interlocks, and that local policies require seatbelts and training.

Committee members pressed testifiers on safety details and scope. Rep. Mary Isaacson asked, "How fast do these go?" Testifiers responded that top speeds vary by model and tire choice; one witness said, "I believe ours top speed is 68 miles an hour," noting that agencies typically choose off-road tires and do not plan highway operation at emergency speed. Lawmakers discussed whether to require audible warning systems, door netting or other equipment when UTVs are authorized for limited roadway travel.

Witnesses emphasized training and written policies: departments described written procedures, driver’s-license requirements, and minimum training hours before personnel are cleared to operate UTVs (most agencies said operators are 21 or older, with some smaller fleets allowing 18-year-olds under a chief’s approval). Representatives also viewed photos and packet materials demonstrating how a Stokes basket is secured to a UTV for patient extraction in difficult terrain.

Testifiers urged a narrowly written change to the vehicle code that would permit fire, EMS and police agencies to operate UTVs on roadways for official duties and to receive registration plates so vehicles are insured and clearly authorized. The hearing concluded with lawmakers encouraging testifiers to bring their equipment to legislators for in-person demonstrations; the committee adjourned without taking a vote.

Next steps: committee members did not vote; sponsors and agencies signaled they will continue discussions about statutory language, safety requirements and registration details.