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Committee sends bill to give first responders limited authority to operate off‑highway vehicles on public roads
Summary
AB 24 53, sponsored by Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, would authorize peace officers and first responders to use off‑highway vehicles on public roads for limited distances and requires local jurisdictions to adopt policies, training and safety standards; the committee passed the bill unanimously.
Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez presented AB 24 53 as a public‑safety measure to clarify statutory authority for firefighters, search and rescue teams and law enforcement to use off‑highway utility task vehicles (UTVs) while performing official duties in areas where traditional vehicles cannot safely operate.
"AB 24 53 closes that gap and ensures all public safety personnel have the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively," Rodriguez said, asking the committee for an aye vote.
Kevin Lins, division chief for the City of Carlsbad Fire Department, told the committee that Carlsbad uses UTVs to patrol beaches, lagoons and trails and to respond at special events; he said a change in California Highway Patrol procedures had limited the department’s ability to drive UTVs on public roads and forced operationally burdensome workarounds such as trailering.
"AB 24 53 would enable firefighters, lifeguards, and police to reach off‑road areas such as beaches and open space more quickly without operationally burdensome and time‑consuming workarounds like using a trailer," Lins said.
Nicole Wertleman, speaking for the City of Ontario, also supported the bill. No opposition witnesses appeared in the committee room.
The clerk called the roll and the committee reported AB 24 53 to the Committee on Natural Resources and Water; the transcript records unanimous committee support as members returned (the vote is recorded in the hearing as 13–0 once full attendance was recorded).
