No. HB 101
Filed under Transportation.
Utility Terrain Vehicles; Authorizes utility terrain vehicle (UTV) to be operated during all hours; authorizes operation of UTVs on certain roadways & on certain parts of State Highway System; authorizes DOT to prohibit use of UTVs under certain circumstances; authorizes persons possessing certain licenses to operate UTV; requires owners or operators of UTV to comply with certain requirements & regulations; authorizes county or municipality to restrict operation of UTVs under certain circumstances; provides civil penalties; requires DHSMV to issue license plate to owner or lessee of vehicle registered as UTV upon payment of certain taxes & fees; requires that license plates for UTVs comply with specified provisions.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDCounties and cities can now designate two-lane roads with speed limits under 55 mph for UTV use, and UTVs can cross state highways at a 90-degree angle to reach them.
Anyone driving a UTV on a public road needs a regular driver's license, or a learner's permit with a licensed driver in the adjacent passenger seat.
Owners must carry insurance, register the UTV for a license plate, and keep proof of ownership and registration in the vehicle for officers to check.
Counties, cities, and the state Department of Transportation can each ban UTV operation from specific roads whenever officials decide a ban is necessary for safety.
AIThe bill lets counties and municipalities designate specific two-lane roads with posted speed limits under 55 mph for UTV use, after finding the road can be safely used or crossed.
AIOperating a UTV on a road requires a full driver license, or a learner's license while a licensed driver sits in the adjacent front passenger seat.
AICounties, municipalities, and the Department of Transportation can each prohibit UTV operation on roads under their jurisdiction whenever they judge it necessary for safety, on top of the two-lane, sub-55-mph limits.
AIA UTV may cross the State Highway System only at roughly a 90-degree angle, at a spot where a quick and safe crossing is possible, the only road use allowed without a local designation.
AIOwners must meet standard vehicle insurance requirements and keep proof of ownership and a registration certificate in the UTV, in addition to following ordinary traffic regulations.
AIBreaking any of the new UTV rules is a noncriminal nonmoving traffic violation, the same civil-penalty track used for minor traffic offenses, not a criminal charge.
AIThe state must issue a distinct UTV license plate once an owner registers the vehicle and pays the required taxes and fees, matching the process already used for mini trucks and low-speed vehicles.