Trail riding enthusiasts can thank State Rep. Mary Hubler to thank for shepherding these bills through the state assembly process on March 4 and April 13-22. We need your help - please call or e-mail your state representative and tell them this bill has already passed the senate and that YOU would appreciate their vote in support for the UTV bill SB 448 when it comes time to cast their vote. So we can ride on the trails THIS SUMMER.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

Under the bill, a UTV is defined as a motor driven device, other than a golf cart or low−speed vehicle, that is designed to be used primarily off of a highway and that has and was originally manufactured with certain features, including a gross weight of more than 900 pounds but not more than 1,999 pounds, a cargo or dump box, four or more low−pressure tires, non−straddling seats for at least two occupants and certain safety systems.

The UTV pilot program allows counties and municipalities to designate routes and trails that may be used. The UTV pilot program is open to any county and the municipalities within those counties. The program also allows DNR and any federal agency that receives state funds for ATV projects to designate ATV routes and trails that may be used by UTVs. The UTV pilot program provides that if a county adopts a resolution electing to participate in the pilot program, then the resolution applies to all of the municipalities within the county unless a municipality adopts a resolution to opt out of the program.

The program prohibits a person from operating a UTV on a designated ATV route or trail unless the UTV is registered by DNR. The bill authorizes DNR to register and charge registration fees ($30 for 2 Years) for UTVs in the same manner as it registers and charges registration fees for ATVs that are registered for public use under current law. The bill provides that certain laws that apply to ATVs under current law apply to UTVs under the pilot program, including traffic citation laws, rules of operation, prohibitions on operation while intoxicated, noise limits, and certain equipment requirements.

The bill does not require a person who operates a UTV under the UTV pilot program to have a motor vehicle operator’s license but instead prohibits a person younger than 16 from operating a UTV.

The bill also requires a person who is born on or after January 1, 1988, and who operates a UTV to hold a valid all−terrain vehicle safety certificate.

THESE BILLS NEED YOUR HELP TO PASS THE ASSEMBLY. CONTACT YOUR STATE REP. TO MAKE UTV TRAIL RIDING HAPPEN IN WISCONSIN SPREAD THE WORD, TAKE ACTION, LET’S RIDE!!!