Laws & regulations on operating UTVs in city limits (2024)

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - As summer approaches, you may start to see more off-road vehicles on city streets, but there are certain laws and regulations utility task vehicle drivers must follow inside city limits.

In 2021, the Oklahoma legislature passed a law making UTVs street legal, but users should be aware that you need a drivers license and to register the UTV the same way you would any other vehicle.

In the City of Lawton, drivers must have a valid Oklahoma drivers license and register the UTV, according to Lawton Police Department Sergeant Trenton Ulrich.

“Everything you have to have for a car except for a windshield, you have to have for a UTV,” Ulrich said. “Golf carts inside the city limits are not legal, except for at the lakes and then you have to have them inspected by someone at lake headquarters. They’ll give you a permit and you have to have the permit number affixed to your golf cart.”

A dealership in Lawton tells 7NEWS UTVs are selling out as soon as they get the vehicles in stock.

Ulrich said this summer, drivers of the popular vehicles need to be extra careful.

“It doesn’t have nearly as much protection as a car does,” Ulrich said. “That’s one of the reasons we harp on following all the rules of the road. That way you don’t get into an accident because you’re not going to have as much protection.”

And the same rules apply that would if you were operating a car or truck.

“You always want to obey the speed limits, want to make sure you’re wearing seatbelts as well as all the other traffic laws,” Ulrich said. “These laws are there for your safety, as well as other drivers on the road.”

And over in Duncan, drivers can operate golf carts in city limits, but not on sidewalks or highways.

As for drivers sharing the road with UTVs, you should be aware and use extra caution the same way you would if you were sharing the road with a motorcycle.

Some cities, like Apache, require UTV drivers to purchase permits.

Contact your local police department for more information.

Copyright 2022 KSWO. All rights reserved.

Laws & regulations on operating UTVs in city limits (2024)

FAQs

Can I make my UTV street legal in Oklahoma? ›

For your UTV or ATV to be legal for highway driving, it must be registered as a regular vehicle. These include 5. On a carriageway with four or more lanes for fluid traffic and for two-way traffic.

Where can I drive a street legal UTV in Utah? ›

Unless a street or highway is designated as open for street-legal ATV use by the controlling highway authority in accordance with Section 41-22-10.5, a person may not operate a street-legal ATV on a street or highway if the highway is under the jurisdiction of a county of the first class, a municipality that is within ...

How do I make my UTV street legal in Wisconsin? ›

What You Need to Know
  1. Vehicle must be registered as an OHV with Wisconsin – nonresidents must also register.
  2. Drivers born on or after 1/1/1988 must pass a Wisconsin ATV Safety Course.
  3. Occupants younger than 18 must wear helmets.
  4. Auxiliary lights and nonstandard lighting colors usually can't be used on-road.

Can you make a UTV road legal? ›

There are a few ways to make your UTV or Side by Side road legal. You can make it street legal by modifying the vehicle to meet the requirements of the state, or you can get a special permit from the state that allows you to drive the vehicle on the road.

What do you need to make a UTV street legal in Oklahoma? ›

Street legal utility vehicles, meeting specific criteria, can now be registered as street legal in Oklahoma. Visit the Oklahoma Tax Commission or your local tag agent with proof of ownership, proof of insurance, driver's license, Form 754 and applicable registration fees to register.

Can you drive a UTV on Oklahoma highway? ›

Pete Broderick. The Oklahoma Legislature passed a law in 2021 to make UTVs street-legal, but operators must be licensed to drive and the vehicle must be registered. A UTV can be operated on any road in the state other than a U.S. highway, defense highway, or on the national system of interstate highways.

How long can you leave a car on the side of the road in Utah? ›

According to the laws in Utah, an abandoned vehicle is one that is left unattended: On a highway for more than 48 hours. On public or private property for more than seven days without express or complied consent of the property owner.

Do you have to wear a helmet in a UTV in Utah? ›

All ATV riders should wear an approved helmet at ALL times when riding their ATV, regardless of their age or experience level. In Utah, a helmet is mandatory for all riders (operators AND passengers) under the age of 18. Helmets must have at least a "DOT Approved" safety rating for motorized use.

What does it mean when the rider in front of you pats his or her helmet with an open palm ATV? ›

A bonus signal – When someone is tapping the tops of their head, it means there is law enforcement ahead. This is your signal to slow down and be prepared to take a different path or take your helmet off and speak to them.

Can you drink alcohol while driving a UTV in Wisconsin? ›

Wisconsin law allows substantial fines and imprisonment terms for those found guilty of operating an ATV, UTV, or OHM under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Can you drink alcohol in a UTV in Wisconsin? ›

This bill prohibits the possession of open containers of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol by any person in or on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or utility terrain vehicle (UTV) when the vehicle is upon a highway, ATV trail, or other established ATV corridor that is open to the public.

Can I register my UTV in Wisconsin if I live in Illinois? ›

Nonresidents who keep their ATV or UTV in Wisconsin must register their ATV or UTV in Wisconsin. Used for state, county, city and village owned ATVs and UTVs.

Can a UTV pull a trailer? ›

NOTE: Towing a trailer is a great way to expand your UTV's cargo storage capacity, but it can also be dangerous. Consult your owner's manual and follow all manufacturer recommendations when towing.

What does a RZR need to be street legal? ›

These include safety lights, side mirrors, rear mirrors, a front windshield, and a registration tag for the vehicle. If the Polaris RZR is missing any of these components, then it will not be considered legal to drive on the roads at all in the state.

Can you farm with a UTV? ›

A UTV is a great resource for those in the farming and agriculture industry. These durable and versatile powersports vehicles can tackle many tasks that farmers face each day. Below we cover the most common ways to use your side-by-side for your farm work.

Can you register a UTV in Oklahoma? ›

You have 30 days after purchase to register your ATV or UTV. If you use your ATV or UTV solely for agricultural purposes, you are exempted from the registration requirements; however, you may choose to register it if you want.

Can ATV be street legal in Oklahoma? ›

An all-terrain vehicle may be operated upon public streets and highways if the vehicle needs to make a direct crossing of the street or highway while the vehicle is traveling upon a regularly traveled trail and needs to continue travel from one area of the trail to another and if the vehicle comes to a complete stop, ...

How much does it cost to register a side-by-side in Oklahoma? ›

Standard Vehicles
Standard Vehicle Registration YearFull Year Fee
1st - 4th year$96.00
9th -12th year$66.00
13th - 16th year$46.00
17th year +$26.00
2 more rows

What makes a bike street legal in Oklahoma? ›

In order for any dirt bike to be street legal, it must have a VIN and be registered and titled. It also must have a valid license plate and be equipped with a speedometer, headlight, and taillight. In addition, its driver must have a valid motorcycle endorsem*nt on their driver license.

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