Bill > HB174

This bill increases the maximum unladen dry weight for utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds. A UTV, which is a type of off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV), is defined as a mechanically propelled vehicle designed for travel over non-maintained roads, equipped with a rollover protection system and safety belts. The bill modifies several sections of New Hampshire law to reflect this new weight limit, including regulations for operating UTVs on state-owned trails and within Jericho Mountain State Park. The changes will allow larger and heavier utility terrain vehicles to be classified and operated under OHRV regulations, potentially giving users more flexibility in vehicle selection and use. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, providing ample time for stakeholders to prepare for the new weight limit. The changes apply to various types of UTVs, including side-by-side vehicles, ROVs, gators, buggies, and other off-highway vehicles.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0154&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB174