Bill > S0222

This bill defines "Utility Terrain Vehicle" (UTV) as a specific type of four-wheel drive, off-road vehicle with a steering wheel and non-straddle seat, intended for transporting people or cargo, and sets rules for their registration and operation on public roads in South Carolina. To operate a UTV on a public highway, individuals must be at least 17 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and have the UTV registered, insured, and displaying a license plate, with specific restrictions on who can operate them, including prohibitions for those with beginner's permits or certain types of licenses. The bill also mandates safety equipment like seat belts and headlights, prohibits UTVs on interstate highways, and allows local governments to regulate their use on roads with speed limits of 55 mph or less, while also clarifying that UTVs are subject to sales tax but owners are exempt from property taxes on them. Additionally, it revises the definition of "off-road use only" to include UTVs not manufactured for public roads, includes registered UTVs in the definition of "individual private passenger automobile" for insurance purposes, and provides an exemption for farmers operating UTVs within a certain distance of their agricultural operations.