Bill > SB0728

This bill modifies Tennessee's laws regarding utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), which are off-road vehicles like low-speed or medium-speed vehicles, by establishing comprehensive rules for their operation on county roads and state highways. The bill requires UTVs to be registered, covered by liability insurance, and operated only by drivers 16 or older with a valid driver's license. Operators and passengers must generally wear helmets, cannot transport child passengers requiring a child seat, and can only operate during daylight hours (including 30 minutes before dawn and after dusk), with exceptions for agricultural and publicly owned vehicles. The bill mandates specific safety equipment like brakes, lights, turn signals, horns, roll bars, seat belts, and mufflers, and allows UTVs to operate on state highways with speed limits of 45 mph or less and county roads, with specific crossing regulations for highways with higher speed limits. The bill provides detailed provisions for UTV operation in several Tennessee counties, including specific routes and times, and establishes that violations are Class C misdemeanors punishable by a $50 fine. By October 1, 2025, state departments will compile and publish a list of highways where UTV operation is prohibited, and local governments can prohibit UTV use on roads under their jurisdiction.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0728&ga=114