New proposals from the Florida Legislature may legalize the use of UTVs on the state’s public roads.
Two bills from the Florida Legislature may legalize the use of UTVs on public roads. Authorized vehicles would need to meet certain criteria to be used by their owners.
UTVs are multi-purpose vehicles that resemble a fusion between a car and a quad bike. They were originally designed for off-road activities, but many drivers have taken advantage of legal loopholes to drive them on public roads.
According to Andrew Doppel, parts manager at RideNow Powersports Daytona, it is possible to register a UTV in some U.S. states if the vehicle owner makes “proper modifications.”
“All you need to do is pay a few hundred dollars and sign some paperwork, and suddenly you have a machine driving on the streets,” Andrew said.
The sponsor of the bills is Senator Tom Wright from New Smyrna Beach.
While the news is good for vehicle manufacturers, Honda Motor Corporation issued a statement warning about the risks of passing the bills.
“They have not undergone the same types of crash safety tests that any other street vehicle is required to go through,” the letter warned.
Honda also noted that UTV tire pressure is lower so they can travel on dirt, sand, and other terrains. This would make them unsuitable for asphalt or concrete.
Photos: Pexels. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
