Senate ponders bill to legalize UTVs on Kentucky roads

A bill was introduced in the Kentucky Senate that would allow certain ATVs and side-by-side UTVs to operate on county roads.

Senate Bill 63 would allow the vehicles to operate legally on some public roads under specific conditions.

Sen. Brandon Storm of London worked with Backroads of Appalachia to address unique needs in rural areas like eastern Kentucky, where off-road vehicles are widely used for farming, logging, and outdoor recreation. 

He said legalizing the vehicles would help residents save on travel costs. It would also encourage regional tourism and create opportunities for small businesses.

Under the bill, vehicles must meet safety requirements such as proper headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, and road tires.

They would be prohibited on interstates and major highways, but allowed on smaller roads for trips up to 20 miles. Local governments and state agencies would retain the authority to impose additional restrictions.

The bill would require vehicles to be registered and insured, and display a motorcycle license plate.

The proposal would exclude low-speed vehicles and golf carts.


(AP Photo Lisa Rathke)