All counties statewide eligible to participate
Under a revised pilot program, utility terrain vehicles, also known as lightweight utility vehicles or side by sides, may again be allowed on certain county all-terrain vehicle trails and routes statewide.
A previous pilot program expired in September 2009. The new program has been revamped and expanded, and is significantly different than the previous program.
Gary Eddy, Department of Natural Resources ATV administrator said the Legislature enacted another two-year pilot program, and the Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) Pilot Program was recently signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle and is in effect until June 30, 2012.
“This law just passed, so we need to give counties time to digest the new law and determine whether they are interested in participating or not,” he said.
Interested counties must pass a resolution indicating they want to participate in the pilot program and file it with the DNR and any law enforcement agency within their jurisdiction. Towns within those counties may pass a resolution to opt out of the program if the town doesn't wish to participate.
Notable changes from the previous pilot program include:
* Different vehicle specifications, including requirements for factory equipped seatbelts and a roll bar, type device.
* ATV trails on state and national forest lands may not be participating.
* UTVs participating in the program will require Public Use - ATV registration, including for non-residents.
* All ATV laws will apply, except that operators age 16 and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete a DNR ATV Safety Education Course. Operators under age 16 are not allowed to operate a UTV.
* Driver's licenses are not required.
“It's important for people to know that they have to wait until counties opt into the program. Anyone operating their UTV on trails or roads not officially opened will be ticketed. Just because their UTV is registered, doesn't mean they can go,” Eddy said “Once the pilot program ends, the DNR will again review the data gathered during the program, consult with the counties and then forward the results to the legislature. This is a responsible approach towards a possible permanent, statewide registration program for these vehicles.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Eddy, All-Terrain Vehicle Administrator, (608) 267-7455 or Diane Conklin, Trail Grant Manager, (715) 822-8583
source....
