Another state has legalized UTVs for road use. Is this a positive development?

      Caleb Jacobs

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      If you're tired of transporting your UTV from one location to another, relocating to the Southeast might be a wise choice. South Carolina is set to permit side-by-sides on public roads, aligning with several nearby states, including Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, that have already declared UTVs as road legal.

      Recently signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster, Bill 222 will take effect on November 22 and specifically legalizes the operation of UTVs on public roads while establishing rules and regulations for owners (thanks to UTV Driver for bringing this to our attention). The regulations commence with required safety equipment for vehicles on public roads, including seat belts, headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and windshields (or suitable eye protection for the driver and passengers).

      Drivers must be at least 17 years old, possess a valid driver's license and insurance, and ensure their vehicles are registered for use on public roads within the state. UTVs will not be permitted on interstate highways and will be restricted to a maximum speed of 55 mph on any public roads where they are authorized. Additionally, while the state sets general guidelines, local governments will have the authority to regulate where UTVs can be driven and establish specific speed limits, curfews, and noise regulations.

      The legislation in South Carolina mirrors those in the aforementioned Southern states. All have granted road legality to UTVs with certain limitations, which is reasonable given that rules governing both drivers and vehicles also apply to passenger cars and all other vehicles on public roads. Currently, UTVs are also street legal in Arizona, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

      Mahindra

      The rationale behind this is clear. Modern UTVs are approaching the performance, space, and amenities typically associated with cars. In the past, the Mahindra Roxor would have been classified as a vehicle. It is derived from Jeep CJ models produced under license in India, leading to the prolonged legal dispute between Mahindra and Jeep, and it is not even the most capable UTV available. While we may not agree with some manufacturers' portrayal of UTVs as the future of affordable fun "cars," it is evident that, in certain areas, there are owners who wish to utilize them for purposes beyond just agricultural use or off-road recreation.

      That said, UTVs are not designed to meet the same safety and emissions requirements as passenger vehicles. The same can be said for motorcycles, yet it is less likely that two-wheeled vehicles will be seen as substitutes for cars. An increase in individuals choosing vehicles that are less safe and more polluting would not be beneficial.