Off-highway vehicles (OHV), Golf Carts and Other Vehicles
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs), and golf carts pose serious safety risks when used illegally on public roads. OHVs are not allowed on paved roads unless designated or street-legal, and golf carts can only be driven on city streets if authorized locally. Know the rules to help keep our roads safe for everyone.
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Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)
Know the Laws:
OHVs cannot operate on paved public roads unless the road is specifically designated or the OHV meets street-legal requirements.Street-Legal Requirements
To be legally driven on paved roads, an OHV must have:
- Headlights: Two functioning headlights.
- Tail Lights: Two functioning taillights, including brake lights.
- Turn Signals: Front and rear turn signals.
- Rearview Mirrors: One on the left side and one on the right side, or one wide-angle rearview mirror.
- Horn: Audible from at least 200 feet away.
- License Plate Bracket and Light: A securely mounted license plate with a light to illuminate it.
- Muffler: Properly functioning and compliant with noise regulations.
- Windshield: If no windshield is installed, the operator must wear protective eye gear.
- Tires: Department Of Transportation-approved tires suitable for highway use.
- Speedometer: A working speedometer or odometer.
License and Certification Requirements:
- A valid driver license is required for paved public roads.
- All OHV Operators are required to complete an OHV education course.
- All OHV Operators are required to complete an OHV education course.
Why it matters
- OHVs are not designed for road conditions and pose a high risk of crashes, especially among youth.
- Lack of stability and safety features make them dangerous in road environments.
- Operating an OHV illegally can lead to fines and penalties.
golf carts
Know the Laws:
Golf carts are not allowed on public roads in Utah unless the city has specific ordinances permitting their use. (Utah Code Section 41-6a-1510).
Local Authority Exception: Cities, towns, or municipalities may pass ordinances allowing golf carts on certain roads. Contact your city to learn about local regulations.
- Golf carts are typically restricted to low-speed roads (e.g., 25 mph or lower).
- Operators must follow local rules, which may include:
- Age restrictions
- Safety equipment requirements (e.g., lights, reflectors, helmets)
- Licensing or permits
Why it matters
Golf carts are not safe for public roads because they lack the design and safety features necessary for road use.
Here are the key reasons:
- Limited Safety Features:
Unlike cars, most golf carts lack federally mandated safety features like seat belts, airbags, crash-resistant frames, and advanced braking systems, making them less safe in collisions.
- Low Speeds:
Golf carts are designed for speeds typically around 15-25 mph, which can create dangerous speed differentials with other vehicles on public roads. This makes them more prone to rear-end collisions and other crashes.
- Lack of Stability:
Golf carts often have a higher center of gravity and a narrower wheelbase, making them more prone to tipping, especially during sharp turns or on uneven terrain.
- Poor Visibility:
Golf carts are smaller and sit lower to the ground, making them harder for other drivers to see, particularly in busy traffic or at intersections.
- Minimal Protection in Crashes:
Golf carts have open sides and no structural protection against impacts, leaving occupants highly vulnerable in the event of a collision.
- Limited Lighting and Signaling:
Many golf carts lack adequate lighting, turn signals, and reflectors, reducing visibility for other road users, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Not Built for Road Conditions: Public roads often have faster-moving traffic, larger vehicles, and more complex driving conditions that golf carts are not designed to handle.
Using golf carts on public roads can significantly increase the risk of crashes and injuries, making them unsuitable for regular road use.
Youth Safety and Parental Responsibility
Parents who allow their child to drive an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) illegally are not just risking legal trouble but are also putting their kids in danger. Children under the age of 18 are 13 times more likely to have a crash when operating an OHV.
Children are generally not allowed to drive an OHV (Off-Highway Vehicles) and golf carts on public roads due to safety concerns and here’s why:
Safety Risks
OHVs and golf carts are designed for off-road use, and their characteristics, such as low stability and lack of safety features like airbags, make them riskier for on-road driving.
Inexperience
Children may lack the necessary driving experience and maturity to handle the challenges of road traffic. Roads require a different set of skills compared to off-road environments.
Traffic Rules
Operating a vehicle on the road requires knowledge and adherence to traffic rules. Children likely do not fully understand or follow these rules, increasing the risk of crashes.
Visibility
OHVs and golf carts are often smaller and less visible than regular vehicles, making them more prone to crashes on busy roads where other drivers may not easily notice them.
Restricting children from driving OHVs and golf carts on the road is primarily to protect their safety and the safety of others on the road.
AdditionalResources
- Utah Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education Requirements
- In Utah, OHV operators are required to complete the Utah Off-Highway Vehicle Education Course. Operators under the age of 18 shall possess a youth OHV education certificate in order to operate an OHV on public land (not to be confused with public – paved road), road or trail. Operators 18 years of age or older may operate an OHV if they possess an approved adult OHV education certificate
- Utah Off-Highway Vehicles Act (Title 41, Chapter 22)
