Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) Pilot Program

The UTV Pilot Program replaces the previous Lightweight Utility Vehicle (LUV) Pilot Program.

The program will run from late March 2010 through June 30, 2012. Any county in the state may elect to participate in the UTV Pilot Program by passing a resolution and filing it with the DNR and all effected law enforcement agencies. If the county successfully passes a resolution and a municipality within that county does not wish to participate in the UTV Pilot Program, the municipality will need to pass a resolution opting out of the program. The county or municipality may designate ATV trails, routes and areas that are open to UTVs. The DNR and Federal agencies may also elect to participate in the program and designate which ATV trails are open to UTVs. Initial contact with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) revealed that they will most likely not be allowing all UTVs to operate on off-road vehicle trails on National Forest lands. The USFS has a rule that restricts off-road vehicle width to a maximum of 50 inches. The only UTV that is 50 inches or less and permitted on open trails on National Forest lands is the Polaris RZR.

See the entire UTV Pilot Law, History of Senate Bill 448

What is a UTV?

These vehicles have several different names including LUVs, utility vehicles, side by sides and recreational off-highway vehicles. Utility-type models include Kubota and the Kawasaki Mule; newer, sport-type models include the Polaris RZR and the Kawasaki Teryx.

Basic Specifications

• not a golf cart. Golf cart means a vehicle whose speed attainable in one mile does not exceed 20 miles per hour on a paved, level surface, and that is designed and intended to convey one or more persons and equipment to play the game of golf in an area designated as a golf course.
• not a low speed vehicle. Low−speed vehicle means a low−speed vehicle, as defined in 49 CFR 571.3, that satisfies the equipment standards under 49 CFR 571.500 and that was originally manufactured to meet the applicable equipment standards under 49 CFR 571.500.

Originally manufactured with the following:

• between 900 lbs and 1,999 lbs.
• four or more low pressure tires
• cargo or dump box
• steering wheel, tail light, brake light, 2 headlights, seat belts or similar device.
• max width of 65 inches
• seating for at least 2 occupants, non-straddled seats
• a roll bar or similar device

How Do I Register My UTV?

UTVs participating in the pilot program will be able to register for Public Use ATV Registration. Decals will have to be displayed the same as ATVs. UTVs may not register for Private Use or Private Use – Agricultural. (See Agricultural Use for more info.)

UTV owners can register there machines in the exact same way as an ATV except for over the internet. Internet registration applications cannot be accepted.

UTV registration Validation Stations

What Are The Laws?

UTVs are considered ATVs and must follow all ATV regulations while operating on ATV trails, routes and areas designated as open to UTVs under the UTV Pilot Program.

One regulation unique to UTVs is the minimum age of a UTV operator is set at 16. Operators are not required to have a driver’s license, but operators at least age 16 and born on or after January 1, 1988 are required to hold a valid ATV safety certificate. Persons under age 16 may not operate a UTV under the UTV Pilot Program.

Wisconsin All-Terrain Vehicle Laws

Where Can I Operate?

Contact your County ATV trail coordinator or County Forestry Department to see if your county has elected to participate in the UTV Pilot Program. Map of counties participating.

Agricultural Use

Effective March 26, 2010, a new law change in the motor vehicle laws allows the use of Lightweight Utility Vehicles on roadways and shoulders during agricultural operations, with certain restrictions.

Note: This law is not part of the UTV Pilot Program and not a DNR regulation. For more information, view the entire law change:

2009 WISCONSIN ACT 157

Questions should be directed to the Department of Transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out what areas are open to UTVs?

The DNR will try to update their website with that info. as counties notify them. The best source will be the County Forestry and Parks department for each county.

My machine meets all the specifications except for a few. Is there anyway I can register it as a UTV?

Unfortunately not, the UTV law list specific specifications and the machine must meet ALL of them. There are a wide variety of off-road machines out there, the UTV Pilot Program cannot account for all of them.

Can I modify my machine to meet the UTV specifications?

No. Your machine must meet the UTV specifications as originally manufactured.

My son is age 14 and has passed ATV Safety, can he operate a UTV?

No. The minimum age to operate a UTV is 16.

The county where I live passed a resolution to participate in the UTV Pilot Program. Do I need to register my UTV if I am using it only on private property or on the ice?

No, UTV may apply for a Public Use ATV registration which is required while operating on ATV road routes, ATV trails or any other lands made open to ATVs/UTVs. Registration is not required anywhere else.

Can I register my UTV under a Private Use ATV–Agricultural registration and then operate on any road?

No, the only registration available to UTVs is Public Use ATV. See info. on the recently passed agricultural use law above.

Do I have to display my ATV registration decals on both sides of the front of my UTV, just like an ATV?

Yes. The decals must be clearly visible on both sides of the UTV and in a location forward of the operator and easily visible to law enforcement. The best location for this is on both sides of the hood.

I am from out of state, do I need to purchase an ATV non-resident trail pass?

No, the only registration option available for the pilot program is Wisconsin, Public Use ATV registration which is $30 for the two-year program or $15 a year.

Will there be special UTV signs or UTV regulation pamphlet?

No. UTV operators will follow the ATV signs and ATV regulations pamphlet.

If a county does not elect to participate in the UTV Pilot Program, can I still register my UTV and ride on ATV Routes?

You may register your UTV, but you can only operate on ATV road routes and ATV trails if that county has passed a resolution electing to participate. If there is no resolution, the only areas you may operate your UTV is on private property with permission, on frozen waterways and on roads under certain restrictions if you are engaged in an agricultural operation.

My machine meets all the specifications, but it is made by a golf cart company. Does that mean it is a “golf cart” and can not be used according to the law?

Many golf cart companies make machines that are not designed to be used on a golf course. These machines often have larger tires, better suspension and more power. They do not meet definition of “golf cart” as listed and can be used as a UTV.

My UTV has a roll cage and seat belts. Do my kids have to wear helmets?

UTVs must follow the ATV laws. The ATV laws required all children under age 18 to wear a helmet. Yes, they do have to wear helmets.

The ATV registration form lists a restriction of 50 inches, but the UTV specifications say 65 inches, there are weight and other restrictions also. Can I still use this form?

Yes, the ATV restrictions will be over-ridden allowing UTVs to register as ATVs. A special UTV registration form was not created for this temporary pilot program.

I bought my UTV in a county that isn't participating in the UTV Pilot Program, but I plan on using my machine in a county open to UTVs. Can the dealership still register my UTV or do I have to go to an open county?

Any dealership can register a UTV as an ATV during the pilot program. However, you don't automatically have to register it if you don't plan on using it in one of the open, UTV counties.

Contacts

Diane Conklin
Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 397
1341 2nd Avenue
Cumberland WI 54829
(715) 822-8583
Fax: (715) 822-3592

Gary Eddy
Department of Natural Resources
101 S Webster St - LE/5
Madison WI 53703
(608) 267-7455
Fax: (608) 266-3696