Look for UTVs on some Utah roads soon

[utvguide]

http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/2008/08/24/news/news02.txt

Look for UTVs on some Utah roads soon

By Karen Lambert
Published:
Sunday, August 24, 2008 2:16 AM CDT
Utah residents can soon expect to see Rhinos on many streets — Yamaha Rhinos, that is — along with Polaris Rangers, Kawasaki Mules and other utility-type vehicles.

Recent legislation makes them street legal starting Oct. 1 if owners comply with a detailed list of requirements, said Charlie Roberts, spokesman for the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles.

“As of now, it’s an off-road regular vehicle (that can only be used on trails) unless you’re a farmer going from field to field,” said Mark Perkes, general manager of Cache Honda Yamaha.

According to the new law, the owner must have proper safety equipment, can only drive their UTV in cities with populations of 7,500 or fewer and must stay on roads with a speed limit lower than 45 mph.

That means Logan and a couple of other Cache Valley cities will still be off-limits, but in the surrounding communities UTVs with turn signals, headlights and other needed modifications will be street legal.

Users must have a driver’s license, insurance and register their vehicles. A license plate will be required.

Perkes said the new law could reduce gas use, save time and help him increase sales.

“From where I live (in Millville) I could drive them from my house to the mountains without having to put them in a trailer,” Perkes said.

He said he’s still waiting for clarification on whether they’ll be able to cross busy highways with speed limits higher than they can drive on.

“There are still many points of the laws they haven’t defined,” he said.

In Franklin County, the city and county have recently modified their laws and according to their understanding of Idaho law believe UTVs can cross state roads, but not drive on them.

Perkes said UTVs have become increasingly popular, although he’s been selling Rhinos since 2004. Rhinos, which are typically about 54 inches wide, can seat two people side by side. ATVs are usually only about 48 inches wide. He said they’re about the same speed, more stable and have a bed that can dump. Rhinos can cost between $8,000 and $12,000.

Perkes believes the new ordinance will also have a provision to allow traditional class 1 and 2 ATVs on the street.
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