10/03/2026
This week, we responded to a UTV accident that included a seriously injured person. As these vehicles become more commonplace, please note the following regarding the rules of their operation:
In Ohio, side-by-sides (classified as Utility Task Vehicles or All-Purpose Vehicles) cannot be registered as street-legal directly through the state BMV, but local county or township authorities may permit them on specific local roads.
State and Local Road Rules
πΊ General Ban: You cannot drive side-by-sides on state highways, interstates, or limited-access freeways.
πΊ Local Authority: County commissioners and township trustees can pass resolutions allowing UTVs on specific county or township roads under their jurisdiction.
πΊ Speed Limits: Where permitted by local ordinances, operation is generally restricted to roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.
πΊ Crossings: Ohio law allows crossing a highway (other than a freeway) if it can be done safely and without disrupting traffic, yielding to oncoming traffic.
πΊ Private Property: You can ride freely on private land with the permission of the owner, and no title or registration is strictly enforced for purely private use.
πΊ State/Public OHV Areas: Operating in designated Ohio state off-highway vehicle areas requires a valid state or out-of-state OHV permit, a functional muffler, brakes, and approved lights in the dark.
πΊ Use your seatbelts!!
πΊHelmets are strongly advised or required depending on the specific facility.
Have fun, but stay safe folks!!
ππ
(Pic from another incident.)
