I tested Kawasaki's Ridge Limited UTV last year, and later proposed that it could replace some people's trucks. It has a sealed cabin, HVAC system, and infotainment system, but you can't legally drive it on public roads in many states.
Well, now a new bill would legalize UTVs on public roads in Florida. But not everyone is on board—not even some UTV manufacturers.
The pair of new Florida State Legislature bills would allow owners of UTVs who meet certain criteria to drive them on both municipal and public roads, as well as some highways with a maximum speed limit not exceeding 55 mph. Sen. Tom Wright (R) of New Smyrna Beach, is Senate Bill 88's sponsor. Senate Bill 88 also has a companion in House Bill 221, filed by Rep. Richard Gentry, R-Astor. But there's a problem.
UTVs were originally designed to do a variety of off-road activities. However, they were never meant to be used solely as on-road vehicles. Still, owners have been bypassing laws that stop them using their UTVs on roads for some time.
According to Andrew Doppel, parts manager at RideNow Powersports Daytona, "You can do the proper modifications and you can register them in states that are non-inspection... All you have to do is pay a couple-hundred bucks and sign some paperwork, and all of a sudden you have a machine that's going down the road."
Since there's already a loophole, this bill would seemingly just mean that users could now register their UTV in Florida, pay the appropriate fees, and then obtain the correct licenses to drive on most public roads. In theory, making UTVs more usable would increase sales, and manufacturers would be happy about that. However, that's not the case.
A letter from Honda Motor Corporation, requesting the lawmakers reject passage of Wright's bill, stated the following, "(UTVs) have not gone through the same types of crash-worthiness tests that every other on-road vehicle is required to undergo... UTV tires utilize a low pressure to allow for travel on dirt, sand and gravel, and other types of off-road terrain, but would not be appropriate for asphalt or concrete."
But I'm pretty sure this letter from Honda isn't solely to protect those who would drive UTVs on the road. Although I don't believe there's any bad intent—the reality is that legalizing UTVs for use on public roads would likely hurt Honda, and brands like it.
If more states legalize UTVs for use on public roads, then models from manufacturers like Can-Am, Polaris, Yamaha, and Honda would likely come under more scrutiny, and could then be forced to meet certain safety standards that they're currently not required to do.
High-end UTVs already cost as much as some cars. Now, imagine if they had to pass the roadworthy safety tests that those same cars do—the units would cost a bomb. Let us know what you think about legalizing the use of UTVs on public roads.
