The bill H. 3158 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by introducing regulations for the registration and operation of Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) on public roads. It defines a UTV and establishes requirements for registration, including proof of ownership, liability insurance, and a biennial fee of ten dollars. The bill specifies that UTVs must be registered similarly to passenger vehicles and outlines the conditions under which they can be operated on roads, including age restrictions for drivers and passengers, safety equipment requirements, and exemptions from property taxes at the county level.

Additionally, the bill revises existing definitions in the law, such as the term "Off Road Use Only," and expands the definition of "Individual Private Passenger Automobile" to include UTVs, provided they are registered for road use. The legislation also mandates that UTVs must carry a title indicating their intended use and comply with safety regulations, including the installation of seat belts and operational lights. The act is set to take effect one year after receiving approval from the Governor.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 56-2-140, 56-1-10, 38-77-30
Latest Version: 56-2-140, 56-1-10, 38-77-30