Senate Bill 728 amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the operation of utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). The bill redefines what constitutes a utility terrain vehicle, including low-speed vehicles, medium-speed vehicles, Class I and II off-highway vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles. It establishes specific requirements for operating these vehicles, such as the necessity for titling and registration, liability insurance, age restrictions for operators, and safety equipment like helmets and operational lights. Additionally, the bill outlines conditions under which UTVs can be operated on state highways and county roads, including speed limits and crossing regulations.

The bill also repeals certain existing sections of the law, specifically Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 55-8-203 and 55-8-191, and makes several deletions related to references of these sections in other parts of the law. Furthermore, it allows for the operation of all-terrain vehicles on designated unpaved streets within adventure tourism districts, subject to local governing body approval and additional safety requirements. The violation of these provisions is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, with a fine of $50. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-8-185, 55-8-203, 55-8-191, 55-1-125, 55-8-101(38), 55-8-101, 55-50-102(37), 55-50-102, 55-3-101(d), 55-3-101