Senate Bill 331 introduces significant amendments to the laws governing the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and snowmobiles in Wisconsin. Key changes include the prohibition of careless, reckless, or negligent operation of ATVs and UTVs, with courts empowered to impose treble damages for property impairment. The bill also expands the conditions under which ATVs and UTVs can operate on bridges, culverts, and railroad rights-of-way, removing the previous 1,000-foot limitation. Additionally, it mandates that ATVs and UTVs be equipped with functioning brake lights and requires operators involved in accidents to render aid and provide their information to affected parties.
Furthermore, the bill broadens the definition of authorized emergency vehicles to include ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles operated by emergency services, and establishes specific definitions for patrol vehicles used in law enforcement and emergency response. It also requires the Department of Transportation to revise its highway maintenance manual to facilitate the designation of ATV routes. Notably, the bill repeals and recreates certain provisions regarding equipment requirements for ATVs and UTVs, ensuring that all necessary lights are operational during operation.
Statutes affected: Bill Text: 23.33(1)(ng)1.e, 23.33, 23.33(3)(a), 23.33(4)(d)3.a, 23.33(4)(d)3.b, 23.33(6)(a)