DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 501 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session Schamerhorn
Abstract: Authorizes a utility terrain vehicle to operate on highway shoulders for the purpose of
moving between agricultural properties.
Present law provides definitions related to motor vehicles and traffic regulations.
Present law defines a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) as any recreational motor vehicle designed for and
capable of travel over designated roads, traveling on four or more tires, a maximum tire width of 27
inches, a maximum wheel cleat of 3/4th inches, a minimum width of 50 inches but not exceeding
74 inches, a minimum weight of at least 700 pounds but not exceeding 2000 pounds, and having a
minimum wheelbase of 61 inches but not exceeding 110 inches. Present law adds that a UTV does
not include golf carts, vehicles specially designed to carry a disabled person, or vehicles otherwise
registered under present law. A UTV also means a recreational off-highway vehicle or ROV.
Proposed law adds the present law definition for UTV to the definitions related to motor vehicles
and traffic regulations provided in present law.
Present law generally restricts the operation of utility terrain vehicles on public roads and streets,
except in the following circumstances:
(1)A utility terrain vehicle operated on a parish road or municipal street designated by a parish
or municipality for use by a utility terrain vehicle.
(2)A utility terrain vehicle may cross a divided highway, highway, roadway, or street with a
posted speed limit in excess of 35 miles per hour at an intersection.
Proposed law retains present law and further authorizes the operation of UTVs on the shoulder of
a highway with improved asphalt or concrete shoulders except an interstate highway for the purpose
of moving between agricultural properties.
(Adds R.S. 32:1(110) and 299.3(B)(3))