Oklahoma House Bill HB1139

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Refer: 2/17/21

Caption

Motor vehicles; defining term; providing for the issuance of license plates, decals and registration for certain vehicles; effective date.

Impact

The bill would amend existing Oklahoma statutes to include provisions specifically for the registration, licensing, and operation of street-legal UTVs. By formalizing the definition and operational guidelines for these vehicles, it aims to enhance road safety and streamline the registration process. The legislation would likely impact existing laws concerning vehicle classifications and the operation of off-road vehicles by designating registration requirements that were previously ambiguous.

Summary

House Bill 1139 establishes regulations regarding street-legal utility vehicles (UTVs) in Oklahoma. The bill defines a UTV as a motor vehicle with specific characteristics, including a combustion engine with a minimum displacement, four wheels, and safety belts for each occupant. It mandates that these vehicles must be registered as motor vehicles to be operated on public streets and highways. This is intended to ensure safety and accountability among UTV operators while providing clarity on the criteria that define a street-legal UTV.

Contention

While the bill attempts to promote safety and legal clarity for UTVs on public roads, there may be contention regarding the enforcement of these new regulations. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the implications for local users who have historically operated UTVs on private or rural roads without strict oversight. Moreover, debates may arise regarding compliance costs and whether the requirement to register and obtain specific tags could deter usage in rural areas where these vehicles are commonly used for leisure and agricultural purposes.