Utility-type vehicles and side-by-sides; authorize operation of on public county and municipal roads and streets.
One significant impact of HB529 is the establishment of age and licensing requirements for UTV operators. The bill specifies that individuals must be at least sixteen years old and possess a valid driver’s license to operate a UTV on public roads. Additionally, those with conditional licenses are restricted to operating UTVs only during daylight hours and under adult supervision. This is aimed at enhancing safety by ensuring that only qualified and responsible operators can drive these vehicles in public areas.
House Bill 529 aims to regulate the operation of utility-type vehicles (UTVs) and side-by-sides on public county and municipal roads in Mississippi. The bill mandates that UTVs and side-by-sides must be registered similarly to passenger vehicles through the Department of Revenue, with an annual registration fee set at fifty dollars. This legislation is expected to create a formalized framework for the use of these vehicles on public roads, providing legal clarity and increasing safety standards for their operation.
Notably, the bill includes provisions for the exemption of UTVs from ad valorem property taxes for the counties where they are registered. This aspect has drawn mixed reactions; supporters argue that it encourages the registration and legal use of UTVs, thereby boosting accountability and protection for operators. In contrast, critics raise concerns about the potential loss of revenue for local governments, which may rely on such taxes for funding public services and infrastructure, particularly road maintenance.
Furthermore, HB529 specifies safety requirements that UTVs must meet for registration, including equipment standards to ensure the vehicles are fit for safe operation. It also prohibits the operation of these vehicles by individuals holding only learner’s permits, including limitations on child passengers. By outlining such requirements, the bill is designed to reduce accidents and injuries associated with UTV usage on public roads.