The Tennessee General Assembly has passed legislation allowing utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on specific public roads, establishing statewide regulations for their use. House Bill 810, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, permits UTVs to operate on state highways and county roads with speed limits of 45 mph or lower. Drivers have to be at […]
The Tennessee General Assembly has passed legislation allowing utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on specific public roads, establishing statewide regulations for their use.
House Bill 810, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, permits UTVs to operate on state highways and county roads with speed limits of 45 mph or lower. Drivers have to be at least 16, hold a valid license and operate vehicles that are registered and insured.
Utility terrain vehicle’s are required to stay under 35 mph and can only be driven during daylight hours. Riders must wear helmets with some exemptions for older drivers and certain types of roads.
“This legislation strikes a strong balance between public safety and personal freedom,” Grills said. “We want Tennesseans and visitors alike to enjoy UTVs but to do so responsibly and within clear, enforceable guidelines.”
The law also sets safety equipment requirements and prohibits passengers who would require a child restraint seat. These vehicles remain banned on interstates, controlled-access highways and roads where state or local officials restrict their use.
Violations carry a $50 fine
The legislation exempts UTVs used for farming, emergency response or public safety. These vehicles may operate at any time and are not subject to helmet or equipment requirements.
Local governments may authorize UTV use on unpaved roads in designated adventure tourism districts. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Department of Transportation must publish a list of restricted roads by Oct. 1, 2025.
House Bill 1085 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.