Bill would change utility-type vehicle restrictions

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard testimony March 18 on a bill that would amend utility-type vehicle (UTV) provisions.

LB84, introduced by Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher, would allow UTVs to cross controlled access highways with more than two marked traffic lanes if:
• the UTV’s headlight and taillight are on at the time of crossing;
• the intersection is controlled by and in compliance with a traffic light; and
• the local governing body has authorized UTV crossings at that intersection.

UTVs currently are prohibited from crossing controlled access highways with more than two marked traffic lanes.

Schumacher said retirees in small communities often prefer to operate UTVs. LB84 would make the vehicles more functional and could attract more retirees to live in the state by lessening restrictions on them, he said.

Richard Snyder, a Columbus UTV operator, testified in support of the bill. The current restriction is inefficient and deters people from buying or operating UTVs in the state, he said, adding that he must travel an additional 1.5 miles to avoid crossing a controlled access highway.

No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on it.