LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas residents may soon see more utility task vehicles (UTVs), commonly known as side-by-sides, legally traveling on county and city roads—if local governments choose to allow it.
House Bill 1606, now officially Act 922 of the 2025 Regular Session, gives local governments the authority to permit UTVs on designated public streets and highways within their jurisdictions. The law establishes a framework for allowing UTVs to operate safely and legally, provided certain safety and equipment standards are met.
Key Provisions of the Law:
To legally operate a UTV on a public road under this act, the following conditions must be met:
- The UTV must have:
- A steering wheel
- Non-straddle seating
- Rollover protection system
- At least two headlamps
- Rear-facing turn signals
- At least one brake light
- Seatbelts
- The operator must:
- Be a licensed driver
- Register the UTV with the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle
- Affix a registration decal to the driver’s side roll bar
- Carry liability insurance equal to passenger vehicles
- Comply with Arkansas traffic laws
Cities and counties may adopt ordinances or issue executive orders to designate specific roads as open to UTV traffic. These designations may apply to all roads within their boundaries or only to specific routes, which must be mapped and filed with the city or county clerk.
However, roads with speed limits over 55 mph, divided four-lane highways, and roads within state parks are off-limits to UTVs under this legislation.
Local Impact and Implementation
Though the bill authorizes UTVs on public roads, it leaves the decision up to local governments. A city council or county judge must formally approve the routes. If no action is taken, UTVs remain prohibited on public roads as before.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration estimates no major fiscal impact from the bill but notes that updates to registration systems and employee training will be needed.
With more Arkansans using UTVs for recreation and utility purposes, HB1606 brings structure to a previously murky area of law. Supporters say the bill balances safety with freedom of use, while critics warn of potential dangers if not carefully enforced.
