Owners of off-highway utility vehicles will soon be able to legally drive their vehicles on public roads.
A state law signed by Gov. Brian Kemp back in May takes effect on Dec. 1. The law allows owners of multipurpose off-highway vehicles (MPOHVs) to register for a license plate authorizing them to drive on county roads. Registered vehicles will also be authorized to cross roads that are part of a municipal street system or state highway system. However, they will not be permitted on interstates, state highways, or city streets.
To maintain valid registration, the owner must continue to carry automobile liability insurance and pay annual registration renewal fees.
Which vehicles are eligible?
Only off-highway vehicles manufactured after Jan. 1, 2000, will qualify for a license plate. They must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, taillights, a rearview mirror, and safety belts. The vehicles must also meet eight requirements:
- Transports people, cargo, or both;
- Speed is between 25 and 65mph;
- Width is 80 inches (6-2/3 feet) or less;
- Four or more wheels;
- Has a steering wheel;
- Nonstraddle seat (this and the last one basically means not an ATV with handlebars);
- Vehicle weight less than 4,000 lbs;
- Minimum cargo capacity of 350 lbs.
These requirements eliminate registering dirt bikes, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and other vehicles with handlebar steering, straddle seats, and fewer than four wheels.
MPOHVs must also have features specifically intended for utility use, meaning generally, they are designed and manufactured primarily for performing off-road tasks in agriculture, construction, or industrial settings.
That excludes golf carts, which are designed primarily for recreational use and do not have features specifically intended for utility use.
Annual registration fee
The annual registration fee is $20. After initial registration, an MPOHV registration must be renewed each year, or it will expire.
Those who wish to register their MPOHV will have to complete and submit forms proving ownership and eligibility for the unit.
For more information, follow the QR code below or visit www.dor.georgia.gov/registering-multipurpose-highway-vehicle.
