HB 1482 -- Utility Vehicles

Sponsor:  Wells

This bill defines "utility vehicle" as any motorized vehicle
manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway purposes which
is 63 inches or less in width, has an unladen dry weight of 1,850
pounds or less, travels on four or six wheels, and is used
primarily for landscaping, lawn care, or maintenance purposes.
No person can operate a utility vehicle upon the highways of this
state except:

(1)  Governmental owned and operated vehicles for official use;

(2)  Vehicles operated for agricultural purposes or industrial
on-premises purposes between the time of the official sunrise and
sunset;

(3)  Vehicles operated occasionally by handicapped persons for
short distances only on state secondary roads between the time of
sunrise and sunset;

(4)  Vehicles which have been issued special permits by a city to
be used on highways within the city limits by licensed drivers.
The city may charge a $15 fee for the permit; or

(5)  Vehicles which have been issued special permits by a county
to be used on highways within the county limits by licensed
drivers.  The county may charge a $15 fee for the permit.

Individuals will be prohibited from operating a utility vehicle:

(1)  In a careless way so as to endanger the person or property
of another;

(2)  While under the influence of alcohol or a controlled
substance;

(3)  Without a valid operator's or chauffeur's license with the
exception of a handicapped person;

(4)  Within any stream or river except by an operator who owns
the property or has permission to be on the property on which the
waterway flows through or when fording a low-water crossing;

(5)  At a speed of more than 30 miles per hour on a highway when
permitted; or

(6)  While carrying a passenger except for agricultural purposes
or if the vehicle is designed with seating to carry more than one
passenger.

Any violation of these provision will be a class C misdemeanor.
In addition to other legal remedies, the Attorney General or
county prosecuting attorney may institute a civil action for
injunctive relief and the assessment of a penalty not to exceed
$1,000 per day.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:10 pm