Using A RTV on the road

Smilingreen

Active member
In my state, you can register a RTV for off highway use, which will allow you to drive it on any road that is maintained by the county. My plates just came in the mail today from the dealership. For Tennessee, it is registered as a Class 1 Off Highway Vehicle. I am still keeping the SMV sign on the back window screen. I may mount the plate next to the SMV sign. Does the state you live in allow you to run your RTV on the county roads?
 

bczoom

Senior Member
Staff member
Gold Site Supporter
In my state (PA), ATV's and UTV's need to be registered. That does not mean you can drive it on the road other than perpendicular to the road to cross it.
That said, our local police won't bother you for driving on the road so long as you're not driving crazy. A possible exception is the major roads with high speed traffic.
Heck, in the summer, nearly half the traffic on my road is ATV's & UTV's.
 

FTG-05

Active member
Yes, but I don't follow the regulations. I run about 10-15 miles of rural 1 1/2-2 lane roads around here picking roadside trash (forking litterbugs!!!! :mad:).

The downside: ITP Blackwater Evolutions don't last long on asphalt. My front tires are going to need replacement next summer. :(
 
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geohorn

Well-known member
SUPER Site Supporter
In my state (PA), ATV's and UTV's need to be registered. That does not mean you can drive it on the road other than perpendicular to the road to cross it.
That said, our local police won't bother you for driving on the road so long as you're not driving crazy. A possible exception is the major roads with high speed traffic.
Heck, in the summer, nearly half the traffic on my road is ATV's & UTV's.
So…you must rely upon an individual cop’s private opinion and munificence… Lotta cops have different opinions and viewpoints and depending on the argument held with their wife the night before might influence things.

In my state, the vehicle is required to meet certain regulations and cannot be operated on freeways or contrary to where minimum speed limits are posted. Otherwise, if it meets the definition of an agricultural or construction machine and complies with those regs…. the operator may count on the law to support him.… Of course, it cannot guarantee protection from idiot drivers on the road who seem to believe the road is only for them.
And the RTV does not have the protections afforded the occupants which otherwise may exist such as crashworthiness, airbags, fire-resistance, head-protection, crush-panels, etc etc.

I operate on back-country county roads where my neighbors are all farmers or are familiar with ag operations. Whenever a hot-rodder comes barreling down the road I pull off to the side and let ‘em pass.
 

bczoom

Senior Member
Staff member
Gold Site Supporter
So…you must rely upon an individual cop’s private opinion and munificence… Lotta cops have different opinions and viewpoints and depending on the argument held with their wife the night before might influence things.
I'm relying on the police chief's mandate that his officers are not to pursue or pull-over off-road vehicles for minor traffic infractions (e.g. driving down back roads). Not in our town as far as I know but there's been cases where the police pursued and the ATV driver took off which lead to injury of the driver. It's not worth the risk. They may ID you and find you at home but that's different.
 

geohorn

Well-known member
SUPER Site Supporter
I'm relying on the police chief's mandate that his officers are not to pursue or pull-over off-road vehicles for minor traffic infractions (e.g. driving down back roads). Not in our town as far as I know but there's been cases where the police pursued and the ATV driver took off which lead to injury of the driver. It's not worth the risk. They may ID you and find you at home but that's different.
That might work …. until someone is injured by an off-road vehicle operating on the street without legal basis. The police chief’s mandate would not likely hold up if it doesn’t enforce written laws. (Not being argumentive…just discussing the subject.)
 
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