All-Purpose/Utility Vehicle Inspection & Info

WHAT VEHICLES ARE COVERED?

The first step to legal operation of “All Purpose” (APV) and “Utility” (UTV) vehicles is to determine how your vehicle is classified. As a general rule, more restrictions apply to the legal operation of UTVs than apply to the legal operation of APVs, so it is important to be aware of the distinctions.

All-Purpose Vehicle (APV): Any self-propelled vehicle designed primarily for cross-country travel on land and water, or any combination of thereof, including vehicles that operate on a cushion of air, vehicles commonly known as all-terrain vehicles, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes, and trail bikes.

Utility vehicle (UTV): A self-propelled vehicle designed with a bed, principally for the purpose of transporting material or cargo in connection with construction, agricultural, forestry, grounds maintenance, law and garden, materials handling, or similar activities.

Under these definitions, a recreational vehicle without a bed or cargo area such as an All-Terrain Vehicle is classified and will be registered as an All-Purpose Vehicle (APV).  That classification will also be reflected on the vehicle’s title.  Registered APVs have smaller license plates than UTV.

A vehicle with a bed or cargo area (such as certain side-by-sides) may be classified and registered as either “APV” or “UTV”, so check your vehicle title to determine whether your vehicle with a bed is titled as an APV or a UTV. 

ON WHAT ROADS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY CAN I DRIVE MY APV OR UTV?

By default, operation of APVs and UTVs on roads and highways in Ohio is illegal.  Unless a local jurisdiction has adopted a resolution allowing the operation of these classes of vehicles on the roads and highways under their control, operation remains illegal. Please see the Washington County Commissioners’ resolution that allows certain APV/UTV operations. (ADD LINK)

 APV operation is allowed on roads and highways under the jurisdiction of Washington County and certain local townships, provided all legal requirements applicable to that class of vehicles is followed. 

 UTV operation is allowed on Washington County and applicable local township roads and highways with an established speed limit of 35 MPH or less, but is prohibited on any road or highway with a speed limit greater than 35 MPH.  As with APVs, compliance with UTV legal requirements is necessary for roadway operation of these vehicles to be legal.

• In Ohio, roads without posted speed limits have a default speed limit of 55 MPH. UTV operation on unposted roads remains illegal, but APV operation is allowed.

The State of Ohio and the Federal Government prohibit the use of APVs and UTVs on state roads and interstate highways. Therefore, APVs and UTVs are prohibited on state routes and interstate highways which run through Washington County.

IS IT LEGAL FOR JUST ANYONE TO DRIVE ANY APV OR UTV ON THE ROAD?

NO.  To drive an APV or UTV legally on the road, you must:

• Be a licensed driver; 

• Operate a roadworthy APV or UTV that is registered with the BMV; and 

Note: While it is impossible to register a UTV unless it has first been inspected by law enforcement, ATVs are not required to undergo inspection.

• Ensure that your APV or UTV is covered by an appropriate insurance policy.

 
If your APV or UTV is unregistered and lacks plates, or if it is not covered by a valid policy of vehicle liability insurance, DO NOT drive it on the road anywhere.

 Additionally, you may only drive your APV or UTV on the road if it meets or exceeds the minimal equipment requirements under Ohio law that apply to its class of vehicle.  Greater equipment requirements apply to UTVs than ATVs.  The inspection requirement for UTVs will ensure that your UTV is fully equipped with the necessary equipment.

 Here is a simplified comparison of what is required to drive these classes of vehicle on roads where it is allowed:

APVs:

• Licensed Driver Required

•  Insurance Required

•  Registration and Plates Required

•  Required Equipment: one headlight and one taillight (if driven at night), adequate brakes, and a muffler

• No Inspection Required

• No Restriction on Roads under County Jurisdiction or under the Jurisdiction of Townships that Allow
  

UTVs:

• Licensed Driver Required

• Insurance Required

•  Registration and Plates Required

•  Required Equipment: brakes, lights, turn signals, steering, horn, glass, mirrors, exhaust system, windshield wipers, tires must pass inspection

•  Inspection IS Required (Prior to Registration)

•  Limited to Roads 35 MPH or Under

If you have questions about the legalities of off-road vehicles, please email XXXXXXXXXXXXXX