There’s a lot of misinformation out there about ATVs and UTVs—what they can do, how safe they are, and what kind of people ride them.
These myths have shaped public opinion for years—and it’s time to set the record straight.
Myth: ATVs are too dangerous to be allowed on public roads.
Fact: Modern UTVs are built with safety in mind—roll cages, seat belts, lights, mirrors, and more. When properly equipped and legally operated by licensed drivers, they are safer than motorcycles, which are already fully legal.
Myth: Legalizing ATVs will lead to chaos and reckless riding.
Fact: Illegal riding already happens—because the law offers no legal path. Giving responsible riders a way to ride within the rules actually improves safety and enforcement. Structure reduces abuse.
Myth: These vehicles don’t belong on the road—they’re built for trails.
Fact: Today’s UTVs are multi-purpose machines used for farm work, daily errands, job sites, and recreation. They’re already being ridden on roads all across Texas—they’re just not protected by the law.
Myth: There’s no way to safely regulate ATVs for street use.
Fact: Dozens of states already do it successfully. With required equipment, insurance, licensing, and speed limit restrictions, Texas can create a safe and enforceable system like many others have.
Myth: Riders won’t follow the rules even if it’s legalized.
Fact: Most riders want to follow the rules—they just need rules that make sense. When laws are fair and consistent, compliance goes up and reckless behavior goes down.
Myth: ATVs damage the environment more than other vehicles.
Fact: When confined to legal roads, ATVs cause less erosion and impact than illegal off-trail riding. Legal road access keeps riders on pavement and out of protected land.
Myth: This will only benefit a small number of hobbyists.
Fact: This helps ranchers, families, tradespeople, commuters, veterans, retirees, and small-town residents who use UTVs for everyday life—not just recreation.
Myth: ATVs can’t keep up with traffic and will cause accidents.
Fact: Most modern UTVs can safely maintain speeds of 45–60 MPH. The 50 MPH Bill only permits use on roads with speed limits of 50 MPH or less, ensuring these vehicles match the flow of traffic without creating risk.
Myth: This will make things harder for police officers.
Fact: It will make things easier. Clear legal standards reduce officer discretion, eliminate confusion, and allow law enforcement to focus on real violations instead of guessing which vehicles are allowed and which aren’t.
Myth: Texas roads aren’t made for ATVs.
Fact: Texas roads already carry motorcycles, golf carts, tractors, bicycles, and more. If a vehicle meets proper safety requirements and speed limits, it can safely operate on public roads—especially in rural and small-town areas where UTVs already exist.
Myth: You can’t insure an ATV or UTV for road use.
Fact: Most major insurance providers offer liability and even full coverage for street-legal ATVs and UTVs in states where they’re permitted. The insurance industry is ready—the law just has to catch up.
Myth: ATVs make too much noise for residential roads.
Fact: Many modern machines are quieter than motorcycles, trucks, and even some lawn equipment. Legalizing use doesn’t mean legalizing loud pipes—noise limits can still apply under local ordinances.
Myth: ATVs are mostly used by teenagers and thrill-seekers.
Fact: The largest growth in UTV ownership is among adults 35–65, especially rural families, veterans, farmers, and working professionals who use these vehicles for practical, not recreational, purposes.
Myth: Local governments won’t be able to control ATV traffic.
Fact: The 50 MPH Bill allows counties, cities, and towns to opt out or impose additional rules. Local control stays intact—this just sets a statewide minimum standard for fairness and safety.
Myth: These vehicles won’t stop at stop signs or follow laws.
Fact: Riders who meet licensing and insurance requirements are subject to the same penalties as any other vehicle operator. Legalizing access increases accountability, not lawlessness.
Myth: This bill will create safety problems for pedestrians.
Fact: UTVs are designed to travel with traffic, not on sidewalks or pedestrian areas. They’re wider, more stable, and far less likely to weave or pop curbs like scooters or motorcycles.
Myth: Most riders won’t spend money in town anyway.
Fact: Legal access makes it easier for riders to stop at local gas stations, shops, restaurants, and stores. In states that have passed similar laws, small-town spending and tourism increase significantly.
Myth: Farm-use exceptions already solve this issue.
Fact: Farm-use loopholes only cover limited circumstances, often require complicated documentation, and don’t allow for practical everyday errands. This bill provides simple, safe access beyond the field or ranch.
Myth: This bill would flood roads with unsafe vehicles.
Fact: The bill requires registration, insurance, working lights, mirrors, signals, and a driver’s license—all the same basic requirements used to determine roadworthiness for motorcycles and cars.
Myth: It’s too hard to tell which ATVs are legal and which aren’t.
Fact: That’s exactly why we need this bill. Once registered and plated, legal ATVs and UTVs are clearly marked—eliminating confusion for officers and riders alike.