Freedom To Ride Act

(A Comprehensive Bill to Authorize Street-Ready ATV and UTV Operation on Texas Public Roadways)

A BILL
To amend the Texas Transportation Code and related administrative procedures to permit the lawful operation of qualified, properly equipped, and insured All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) on public roadways within the State of Texas where the posted speed limit does not exceed 50 miles per hour; to establish definitions, safety requirements, insurance obligations, local government oversight, and enforcement standards; and to ensure appropriate use of modern off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in a way that reflects their growing utility and safety capabilities in rural, suburban, and certain urban settings.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act shall be known and cited as the Freedom To Ride Act.

SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND LEGISLATIVE INTENT

The Legislature of the State of Texas hereby finds and declares the following:

1. That modern ATVs and UTVs are widely used for legitimate purposes including, but not limited to: local transportation, property maintenance, agriculture, ranching, and daily errands, particularly in rural and semi-rural communities.
   
   

2. That current state law unjustly prohibits their road usage despite many vehicles meeting or exceeding safety features found on motorcycles, which are legal for public roadway use.
   
   

3. That the lack of a legal operating framework has resulted in legal ambiguity, inconsistent enforcement, and unsafe workarounds by otherwise responsible Texas citizens.
   
   

4. That permitting controlled, insured, and regulated use of ATVs and UTVs on specific public roads would increase legal compliance, reduce unauthorized off-road use, support local businesses, and promote transportation equity for rural and lower-density areas.
   
   

5. That other states with similar topographies and populations—such as Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Montana—have enacted similar laws with success, and Texas has the opportunity to improve upon their models with a Texas-specific structure.
   
   

6. That a clearly defined registration, equipment, and insurance framework will help protect riders, enforce proper behavior, and reduce unnecessary risk to law enforcement and the public.
   
   

It is the intent of the Legislature to establish a lawful, enforceable framework for the operation of properly equipped ATVs and UTVs on public roads with a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour or less, while preserving the authority of local governments to adopt additional regulations as necessary for public safety and infrastructure management.

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS

Sec. 551A.001. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Chapter, the following terms shall apply:

1. All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV): A single-rider or tandem-rider vehicle designed for off-highway use, generally with a straddle seat and handlebars, and four or more wheels. This includes vehicles such as the Polaris Sportsman, Honda Foreman, Yamaha Kodiak, and others of comparable configuration.
   
   

2. Utility Task Vehicle (UTV): A vehicle with side-by-side seating, a steering wheel, four or more tires, and a cargo bed, often enclosed or roll-cage equipped, designed for utility and transport.
   
   

3. Street-Ready Vehicle (SRV): An ATV or UTV that is registered, insured, and equipped to operate on designated roadways in accordance with Section 551A.002 of this Act.
   
   

4. Designated Roadway: Any public roadway in the State of Texas that has a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour or less, including farm-to-market roads, county roads, and municipal streets, but excluding any portion of the state highway system designated as a controlled-access facility.
   
   

5. Reasonably Equipped: A vehicle is reasonably equipped when it is either (a) factory-equipped with required safety features, or (b) has access to aftermarket parts or kits that are widely available, affordable, and able to bring the vehicle into compliance without structural re-engineering.
   
   

6. ATV/UTV Insurance Policy: A liability insurance policy specific to off-highway vehicles operated on public roadways, issued by a licensed Texas insurer, meeting minimum liability standards equal to or exceeding motorcycle coverage under Texas law.
   
   

7. Turn Signal Alternative: Operators may use hand signals in lieu of electrical turn signals in accordance with existing motorcycle operator laws, except when the vehicle is factory-equipped with turn signals or readily upgradable to include them.
   
   

SECTION 4. REGISTRATION AND OPERATION REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 551A.002. REGISTRATION AND LEGAL OPERATION.

An individual may operate a Street-Ready Vehicle on a Designated Roadway only if the following conditions are met:

1. Vehicle Requirements

The ATV or UTV must be:

• Registered as a “Street-Ready Off-Highway Vehicle” (SR-OHV) through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles;
  
  

• Clearly labeled with a front and rear license plate issued for SR-OHV use;
  
  

• Equipped with:
  
  

  • Headlamps and tail lamps
    
    

  • Brake lights
    
    

  • A functioning horn
    
    

  • Rearview mirror(s)
    
    

  • A license plate light
    
    

  • A speedometer or digital speed display
    
    

  • DOT-compliant tires
    
    

  • Turn signals, if equipped or if a common aftermarket upgrade exists
    
    

  • Seat belts, only if factory-installed or commonly available aftermarket (not required for traditional single-rider ATVs)
    
    

  • Roll cage, only if factory-installed or commonly retrofitted (not required for single-seat ATVs)
    
    

2. Operator Requirements

The vehicle must be operated by an individual who:

• Holds a valid Texas driver’s license;
  
  

• Is at least 16 years of age;
  
  

• Complies with all posted traffic regulations and signage;
  
  

• Uses proper safety gear (helmets required for riders under 21, optional for others).
  
  

3. Insurance Requirements

• Every SRV must be covered by an ATV/UTV Insurance Policy, issued by a licensed Texas insurer;
  
  

• Minimum policy requirements shall be equivalent to motorcycle liability standards, including coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured motorists;
  
  

• Proof of insurance must be carried at all times while operating on public roadways and made available upon request by law enforcement.
  
  

SECTION 5. LOCAL AUTHORITY AND ROAD ACCESS

Sec. 551A.003. LOCAL CONTROL.

Municipalities and counties retain the right to:

1. Prohibit or restrict the operation of SRVs on any roadway within their jurisdiction;
   
   

2. Designate local SRV routes, corridors, or trail connectors;
   
   

3. Set additional safety rules for high-density or school zones;
   
   

4. Establish penalties for violations of local ordinances consistent with this Act.
   
   

Any such restrictions must be:

• Clearly posted with signage;
  
  

• Published on the local government website or public notice systems;
  
  

• Made available to the public through the Texas Open Records Act.
  
  

SECTION 6. ENFORCEMENT AND VIOLATIONS

Violations of this Act or associated local ordinances may be subject to:

• First Offense: Civil fine up to $200
  
  

• Second Offense: Fine up to $500 and 30-day SRV license suspension
  
  

• Third Offense: Up to $1,000, 1-year suspension, and/or impoundment
  
  

• Reckless Use or Damage: Prosecutable under existing reckless driving or property damage statutes
  
  

Enforcement shall be the responsibility of municipal, county, or state law enforcement agencies. Officers are authorized to verify registration, insurance, and compliance with equipment standards upon reasonable suspicion or during traffic stops.

SECTION 7. AMENDMENTS TO TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE

Relevant changes will be made to the following sections:

• § 502.001 – Definitions
  Add: "Street-Ready Off-Highway Vehicle" as defined in this Act.
  
  

• § 502.140 – Off-Highway Vehicle Registration
  Add: SR-OHV designation with special license plate and fee schedule.
  
  

• § 601.072 – Minimum Liability Insurance Coverage
  Add: Minimums for ATV/UTV insurance policies to mirror or exceed motorcycle insurance.
  
  

• § 663.037 – Restrictions on Operation of ATVs
  Add: Exception for vehicles registered and operated under § 551A, subject to compliance.
  
  

SECTION 8. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

• Rulemaking and implementation by TxDMV and DPS shall be completed no later than July 1, 2026
  
  

• Public registration system for SR-OHVs shall open by August 15, 2026
  
  

• Law takes full effect on September 1, 2026, in accordance with the Texas legislative session calendar.
  
  

SECTION 9. SEVERABILITY

If any portion of this Act is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.