The 50 MPH Bill is a proposed law that would allow properly equipped, registered, and insured ATVs and UTVs to operate on public roads with speed limits of 50 miles per hour or less.
Itās designed to give Texas riders the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle operatorsājust like in several other U.S. states that have already adopted similar laws.
This is not about removing rules or creating chaos. It's about giving riders a clear, legal, and safe path to operate vehicles that are already being used every day for work, transportation, and recreationāespecially in rural and unincorporated areas.
If passed, the 50 MPH Bill would:
Modernize outdated off-road laws
Create clear rules for safe on-road ATV use
Reduce confusion for law enforcement and riders
Respect local control while setting fair statewide standards
The 50 MPH Bill proposes a simple but powerful change to Texas law: allow modern ATVs and UTVs to drive on public roads with speed limits of 50 MPH or less, provided they meet certain safety and registration standards.
Hereās what the bill would require:
ATVs and UTVs could be legally operated on all public roads in Texas with a posted speed limit of 50 MPH or less.
Operation on highways, interstates, or roads over 50 MPH would remain prohibited.
To be road-legal, an ATV or UTV must be equipped with:
Headlights
Taillights and brake lights
Turn signals (front and rear)
Rearview mirrors (left and right)
A functional horn
A visible license plate (Off-Highway Plate or special permit plate)
Pneumatic or DOT-approved tires
Seat belts and roll-over protection (if originally equipped)
Riders must:
Be at least 16 years old
Hold a valid Texas driverās license
Carry minimum liability insurance (same as cars)
Wear a helmet if under 21, in line with Texas motorcycle laws
Law enforcement can enforce all traffic laws as they would with any other vehicle.
Cities and counties may opt out or restrict usage by ordinance if needed for local safety or infrastructure reasons.
This bill isnāt theoreticalāitās based on whatās already working in other states. When properly regulated, on-road ATV access increases safety, reduces confusion, and boosts local economies without compromising traffic flow or public safety.
Hereās why the 50 MPH Bill is a smart, proven solution:
Todayās machines are not the stripped-down trail toys of the 1990s. Most come equipped with:
LED lights, turn signals, and mirrors
Seat belts and roll-over protection
Speeds of 45ā65 mph (comparable to city driving)
If motorcycles can safely share the road, so can fully equipped ATVs and UTVs.
Arizona, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and others allow ATVs/UTVs on roads under similar conditions.
These laws havenāt led to spikes in crashes or enforcement problems.
In many cases, ATV-related tourism and business revenue increased after legalization.
Because the law is unclear, many Texans already use their ATVs to run short errands or move between propertiesāoften without plates, insurance, or clear guidance.
Legalization gives riders and officers a consistent standard to follow, improving safety and accountability.
This isnāt about creating loopholesāitās about:
Legalizing what already makes sense
Regulating for safety
Respecting local control
Giving Texans more transportation freedom
The 50 MPH Bill isnāt just about ridersāitās about supporting Texans who live, work, and travel differently across our diverse state. From rural counties to growing suburbs, this change offers clear benefits for individuals, communities, and small businesses.
ATVs and UTVs are already a daily tool for managing land.
Legal road access means less need to trailer vehicles for short trips to town, feed stores, or neighboring properties.
In parts of Texas where gas stations, stores, and schools are just a few miles apart, an ATV is the practical and affordable vehicle of choice.
This bill gives them a legal and safe way to travel locally without over-relying on full-sized trucks.
ATV-friendly laws attract more foot traffic to local diners, gas stations, shops, and lodgingājust like in states and towns where ATV road access is already legal.
Powersport dealerships and repair shops benefit from clearer registration rules and increased demand.
Officers gain clear standards to enforce rather than dealing with confusing or outdated restrictions.
Local governments retain the right to opt out if they determine that on-road ATV use doesnāt fit certain streets or zones.
For some residentsāespecially those with physical limitationsāan ATV or side-by-side offers a safer and more accessible way to move around than a motorcycle.
This bill is practical, flexible, and people-firstābuilt to support the way Texans actually live and ride.
Passing the 50 MPH Bill will take community support, strong voices, and persistent outreach. This isnāt just a policy changeāitās a people-powered movement.
Hereās how we move forward:
A Texas State Representative or Senator must introduce the bill in the next legislative session. From there, it moves to committee, then through the House and Senate before becoming law.
Elected officials listen to their constituents. When enough Texans speak up, they act.
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Contact your lawmakers and urge them to support the 50 MPH Bill
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Sign and share the official petition
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Tell your storyāriders, landowners, and small businesses all count
Weāre connecting with rural leaders, ATV clubs, powersport dealers, small towns, and everyday Texans. Together, weāll show the legislature that this change is overdueāand popular.
Join the movement. Tell your story. Push for progress.