House approves bill on 'street-legal' ATVs

A bill that would allow people to ride a "street-legal" all-terrain vehicle on a road or highway passed the House 49-20 Thursday.

HB425 defines a street-legal ATV as a vehicle that is licensed with the state, passes a safety and emissions inspection and is modified for street use. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, said the bill is intended to give people more choice in their driving habits.

But some representatives expressed concern that operating an ATV on a street is unsafe and would greatly increase insurance rates for all ATV users, regardless if they use their vehicle on a street. "I think that there are some serious consequences with this bill," said Rep. Todd Kiser, R-Sandy.

HB425 now moves to the Senate Rules Committee.