This bill proposes a monstrous increase in weight and size for these motorized nuisance vehicles that already destroy our forest environment by creating alteration of the terrain in ways that cannot be properly maintained, cared for and repaired. The proposed new weight limit would allow side by side ATVs to become the size of trucks and SUVs. It would turn an already scarred landscape into dug roads and ravines crisscrossing our greatest land resources with horrible consequences for our water resources, wetlands and upland natural environment. The motorized recreational vehicles are a destructive and noisy nuisance, and this bill would make the problem 4 times bigger. Again, this is an insane proposal and totally unnecessary. It would prefer the foreign manufacturers of these monstrous vehicles over the interests of our non-motorized recreational interests, residents and wildlife. Please ITL this bill.
HB174
House · 2025 sessionRepublicanKilled in HouseHigher weight limit for utility vehicles
AIIncreases the maximum unladen dry weight of a utility terrain vehicle, and correspondingly an OHRV, from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds.
increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight.
Status
Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 13, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✕House
- Senate
- Governor
- Law
Division of testimony
10 submissionsStatutory text "pounds unladen dry weight" is awkward and strange. Common vehicle weight terms used in transport industry are Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Tare Mass, Kerb Mass, Tow Bar Download (TBD), and Gross Combination Mass (GCM). Terms used for trailer measure are Tare Trailer Mass or Weight (TARE), Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) or Weight (GTW), and Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) or Weight (ATW). Each of these terms has a very specific meaning such that they are clearly understood by any observer. I suggest paragraph rewrite to use commonly understood terms.
Dear Members of the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee, I respectfully request that you vote "Ought to Pass" on this bill. As electric vehicles gain popularity, the demand for batteries to power them will inevitably increase. The weight of these batteries needs to be considered. It's crucial that we do not hinder the growth of this innovative technology. The economic health of our northern counties heavily relies on the ATV community, which brings in millions of dollars in revenue annually. Thank you for considering this matter. Sincerely, Representative Brian Labrie
The HB 1188 "Commission to Study OHRV use in the state” has not taken a vote on any of these bills. This commission was created to come up with comprehensive solutions. Passage of individual bills undermines the purpose and effectiveness of the Commission. This bill increases the weight of UTVs allowed on state land - but since the majority of OHRV trail systems are on private lands (or town roads) have any of those property owners been alerted to this change? Please vote to ITL this proposal or send it to the HB 1188 Commission for comprehensive consideration.
This would allow 4 seat SxS with heat and AC to be used on our trails.
Position recorded without written comment.
Position recorded without written comment.
Position recorded without written comment.
Position recorded without written comment.
Position recorded without written comment.