An Act to amend 23.33 (1) (ng) 1. a. and 23.33 (1) (ng) 2. a. of the statutes; Relating to: the weight limit for utility terrain vehicles.
Summary
AB327 would increase the statutory weight threshold for a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) from 3,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds, measured without fluids. The bill amends Wisconsin’s UTV definition in two places so that a motor-driven device can still qualify as a UTV even if it weighs up to 3,500 pounds, so long as it otherwise meets the existing requirements and is designed primarily for off-highway use.
In practical terms, the bill would broaden the category of vehicles that may be treated as UTVs under state law. That could affect manufacturers, dealers, owners, and riders by allowing heavier off-road vehicles to fall within the UTV classification, which may in turn influence where and how those vehicles may be operated under Wisconsin’s off-highway vehicle rules.
Impact
The bill would amend section 23.33(1)(ng) of the Wisconsin statutes, which defines utility terrain vehicles for purposes of state off-highway vehicle law. By raising the weight limit from 3,000 to 3,500 pounds in both the general definition and the original-manufacture specification, it would expand the set of vehicles eligible for UTV status and potentially alter enforcement, registration, and use rules tied to that classification. The change would primarily affect UTV manufacturers, sellers, owners, and local officials responsible for administering off-highway vehicle regulations.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded vote, or other debate, so there is no documented public discussion to indicate strong support or opposition. The bill was introduced with a sizable bipartisan and bicameral list of cosponsors, suggesting at least some cross-party interest in the proposal. However, the bill ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1, indicating it did not advance to enactment.
Contention
The main policy question is whether the state should expand the UTV definition to include heavier vehicles. Supporters would likely view the change as modernizing the law to reflect current vehicle designs and market trends, while opponents may worry that larger and heavier vehicles blur the line between off-road recreational equipment and more substantial motor vehicles, with possible implications for safety, road access, and regulatory scope. Because there is no transcript or vote record, the specific objections or proponents’ arguments are not documented in the provided materials.