Oklahoma Measure Allowing Street-Legal ATVs Advances

A bill to allow farmers and ranchers to drive street-legal ATVs in rural areas has passed the Oklahoma Senate.

The measure was sent to the House on a 37-8 vote, despite concern it would create safety problems.

“This isn’t a bill to create more injuries for people,” said Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, “but we need to address, some way or another, the use of these vehicles on farms and ranches.”

He said the measure would allow ATVs, such as the John Deer Gator, to be driven only on county roads.

Crutchfield said ATVs “are today’s horses,” but unlike horses and tractors, they cannot be driven to town under current law.

He said the vehicles would be tagged and insured under his legislation. The bill also allows golf carts to be driven on roads around lakes and recreational areas.