The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is reminding farmers and rural residents about Ohio laws regarding the use of side-by-side utility vehicles, also known as UTVs, on public roads.
Under Ohio law, certain side-by-side farm vehicles may be operated on public roads and rights-of-way when they are being used for agricultural purposes and meet specific safety requirements.
According to Ohio Revised Code 4511.216, utility vehicles, including certain side-by-sides, may travel on public roads or rights-of-way, excluding freeways, when traveling from one farm field to another for agricultural purposes. The vehicle must display a triangular slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem while operating on the roadway.
The Sheriff’s Office says these vehicles must be used exclusively for farming activities or for transporting farm products and supplies. Ohio’s 150-mile farm exemption allows qualifying farm vehicles to operate without standard registration and insurance requirements when they are being used for farm purposes within 150 miles of the farm.
When operating on public roads, side-by-side farm vehicles must follow additional requirements. They must be traveling for agricultural purposes, such as moving between farm fields, and they are limited to a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour when displaying the SMV emblem.
Officials remind drivers that following these requirements helps keep both farm operators and other motorists safe while allowing farmers to efficiently complete necessary work.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to know the rules before operating side-by-sides on public roadways and to make sure their vehicles meet all required safety and equipment standards.
