MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) – The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board approved new safety rules for off-road vehicles during its meeting on Wednesday. The rules focus on requirements that could prevent deaths and injuries among the state’s more than 520,000 registered off-road vehicles.
The new rule changes would require all occupants of a UTV to wear a seatbelt, not just passengers.
In 2025 alone, 41 people died across the state from ATV and UTV crashes. Among them, 11 involved alcohol or THC.
Lt. Jake Holsclaw, off-highway vehicle administrator for the Wisconsin DNR, said around 95% of all off-road vehicle crashes involve someone not wearing a helmet or seatbelt.
“Our big push is we’re always saying, Hey, the majority of people that get hurt or killed in these machines are not wearing a helmet. They’re not wearing a seatbelt or, you know, maybe a combination thereof. And then of course, the issues with not driving too fast or alcohol use,” Holsclaw said.
The rules passed on Wednesday will now go to Gov. Evers for approval.
Holsclaw said that for alcohol-related rules for off-road vehicles, any changes would need to be made at the legislative level. Residents can contact their local representative to voice their opinion.
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