PUBLIC SAFETY
A new law that went into effect the first of this month has the public asking questions about registering multipurpose vehicles and where they can be driven.
Gray Police Chief Adam Lowe said his department has been receiving calls about HB 121, which was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp May 2 but did not go into effect until Dec. 1.
According to information from the Motor Vehicle Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue, the bill provides for the voluntary registration of multipurpose off-highway vehicles (MPOHVs) so they may be driven on county roads.
Lowe said the vehicles are not allowed on city streets, state highways and definitely not on interstate highways.
“I want the public to be aware, they cannot ride these vehicles in Gray. They are allowed on county roads only,” he stated.
The chief said they have received a good number of calls from people asking what they can and cannot do. He said another question people need to ask is about liability road insurance if they plan to drive on county roads.
Lowe said he found out that homeowners insurance does not cover liability road insurance, which can cost close to $200 a month for the additional coverage.
“People need to understand they need liability insurance to purchase a county tag, and these vehicles do not meet safety standards for highways,” he said. “My main concern is I do not want to see people get injured or worse.”
Lowe said the bill was created for rural areas, mostly for those who work in agriculture to be able to travel from farm to farm.
“I think it was created for a good purpose, but it was never intended for people to drive on highways or in cities,” he added.
The chief said he understands that some are buying these vehicles out of state to try to avoid paying ad valorem taxes.
“They may want to check with the tag office about taxes first,” Lowe suggested.
The vehicles that qualify for the registration are spelled out on the DOR website and do not include registration of dirt bikes, threewheelers, four-wheelers and golf carts. Also eliminated are any vehicles with handlebar steering, straddle seats and less than four wheels.
The MPOHVs must have been manufactured after Jan. 1, 2000, and are primarily designed for use in agriculture, construction or industry.
To be registered, the MPOHVs must be equipped with headlights, brake lights, taillights, a rearview mirror and seat belts.
More information can be found on the Motor Vehicle Division website at dor.georgia.gov/ motor-vehicles.
