Committee hears bill to let local governments permit ATVs/UTVs at night with minimum lighting standards

Sen. Stan Klaus told the committee LB1005 would expand local control to allow all-terrain and utility-terrain vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) to operate from sunset to sunrise in jurisdictions that opt in, and it sets minimum lighting and taillight visibility standards for vehicles permitted to operate at night. Klaus said the bill does not change speed limits or where vehicles may operate, but provides uniform minimum light standards if a local jurisdiction chooses to allow after-dark operation.

Karen Ramsey of Fall City described her John Deere 'gator'—with headlights, upper and lower lighting, turn signals, seat belts and metal doors—and said small communities should be able to authorize well-equipped recreational vehicles for practical trips such as church and school events. “My gator has headlights. I have turn signals. I have seat belts. I have doors made out of metal,” Ramsey told the committee.

Sen. Wendy DeBoer and other members raised safety concerns, noting differences in crashworthiness between ATVs/UTVs and passenger vehicles and the higher risk to ATV occupants if a collision occurs. Supporters emphasized local control; Klaus said cities and counties would decide whether to allow after-dark operation within their corporate limits or unincorporated areas and would have statutory lighting standards to rely on.

The committee heard both support and limited opposition/neutral testimony and concluded the hearing on LB1005; no vote was taken at this session.