Operating Off-Highway Vehicles on public roadways is prohibited

Yahoo

15-02-2025

Feb. 14—The City of Odessa and the Odessa Police Department is reminding the public that operating Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) on public roadways is prohibited under Texas law.
Definition of an Off-Highway Vehicle:
— An Off-Highway Vehicle is any motor vehicle designed for off-road use only, including but not limited to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility vehicles (UTVs), and recreational off-road vehicles (Texas Transportation Code 551A.001).
Key Regulations:
— Prohibited on Public Roadways — OHVs may not be operated on public streets, sidewalks, or alleys within Odessa city limits (Texas Transportation Code § 551A.031).
— Crossing Public Roadways — Operators may cross a public roadway under the following conditions (Texas Transportation Code 551A.034):
— The vehicle must come to a complete stop before entering the roadway.
— The operator must cross at approximately 90 degrees to the roadway at a location free of obstructions.
— The OHV's headlights and taillights must be illuminated.
— The operator must possess a valid driver's license and have completed an approved safety course (Texas Transportation Code 551A.032).
— Enforcement and Penalties — Unauthorized operation of an OHV on public roadways may result in a citation and legal penalties.
The Odessa Police Department encourages all OHV operators to comply with state and local laws to ensure safety for all road users. Operating Off-Highway Vehicles on public roadways is extremely dangerous due to their lack of crash protection, poor stability, and inability to handle pavement safely. These vehicles are prone to rollovers, have reduced traction on asphalt, and cannot keep up with normal traffic speeds, increasing the risk of collisions. OHV riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries or ejection in an accident, as they lack the enclosed protection and safety features of highway-approved vehicles. Additionally, their smaller size makes them less visible to other drivers, especially at night.