Relating to operation of an off-road utility vehicle by an unlicensed person at a designated off-highway vehicle riding area, and making penalties applicable

This bill relates to the operation of an off-road utility vehicle by an unlicensed person at a designated off-highway vehicle riding area. The bill authorizes the natural resource commission (NRC) to adopt rules to establish a certified education course for the safe use and operation of off-road utility vehicles. The bill requires NRC to provide certified courses of instruction to be conducted throughout the state for the safe use and operation of off-road utility vehicles. NRC shall provide education material relating to the operation of off-road utility vehicles for the use of nonpublic or public elementary and secondary schools in the state. The bill allows a person years of age or older who does not possess a valid driver’s license to operate an off-road utility vehicle at an off-highway vehicle riding area designated by NRC if the person possesses a valid off-road utility vehicle education certificate. A valid off-road utility vehicle safety or education certificate or license issued by a governmental authority of another state shall be considered a valid certificate or license in this state if the certification or licensing requirements of the governmental authority are substantially the same as the requirements of this chapter as determined by NRC. An unlicensed person who operates an off-road utility vehicle without possessing an education certificate is subject to a scheduled fine of $70.