I was just wondering if there is a law or something making it illegal for kids under say 14 years of age to be able to legally operate a UTV? Reason I ask is because we were out at Cal City the other week and I drove my Ranger over to the place to buy a permit but no one was there.... A guy that was camped right next to the place where they sell permits came over to me and said he had just bought the new Honda UTV and was driving around with his kids in it with no helmets on and the Ranger or whoever he was came and bitched him out read him the riot act and told him if he ever saw them riding without helmets on he would write them a ticket.... That got me wondering cause I never wear a helmet and I let my kids drive all the time... Is there a law that says you must wear a helmet and is there something prohibiting kids from driving?

As far as I understood helmets were not required and kids could drive... I could be wrong though...

I just found out here in AZ anyone under 18 has to have a helmet. We have a huge ridiing area right by my house and the sherriff is now removing kids from the rhino etc and driving them down the mountain. It does not matter if they are belted in with a cage or not. We had no idea.

Statewide, I don't think there's any UTV-specific regulations regarding minors. But keep in mind, Cal City is its own unique area and may have laws on the municipal books. I don't think they do, but ya never know... in all probability, the ranger was applying ATV laws to UTVs.

That is what they are doing here... total BS.. In Glamis they don't have to wear a helmet and I have talked to several higher ups in the BLM and they told me there is no age restriction as far as minors driving side by sides.. I have been told as long as they can reach the controls and operate it safely. Even know my 12 year old did get stopped last year and read the riot act for driving the Rhino. Even made an adult drive it back to camp. I wasn't there at the time to argue it..

Wht not wear a helmet? you are offroading. I wonder how many ppl that were just '"putting around" wish they had a helmet on after they woke up or didnt wake up from a crash.
Either way there are NO laws about helmets or age for UTV'S. I think it should be up to the driver or the parents of the kids how safe they want to be. Let natural selection take its course.

"Common sense is not common"
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Only 1 foot of air but rockin our helmets

I just got back from a 50 mile ride w/ helmets and it was awesome. no cold air or dust.

how much is your head worth think about it helmets are a good thing

I have never heard of this eather. More intrusion...

There's a sticker on the dash of your Side X Side that states the regulations of use of that vehicle. Wearing helmets is one of them, no one under 16 Years Old operating the machine is another.

There's also a sticker that says do not operate under the influence of drugs & alcohol. Can you believe that! geez.

those are Mfg. regulations, not laws.. If that was the case my 12 year old would still be riding a 90cc quad..

California Vehicle Code covers UTV's in section 38000. I only saw this one pertaining to the operation... 38304. The operator of an off-highway motor vehicle shall be able to reach and operate all controls necessary to safely operate the vehicle.

That is exactly what BLM told me Carlos.. He said he didn't care how old she is. If she is able to safely reach all controls and operate the vehicle, she is legal to drive it..

Depends .....