Have you guys heard anything about

Those orange off road triangle warning signs like they have on the back of tractors being required on side by side's in West Virginia now? I heard it somewhere and so help me I can't remember where it was. A mind is a terrible thing to waste! Thanks for any help.

I was with a large group that got stopped at the Drive In by the local popo and we were told they were required BUT I haven't heard of anyone else having any issues. I just know what happened when I was there.

I was talking with a state trooper a couple of years ago about the legality of UTV on the road. He said that they did not fall under any ATV laws what so ever. That they fell under slow moving vehicles, like a farm tractor. He told me that they were not allowed on the Interstates, and other then local ordinances you could drive one down Main Street of Charleston by the Capital if you had a safety triangle on the back and keep the speed below 35 mph. He said some towns had ordinances allowing ATV's and UTV's and some had laws not allowing them. Now that was hear say from a WV Trooper and he could be wrong.

I probably should not comment because I live in KY but..... state on local laws can be different.

The guys that ride the wagon wheel area of WV with the WVSXSR's were told they must have one when riding on the local roads. (info provided by Bobby D)

I was told the same as misterp from a sheriff friend of mine. But he said the orange triangle was owners choice. Where they fall under slow moving veh like tractors they make tractors have the triangle because most of them don't have tailights and brake lights. Let's get Lt brother on this is wv law enforcement maybe he can clear up this issue

misterp wrote:

I was talking with a state trooper a couple of years ago about the legality of UTV on the road. He said that they did not fall under any ATV laws what so ever. That they fell under slow moving vehicles, like a farm tractor. He told me that they were not allowed on the Interstates, and other then local ordinances you could drive one down Main Street of Charleston by the Capital if you had a safety triangle on the back and keep the speed below 35 mph. He said some towns had ordinances allowing ATV's and UTV's and some had laws not allowing them. Now that was hear say from a WV Trooper and he could be wrong.

Here is the deal as far as West Virginia State Law is concerned.

You are allowed to drive ATV's on any road in WV that does not have a painted center line. You must obey speed limits.

You are also allowed to ride any road with a painted center line up to 25 miles to navigate from one trailhead to another, as long as you ride towards the shoulder of the road and do not exceed 25MPH.

These State Laws can be superseded by local and county laws so long as they dont violate the State Constitution which ATV laws do not. Kanawha county is an example where ATV use is against the law on all roads. So if you drive by the Capital you will be arrested.

Basically you need to find out the laws where you ride. If you follow State Laws the State Police will not bother you, but a County Sheriff or Town Policeman may. I dont believe the Orange triangle will save your butt on these issues.

GunRunner wrote:

The guys that ride the wagon wheel area of WV with the WVSXSR's were told they must have one when riding on the local roads. (info provided by Bobby D)

I found Bobby D's post I referred to for those interested.

Quote :

Bobby D. Post Subject: I'm legal are you? Wed May 06, 2009 7:23 pm
We found out at the group spring ride while we were eating at the Sterling Drive In in the town of Welch when we were visited by many po po's including the Chief that a new law went into effect last year that all SXS that are riding on roads in West Va that the laws have changed.

1- You must have a drivers license

2-You must have proof of Insurance

3-You must have a slow moving vehicle sign displayed on the rear of your SXS

Thanks guys, I knew I could count on your help.

utv law different than atv law in W.V. we were told. atvs dont have to have it but utvs do and insurance and driver license so we were told by welch town cops