Driving while under the influence doesn’t just happen behind the wheel of a car. Sure, it’s the most common way to get in trouble with the law, but the truth is you can get a DUI while drinking and riding a bike, drinking and driving a boat, or drinking and driving your UTV.

Driving under the influence means you are driving while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. A DWI, driving while intoxicated, has to do with the amount of blood alcohol content and how far over the limit it is. In Utah is against the law to drink alcohol as either the driver or passenger of a UTV, regardless of whether you are moving, stopped, or parked. It is also illegal to have any open containers of alcohol in the UTV.

UTV’s are also considered motor vehicles, which means it is possible to get a DUI or DWI while riding your UTV in Utah. If that happens, you can expect a few thousand dollars worth of fines, drivers license restrictions, suspensions, or penalties, as well as impoundment of your UTV. But even harsher punishments are nothing when you consider the potential risk to your own safety and that of other UTV or ATV riders, pedestrians, or even vehicle drivers. UTV’s are powerful machines, and when they are not operated properly and under the proper conditions, a lot of damage can be done.

The bottom line is, if you’re going to drink don’t do it while in your UTV, whether it is moving or not. Stay sober if you are going to be driving your UTV to keep you and others safe.

What about other UTV laws? If you’re under 18-years-old you are required by law to wear a helmet while riding your UTV. Eight to 15-year-olds must have an OHV education certificate before riding an OHV. You should ride on the right side of the road and in a single-file line. If you’re going to be riding in the sand dunes, you need to have a red or orange “whip flag” attached to your UTV or ATV. Lights must be used between sunrise and sunset. Mufflers and an approved spark arrestors are required on all OTV’s.  

There are actually few laws that require UTV upgrades, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from making a few changes and additions to your UTV. Add some comfortable seat protectors, upgrade your roll cage, or install a custom fit UTV windshield from a high-quality Lexan sheet. If you’re looking for UTV windshields for sale, look no further than UTV Windshields and Accessories. They have been making custom fit full, tilting, and half windshields for years. Not convinced? Checkout their UTV windshield reviews, and see why UTV Windshields and Accessories is the best place to shop for windshields and any other UTV accessories you may be looking for.