06/03/2026
Lewis County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Reminder: ATV, UTV, and Golf Cart Laws in Missouri
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens about the lawful operation of ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts on Missouri roadways, specifically within Lewis County. We hope this information helps residents better understand the laws, rules, and regulations governing these vehicles while promoting the safety of our community and families.
Definitions Under Missouri Law
Motor Vehicle
A motor vehicle is any self-propelled vehicle not operated exclusively on tracks, except farm tractors. Essentially, any motorized vehicle driven on a roadway—including electric-powered vehicles—is considered a motor vehicle.
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
An ATV is a motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use that is 50 inches or less in width, weighs 1,500 pounds or less, and travels on three or more non-highway tires. ATVs are commonly referred to as three-wheelers or four-wheelers.
Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) / Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle
A UTV is a motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use that is more than 50 inches but no more than 80 inches wide, weighs 3,500 pounds or less, travels on four or more non-highway tires, and may have access to ATV trails. These vehicles are commonly known as side-by-sides.
Golf Cart
A golf cart is a vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes and is not capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour.
General Guidelines for ATVs, UTVs, and Golf Carts
* These vehicles are considered motor vehicles under Missouri law.
* A valid driver’s license is required to operate them on public roadways.
* ATVs and golf carts may not exceed 30 mph on roadways.
* UTVs may not exceed 45 mph on roadways.
* Operation is limited to the hours between sunrise and sunset.
* Any accident involving injury must be reported to law enforcement.
* Operators may not consume alcoholic beverages while operating these vehicles.
* Children may not operate motor vehicles on public roadways.
* Children 16 years of age and younger must be properly secured with a seat belt.
* Missouri child restraint laws apply to all applicable passengers riding in these vehicles.
Municipalities may adopt ordinances allowing the use of ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts on city streets. If you reside in or visit one of the communities within Lewis County, please contact your local city hall or police department regarding permits, restrictions, and operational requirements within city limits.
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ATV Regulations
ATVs are not permitted on public roadways for recreational use. Limited exceptions exist for agricultural and governmental purposes.
When lawfully operated on a roadway for agricultural purposes:
* Operation is limited to sunrise through sunset.
* The operator must possess a valid Missouri driver’s license.
* Speed must remain below 30 mph.
* A functioning headlamp and tail lamp are required.
* A slow-moving vehicle emblem must be displayed on the rear of the ATV.
* A properly mounted bicycle safety flag may be used as allowed by law.
* The ATV must have properly functioning brakes and an adequate muffler equipped with an approved spark arrester.
Children should never be transported on the operator’s lap.
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UTV Regulations
UTVs may be operated on Missouri roadways for agricultural purposes or within three miles of the operator’s primary residence.
Requirements include:
* A valid driver’s license.
* Functioning headlamp and tail lamp.
* Seat belts worn by all occupants.
* A properly displayed slow-moving vehicle emblem or approved safety flag.
* Properly functioning brakes and muffler with an approved spark arrester.
* A roll bar or roll cage designed to reduce injury in the event of a rollover.
Missouri child restraint laws apply to all child passengers. Children should never be transported on the operator’s lap.
UTVs may not be operated within streams or rivers except under limited circumstances permitted by Missouri law, including operation on land owned by the operator, with permission of the landowner, or while crossing at customary roadway crossings.
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Golf Cart Regulations
Municipalities may regulate golf cart operation on local streets and highways and may impose additional safety requirements.
Golf carts operated on public roadways must comply with applicable regulations, which may include:
* Adequate brakes and required safety equipment.
* Proper lighting equipment where applicable.
* A slow-moving vehicle emblem or approved safety flag.
Additional requirements include:
* A valid driver’s license is required.
* Golf carts may not be operated on state or federal highways.
* Golf carts may cross a state highway only where permitted by law and local ordinance.
* Unlicensed individuals may not operate golf carts on public roadways.
* Children should never be transported on the operator’s lap.
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A Message from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office is not interested in issuing citations for minor violations involving these vehicles. However, deputies will be making contact with individuals who are operating ATVs, UTVs, or golf carts outside the law.
Our goal is education and compliance. After deputies have made initial contact and provided guidance, future violations may result in enforcement action, including citations.
If you have questions regarding these laws or the lawful operation of these vehicles, please contact the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office at 573-767-5287 or speak with one of our deputies.
Thank you for helping keep Lewis County safe.
