Local law enforcement officials have raised concerns over the perplexing regulations surrounding the use of ATVs and UTVs on roadways. These all-terrain vehicles, equipped with straddle seats and handlebars, are typically designed for solo riders, though some models allow passengers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission documented a staggering 9,223 ATV-related fatalities from 1982 to 2007, with over 150,000 injuries in the United States in 2007 alone. Meanwhile, utility task vehicles (UTVs), designed for both work and recreation, often feature cabins for two to four riders.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Sgt. Pete Broderick explained that UTVs can be registered as motor vehicles, provided they meet specific state requirements like a minimum speed of 44 mph, windshield wipers, turn signals, street tires, and functioning horn and headlights.

Oklahoma passed a law in 2021 to make UTVs street-legal, necessitating licensed operators and vehicle registration. UTVs can operate on any state road except U.S. highways, defense highways, or the national interstate highway system.

For ATVs to be street-legal, it typically requires permits issued by county commissioners. For instance, Fort Gibson issues permits upon payment of a city fee, allowing operation within city limits.

City ordinances dictate that all vehicles on Tahlequah streets must comply with legal requirements. Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King mentioned that his department has encountered more ATV operators in the city since the state law changed in the previous year. While there is currently no ordinance in place, Chief King is open to the idea to allow off-road vehicles within city limits.

However, as of now, without a specific ordinance, ATV operation within Tahlequah city limits remains illegal, despite the county commissioners' adoption of certain regulations.

Sheriff Jason Chennault noted that most ATVs and UTVs are operated near Snake Creek, Chicken Creek, Cookson, and lake-housing areas. The sheriff's office employs a UTV for searches and security purposes.

Sgt. Broderick shared his experience in making a Mahindra Roxor street-legal, similar in style to a Jeep. He achieved this by adding essential components like a horn, headlights, street tires, turn signals, and windshield wipers. While this conversion cost him around $4,000, he highlighted that it can vary in expense depending on whether it's done independently or professionally.