ATV vs UTV: What’s the difference?

Erie, Pa. ( WJET/WFXP ) — Warmer weather means more people are beginning to head outside, and one popular way to travel off-road is by using ATVs and UTVs. However, in recent weeks, there have been numerous accidents involving both ATVs and UTVs, some of which have unfortunately turned into fatal accidents. But what is the difference between an ATV and a UTV?

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV)

All-terrain vehicles, better known as ATVs, quads or 4-wheelers, are typically designed to seat one rider but some are designed with a second seat for another rider. The vehicles are compact and maneuverable, making them ideal for a variety of riders, with many different types of ATVs on the market for different uses like trail riding, mudding and even small utility uses. Another distinctive feature ATVs have is the seating position; much like riding a motorcycle, the operator straddles the seat and uses handlebars for steering.

Utility Task Vehicles (UTV)

While Utility Task Vehicles, better known as UTVs, are similar to ATVs, especially in name, there are major differences between them.

When thinking about UTVs, the closest visual comparison is a golf cart. The UTV often features a roll cage, with some sporting a roof as well. Unlike an ATV which is controlled more like a motorcycle, UTVs are operated like a car using a steering wheel and foot pedals. Most UTVs also are equipped with seatbelts, which ATVs do not have.

UTV’s are highly customizable; some feature an open tailgate with no doors, while others have doors and an enclosed trunk. They can also seat more people, from 1-3 riders with one row of seats and 4-6 with a second row. Just like ATVs, UTVs can be used for trail riding and mudding. However, UTVs are also used for many utility purposes from farming to hunting.

Are ATVs or UTVs street-legal?

Whether your ATV or UTV is street-legal is more complicated and largely depends on the state you live in. In most states, they are outright banned from street use, except for specific situations.

Here in Pennsylvania, it is not possible to register either your ATV or UTV as a street-legal vehicle. It is very important to remember that they still must be registered with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. They also cannot be driven on state forest roads, state parks or state game lands. Pennsylvania is home to over 908 miles of trails that riders can enjoy, many of which are found within the state forests. These designated ATV trails on state forest lands open the Friday before Memorial Day, which happens to be May 24th of this year, and will remain open until the last full weekend in September.

For a full list of Pennsylvania riding rules and regulations click here , and for a full list of Pennsylvania riding locations click here .

Riding Safety

Keeping yourself safe while riding is a top priority, just like with any vehicle. While some safety tips may seem obvious, they can be easily overlooked, which can lead to injury and sometimes even death.

Safety Tips

• Wearing a helmet while riding is not only a way to protect your head in the case of an accident but is also required by law when operating an ATV.
• Do not carry more passengers than what the ATV can carry.
• Do not let young children or inexperienced riders operate an ATV without training and supervision.
• Be aware of local weather conditions and dress appropriately for the weather. Ensure you know both the location you are riding in and its hazards.
• Always ride with others and let someone know where you are riding; never ride alone.
• Use common sense and obey the laws.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.