UTV Vehicle Definition

Singel seated UTV in tight terrain

The definition of a UTV is that the vehicle needs to have four or more wheels, maximum width of 80” (2m), weigh less than 4,000 lbs (1,814kg), minimum top speed of 25mph (40km/h) and meet some other standards to.

UTV is a type of vehicle that meets one of the two standards published by ANSI (American National Standards Institute). Which might makes the UTV vehicle definition a bit clearer to understand.

ANSI/OPEI B71.9-2016, standards for MOHUV (multipurpose off-highway utility vehicles) or utility UTV, and the vehicle must:

  • Have four or more wheels
  • Intended to transport persons and cargo
  • Non-straddle seat
  • Controlled by pedals and steering wheels
  • Top speed of at least 40.2 km/h or 25 mph.
  • Maximum of 2,030 mm or 80” in overall width
  • No more than 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs) in gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
  • Minimum cargo capacity of 159 kg or 350 lbs

ANSI/ROHVA 1-2016, standards for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV) or recreational UTV:

  • Have four or more wheels
  • Intended to transport persons and cargo
  • Non-straddle seat
  • Controlled by pedals and steering wheels
  • Top speed of at least 48 km/h or 30 mph
  • Maximum of 2,030 mm or 80” in overall width
  • No more than 1,700 kg (3,750 lbs) in gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
  • Equal or less than 1,000 cc