With summer activities in full swing, the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) is issuing a renewed call for caution when operating multipurpose off-highway vehicles (MPOHVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), low-speed vehicles (LSVs), and golf carts.
According to DPS data, from January 1 through June 20, 2025, the Georgia State Patrol investigated 42 crashes involving MPOHVs and ATVs, resulting in 13 fatalities and 64 serious injuries on Georgia roadways. Statewide, those numbers rise to 14 fatalities and 114 serious injuries.
Of the 14 fatalities, eight involved MPOHVs and six were ATV-related.
“These vehicles can be fun and useful on trails, private land, and designated county roads,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens III, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “But they come with serious risks—especially when not operated safely.”
Two recent fatal crashes illustrate the dangers:
On May 31, a 16-year-old passenger on an ATV was killed in Southeast Georgia when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree.
On June 17, a 39-year-old driver was found dead beneath an overturned MPOHV on private property in Middle Georgia.
As part of a broader effort to improve regulation and education, the Georgia Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division began offering voluntary registration of MPOHVs on December 1, 2023. Registered vehicles—those with features designed for utility use—may be operated on county roads and may cross city streets or state highways. These vehicles are now eligible to receive official metal license plates.
However, vehicles with straddle seats and handlebar steering—such as dirt bikes, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and other traditional ATVs—are not eligible for registration and remain restricted to off-road use only.
The Department of Public Safety reminds all riders and drivers that MPOHVs and ATVs are subject to the same rules of the road as other vehicles. That includes:
DUI and distracted driving laws
Insurance requirements
Helmet and safety equipment recommendations
Use only on authorized roadways and properties
Authorities urge Georgians to practice safe operation, wear appropriate safety gear, and ensure that all drivers are properly trained and of legal age to operate these vehicles.
For more information on vehicle registration requirements and safety guidelines, visit the Georgia Department of Public Safety or the Department of Revenue websites.
