Wisconsin recently enacted a two year pilot program for use of utility vehicles on ATV trails that will run through June 30, 2012.  The legislation requires counties to pass resolutions to opt into the program so many trails are probably not open to utility vehicles as of yet.  Towns within counties may opt out of the program.  Key differences compared to the previous pilot program which ended in 2009 include:

• Different vehicle specifications, including requirements for factory equipped seatbelts and a roll bar, type device.
• ATV trails on state and national forest lands may not be participating.
• UTVs participating in the program will require Public Use – ATV registration, including for non-residents.
• All ATV laws will apply, except that operators age 16 and born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete a DNR ATV Safety Education Course. Operators under age 16 are not allowed to operate a UTV.
• Driver’s licenses are not required

The program is being administered by the state’s Department of Natural Resources. Learn more:  DNR.wi.gov