Road use regulations for golf cars, LSVs, ATVs and UTVs that have been passed or are being considered at the state, county and city levels since June, 2019 are summarized below.
The majority of the ordinances expand the use of golf cars, LSVs, or UTVs on city streets.
Most of the legislative activity is occurring in the Midwest
Road Use Regulation By Location
Wisconsin – Title fees for low speed vehicles will increase from $62 to $157, similar to other vehicles.
Barnegat Light, NJ – The Council, after earlier tabling an ordinance that would allow the use of golf cars on certain city streets, have decided to not pursue the issue further. A critical issue was that the vehicles would have to cross a higher speed road, which would require an exception to state law.
Brazil, IN – Residents registered nearly 100 golf carts and off-road UTVs since an ordinance passed in February, 2019.
Wakefield, IN – The City Council is considering an ordinance to allow golf cars on certain city streets. The police chief and a councilman are looking at similar ordinances and potentially expanding the ordinance to other types of vehicles.
Paola, KS – Starting in January, 2020 residents will be able to drive UTVs on city streets with posted speed limits that are 45 mph or less. Regulations require that vehicles have lights, turn signals and reflectors, drivers have a valid license and vehicles be registered.
St. Joseph, MI – The city commissioners are considering allowing residents to drive golf cars on city streets in the Harbor Shores, Edgewater and Ridgeway neighborhoods.
Newport, RI – The Newport Jitney provides free, advertiser supported rides around town on two low-speed vehicles that seat six and eight passengers.
Glynn County, GA – A new county ordinance goes into effect in October that will allow golf cars on certain streets. The ordinance has different regulations for LSVs vs. PTVs. A key difference is that LSVs can travel on streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less while PTVs can travel only on 25 mph or less streets.
Perry Village, OH – The Village Council passed an ordinance to allow LSVs, golf cars, UTVs and mini-trucks to be driven on local low speed streets. The vehicles must be inspected, licensed and have certain safety equipment.
These variants of the John Deere XUV835 Gator utility vehicle are part of the recall.
John Deere XUV835 Recall Summary
John Deere is recalling nearly 20,000 XUV835 Gator utility vehicles because the plastic sheathing on the throttle cable can melt and cause the throttle to stick. The underlying issue is improperly routed throttle cables. The recall covers models sold from November 2017 through July, 2019. Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their local John Deere dealer for a free inspection and repair. The following recall details are from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Recall Details
Name of product: John Deere XUV835 Gator utility vehicles
Hazard: The plastic sheathing on the throttle cable can melt due to improper routing, causing the throttle to stick. This could result in the operator not being able to stop the vehicle, posing a crash hazard.
Recall date: September 4, 2019
Units: About 19,730 (In addition, about 840 were sold in Canada)
Description: This recall involves John Deere Gator utility vehicles with model number “XUV835” printed on the hood. “John Deere” and “Gator” are printed on the cargo box. The serial number is located on the frame directly above right front tire and begins with 1M0835 and falls within the ranges on the chart below. The recalled utility vehicles were sold in green and yellow, olive drab and camouflage and have side-by-side seating for two or three people, depending on the seat option.
Serial Number Range
1M0835ExxxM010001 – 1M0835ExxxM020413
1M0835MxxxM010001 – 1M0835MxxxM022741
1M0835RxxxM010001 – 1M0835RxxxM023115
1M0835EAPMM560107
1M0835MECLM544103
1M0835MAPMM560108
1M0835RBCLM544102
1M0835RATMM560102
1M0835RAPMM560103
1M0835RAKMM560104
1M0835RAJMM560105
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized John Deere dealer for a free inspection and repair of improperly routed throttle cables. John Deere is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries: John Deere has received reports of nine incidents. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: John Deere dealers nationwide from November 2017 through July 2019 for between $13,860 and $22,930.
This is a large recall relative to the total sales of John Deere gator utility vehicles, even though the sales stretch over nearly two years. There have been a number of throttle related recalls in the industry the last year including a smaller Gator XUV590 recall. This and other recalls continues the disturbing trend of a relatively high number of recalled vehicles in relation to annual industry sales. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.
Kawasaki is recalling approximately 2,625 model year 2019 and 2020 Teryx 800 4×4 two seat and Teryx4 750 4×4 four seat utility vehicles. Dealers sold the recalled UTVs in non-EPS, EPS and LE trim levels. The left side upper knuckle joint nut could have been improperly tightened, potentially affecting steering control and posing a crash hazard. Consumers should stop using the vehicles immediately and contact a Kawasaki dealer for a free repair. The following are the recall details from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Teryx Recall Details
Name of product: Teryx® and Teryx4™ recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs)
Hazard: Incorrect joint assembly can cause steering control loss, posing crash and injury hazards.
Recall date: September 4, 2019
Units: About 2,600
Description: This recall involves model year 2019 and 2020 Teryx and Teryx4 recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), models KRF800FKF/L, KRF800GKF/A/AL/L, KRF800HKF/L, KRT800FKF/L, KRT800GKF/A/AL/L, KRT800HKF/L, KRF800FLF/L, KRF800GLF/L, KRF800HLF/L, KRT800FLF/L, KRT800GLF/A/AL/L and KRT800HLF/L. The recalled vehicles were sold in various colors including: black, camo, gray, green, orange and white; and in three different styles: Non-EPS, EPS and EPS LE. The vehicles have either two or four seats, automotive style controls and a rear box. Kawasaki is printed on the vehicle’s hood and rear box. Teryx or Teryx4 is printed on the right and left front fender.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold At: Kawasaki dealers nationwide from March 2019 through August 2019 from between $13,000 and $17,000.
Consumer Contact: Kawasaki toll-free at 866-802-9381 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.kawasaki.com and click on Recalls at the bottom of the homepage for more information.
Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.
The 2019 UMAX TWO is one of the vehicle Yamaha Golf Car is recalling.
Yamaha Golf Car Recall Overview
Yamaha Golf Car is recalling approximately 16,000 vehicles because of an issue with the USB port creates a fire hazard. The recall involves model year 2017 through 2019 vehicles including Drive2 fleet, Adventurer Two and some UMAX models. The recall affects both electric and gas powered models. The following recall details are from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Yamaha Golf Car Recall Details
Name of product: Yamaha golf cars, personal transportation and specialty vehicles
Hazard: The module that regulates power to the vehicle’s USB ports can overheat and melt, posing a fire hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: August 28, 2019
Units: 16,000
Consumer contact: Yamaha toll-free at 866-747-4027 anytime or online at www.yamahagolfcar.com and click on “CPSC Recall Alerts” for more information.
Description: This recall involves the following model year 2016 through 2018 gas and electric-powered golf cars, personal transportation and specialty vehicles. The vehicles were sold in various colors including blue, green, red, white, tan and silver. The model and serial number can be found on a label under the seat on the left or right side.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the USB charging device in the recalled vehicles and contact a Yamaha golf car dealer to schedule a free repair. Yamaha is contacting all registered owners directly..
Incidents/Injuries: Yamaha has received five reports of associated fire incidents and 100 reports of a melted USB voltage-reducer module. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At:Exclusively at Yamaha golf car dealers nationwide from June 2016 through June 2019 for between $6,000 and $11,000.
Manufacturer(s): Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, of Newnan, Ga.
Distributor(s): Yamaha Golf-Car Company, of Kennesaw, Ga.
Assembled in: U.S.
Recall number: 19-774
SVR’s Take
Yamaha recalled some of these vehicles previously because of an issue with the accelerator pedal. While this recall is large, given Yamaha Golf Cars’ total sales, it is small in comparison to that previous recall which involved 145,000 vehicles. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.
One of the models Club Car is recall is the gas powered Onward.
Club Car recently announced a pair of recalls involving potential fuel leaks. The recalls apply to a range of models and includes approximately 12,000 vehicles in the US and Canada. The first recall includes Precedent, Tempo, Onward and Villager gas powered vehicles. Fuel can potentially leak from an improperly routed fuel line. In the second recall, gas powered Carryall 300, Transporter, Villager, Streetrod Lux and Streetrod Vintage vehicles may experience fuel leaks during low speed idling with a full gas tank. In both cases, owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact Club Car for a free repair.
The following are recall details from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
First Recall Details
Name of product: Club Car Precedent, Tempo, Onward and Villager model gas golf and transport vehicles
Hazard: Fuel can leak from an improperly-routed fuel line, posing fire and burn hazards.R
Recall date: August 19, 2019
Units: About 9,000 (In addition, about 2,000 were sold in Canada)
Description: This recall involves model year 2019 gas-powered Precedent, Tempo, Onward and Villager golf and transport vehicles, which are used for short-distance transportation. Vehicles with the following model and serial numbers are included in the recall. Serial numbers are located above and to the right of the accelerator pedal. The model number is the first two letters of the serial number.
Model Name
Model#
Serial Number
Tempo Gas
BX
BX1905-944274 to BX2003-039920
Tempo Gas 2 + 2
BY
BY1910-953754 to BY2002-039481
Onward 2 Pass Non-Lifted Gas
BQ
BQ1924-981193 to BQ2003-041072
Onward 4 Pass Non-Lifted
BS
BS1910-953760 to BS2003-041012
Onward 4 Pass Lifted Gas
BW
BW1910-953767 to BW2003-041068
Precedent Villager 2 Gas
BJ
BJ1910-953915 to BJ2002-039525
Precedent Gas EFI 2P
DF
DF1929-987941 to DF2002-039479
Precedent Villager 4 Gas
DJ
DJ1929-987934 to DJ1950-034968
Onward 6 Pass Non-Lifted Gas
AY
AY1945-024474 to AY1949-033252
Onward 6 Pass Lifted Gas
AW
AW1945-024474 to AW2003-041004
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact Club Car to schedule a free repair. Club Car is contacting owners directly.
Incidents/Injuries: Club Car has received three reports of fuel leaks. No fires or injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Authorized Club Car dealers nationwide from August 2018 through July 2019 for between $7,000 and $11,000.
Manufacturer(s): Club Car, of Augusta, Georgia
Manufactured In: United States
Recall number: 19-770
Second Recall Details
The Club Car Carryall 300 gas powered utility vehicle is part of the second recall.
Name of product: Club Car Gas Carryall 300, Transporter, Villager Vehicles, Streetrod Lux and Streetrod Vintage Vehicles
Hazard: Under continuous operations with low speed idling periods and a full gas tank, the fuel vent can allow fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard.
Recall date: August 19, 2019
Units: About 1,300 (In addition, about 13 were sold in Canada)
Description: This recall involves 2019 utility and transport vehicles, which vary in size, models and colors and are used for short-distance transportation. The recalled vehicles can be identified by the model and serial numbers. Serial numbers are above and to the right of the accelerator pedal. The model number is the first two letters of the serial number. Recalled models and serial numbers include:
Model Name
Serial Number Range
CA300, Gas
MC1902- 939803 – MC1936-003158
Transporter, Gas
MK1901-938752 – MK1936-001620
Villager 6 Gas
SE1903-941645 – SE1936-003004
Villager 8 Gas
SF1902-941407 – SF1936-003040
Transporter XL Gas
SK1907-948159 – SK1932-994341
Transporter XLC Gas
ZV1908-949040 – ZV1928987110
Streetrod Lux
SO1908-948943 – SO1908-948929
Streetrod Vintage
SO1902-939821 – SO1937-004374
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact Club Car to schedule a free repair. Club Car is contacting owners of the recalled gas utility and transport vehicles directly.
Incidents/Injuries: Club Car has received two reports of fuel leaks. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Authorized Club Car dealers and Streetrod nationwide from July 2018 through March 2019 for between $8,000 and $16,000. Streetrod branded vehicles were sold by Streetrod dealers from July 2018 through March 2019 for between $18,000 and $20,000.
Manufacturer(s): Club Car, of Augusta, Ga.Manufactured In:U.S.
Recall number: 19-769
SVR’s Take
This is a large recall for Club Car and represents a significant percentage of their unit sales. Not too surprisingly for the STOV market, the recall involves some variation of a fuel leak hazard. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls. Marc Cesare, Smallvehicleresource.com
2016 to 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 five and three passenger models being recalled.
Pioneer 1000 Recall Overview
Honda announced the recall of approximately 82,000 Pioneer 1000 side-by-sides covering model years 2016 to 2019. The throttle pedal can stick in the open position, potentially causing a crash. The Pioneer 1000 recall involves both three and five person models.
The throttle pedal can stick in the open position, posing crash and injury hazards.
Remedy
Repair
Recall date
June 13, 2019
Units
About 82,000
Description
This recall involves all model year 2016 through 2019 Honda Pioneer 1000 side-by-side vehicles. The recalled vehicles were sold in various colors including: red, blue, green, gray and yellow. The name “HONDA” is on the front, sides and the rear of the vehicle. The model name Pioneer 1000 is printed on a label located on both sides of the vehicle, near the rear. The serial number (VIN #) is stamped in the frame at the left rear, below the tilt-up bed/seat. The following model numbers and serial number ranges are being recalled:
MY
Model
2016
SXS10M3*
2016
SXS10M5*
2017
SXS10M3*
2017
SXS10M5*
2018
SXS10M3*
2018
SXS10M5*
2019
SXS10M3*
2019
SXS10M5*
Consumer Contact
American Honda toll-free at 866-784-1870 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at http://powersports.honda.com/ and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.
Incidents/Injuries
The firm has received 15 reports of the throttle pedal sticking in the open position, including six crashes, resulting in a report of a concussion and a broken nose.
Sold At
Authorized Honda Powersports dealers nationwide from August 2015 through March 2019 for between $14,000 and $22,000.
Manufacturer(s)
American Honda Motor Company Inc., of Torrance, Calif.
Manufactured In
United States
Recall number
19-753
SVR’s Take
This is a large recall and not what Honda wants as they are trying to generate some momentum in the high performance sport segment with their Talon vehicles. Many of these same models were previously recalled for a throttle body issue and a muffler overheating issue. In SVR’s recent STOV market study we devote a section to analyzing the recalls in the UTV market. The bottom line is that the industry has had to recall too many vehicles. Since 2013, the percentage of annual unit sales for the entire North American UTV market that have been recalled averaged over 20%. Even if you remove the incredibly large Polaris recalls during the time period, the figures are still high for the rest of the market. This Honda Pioneer 1000 recall will only make those figures worse. Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently detailed recalls for two different Polaris UTVs, the Ranger EV and the 2019 RZR XP 4 Turbo S. The Ranger EV recall covers model years 2015 to 2019. Polaris previously announced the RZR XP 4 Turbo S in January, 2019 during the government shutdown.
Ranger EV Recall Details
Polaris is recalling model year 2015 to 2019 Ranger EVs, their electric powered UTV.
According to the CPSC recall information an incorrectly wired chassis harness on the Ranger EV can cause a bad throttle control signal. As a result, there can be an unexpected acceleration. The recall involves approximately 3,900 vehicles sold from February 2014 through January 2019. The 2015 to 2019 model year vehicles were available in avalanche gray and pursuit camo. There have been eight reports of unexpected accelerations including one incident resulting in injuries. Accordingly, consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. In addition, Polaris is contacting registered owners directly.
RZR XP 4 Turbo S Recall Details
Polaris is recalling the 2019 RZR XP 4 Turbo S because of brake issues.
The Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo S recall includes model year 2019 vehicles which were sold in blue and red. Potentially, the brakes can fail and cause a crash. To date, Polaris has received 11 reports of brake failures, resulting in one crash and one rollover incident. Accordingly, owners should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact a Polaris dealer to schedule a free repair. In addition, Polaris is contacting registered owners directly. The CPSC did not estimate how many vehicles are involved in the recall. Dealers sold the vehicles from December 2017 through January 2019.
Smallvehicleresource.com maintains a list of small, task-oriented vehicle recalls.
The Arctic Cat (previously Textron Off Road) Havoc is being recalled due to a front suspension arm issue.
Havoc Recall Overview
Arctic Cat is recalling approximately 1,700 Havoc UTVs. The upper front suspension arms can fail and create a crash hazard. The recall pertains to vehicles sold from January 2018 to April 2019. Owners should contact Arctic Cat to schedule a free repair. Previously, the vehicles were sold under the Textron Off Road brand. Subsequently, Textron brought back the Arctic Cat brand as the umbrella brand for their off-road products.
The upper front suspension arms can fail, posing a crash hazard.
Remedy
Repair
Recall date
May 22, 2019
Units
About 1,700
Description
This recall involves all model year 2018 and 2019 Textron Havoc recreational off-highway vehicles manufactured by Arctic Cat. The two-seat vehicles come in four color combinations: charcoal metallic/bronze, green/black, red/black or white/black. The vehicles have Textron Off Road printed on each side of the hood and Havoc on each side of the rear cargo box. Remedy:
Consumer Contact
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact Arctic Cat to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat is contacting all known purchasers directly.
Incidents/Injuries
Arctic Cat has received six reports of front suspension arm failures. No crashes or injuries have been reported.
Sold At
Textron Off Road and Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from January 2018 through April 2019 for between $13,800 and $17,000.
Manufacturer(s)
Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn., a subsidiary of Textron Specialized Vehicles, of Augusta, Ga.
Manufactured In
United States
Recall number
19-746
SVR’s Take
The recall size is relatively small but probably represents a relatively large portion of the Havoc sales for the time frame. This is one of the few times a recall related to suspension arms has been an issue. After trying to put the Arctic Brand under the Textron Off Road brand, Textron Specialized Vehicles has now moved to put everything off-road under the Arctic Cat brand. Probably the right move, Arctic Cat has a lot more brand equity and recognition in the off-road segment than the relatively new Textron Off Road. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recent STOV recalls.
Tariffs have hit Polaris, the manufacturer of UTVs like the 2019 RZR S4 1000 EPS shown here, hard.
Tariffs Hit Polaris Hard
In a recent interview with CNBC Polaris CEO Scott Wine commented on the affects of the tariffs on the company. He stated that the increase to 25% would be “catastrophic”. The company previously estimated that they would cost the company $40 million in the last fiscal year. At the 10% tariff level they were guiding towards an approximately $90 million hit for the current fiscal year. However, at the 25% level that would jump to $195 to $200 million. In addition to these China specific tariffs, other aluminum and steel tariffs hurt the company as well.
Polaris More Exposed
Polaris is in a particularly tough spot with the tariffs because of their supply chain relative to the other major UTV manufacturers. The major Japanese OEMs, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki, mainly source their imported parts from Japan and thus avoid the onerous China tariffs. Can-Am produces products in Canada and Mexico and therefore, are less exposed to the tariff regime as well. Polaris on the other hand sources more of their components from China.
Farmer Segment Exposure
UTV manufacturers exposed to the farm segment are likely to suffer as well. Farmers report lower commodity prices and higher equipment prices. The tariffs are increasing farm equipment prices in the range of 20% according to some farmers. Although this refers to large pieces of farming equipment, if farmers are not spending on these large pieces and trying to cut costs in general, they are likely forgoing UTV purchases as well. John Deere and Kubota are likely the most effected brands as this is a strong segment for them. However, Can-Am could possibly be feeling an impact in their Defender line and Polaris in their Ranger line.
Some Value Brands Vulnerable
In the past few years value brands have made inroads at the lower end of the price scale. Many of these companies are sourcing parts or vehicles from China. For example, CFMOTO is based in China. In addition, Cub Cadet UTVs are manufactured by Hisun in China. Given their value pricing approach, the tariffs are likely putting some pressure on these companies. If they have to raise their prices too much, they lose their value proposition in relation to the major brands in the market.
The Textron Off Road Stampede 4 is part of a recall due to a lower suspension arm issue.
Textron Off Road recently recalled approximately 700 model year 2018 Stampede and Rustler utility vehicles. The lower front suspension arm can fail and potentially cause a crash. The recall involves two-seat and four-seat models including the Stampede, Stampede 4, Rustler 850 and Rustler Crew 850. The following recall information is from the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Stampede & Rustler Recall Information
Name of product: Stampede and Rustler off-highway utility vehicles (ROV’s)
Hazard: The lower front suspension arm can fail, posing a crash hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Recall date: March 5, 2019
Units: About 700 (In addition, about 70 were sold in Canada.)
Consumer Contact: Arctic Cat at 800-279-6851 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at www.textronoffroad.com and click on Recall Information located at the bottom of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves all model year 2018 Stampede and Rustler model side by side Arctic Cat off-highway vehicles with VIN number 9003240 through 9004062. The recalled vehicles were sold in multiple colors, have four wheels and side-by-side seating for two or four people. The Stampede models have Textron Off Road on each side of the hood area and Stampede on each side of the box. The Rustler models have Rustler 850 on each side of the hood area and 4X4 on each side of the box. The Vin number is located under the front hood on all models.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ROVs and contact TSV/Arctic Cat to schedule a free repair. Arctic Cat is contacting all known purchasers directly. If you need assistance locating an authorized dealer to conduct this repair, contact Arctic Cat.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of front suspension arm failures. No injuries or crashes have been reported.
Sold At: Textron Off Road and Arctic Cat dealers nationwide from September 2017 through December 2018 for between $13,800 and $16,000.
Manufacturer(s): Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn., a subsidiary of Textron Specialized Vehicles, of Augusta, Ga
Manufactured In: United States
Recall number: 19-727
SVR’s Take
This is a small recall, but follows on the heels of another recent Textron Off Road recall. Textron produces the Rustler UTV for farm equipment manufacturer New Holland. The two companies partnered several years ago to produce utility vehicles. The partnership marries Textron’s vehicle manufacturing expertise with New Hollands farm oriented distribution network. SVR maintains an ongoing list of recent STOV recalls.
