Why does Polaris mark their MSO as Off Road Use Only?

They are only safe for (some) secondary roads. My guess, for highway use they would have to add a ton of EPA and DOT stuff and jump through a ton of Government regs - would probably price themselves out of the market.

Makes sense in respect to the cost overhead. So in respect to titling, some states are just more lax in what can get plates and go on the road? Maybe less people, less traffic, less respective "danger"?
It just strikes me odd how the vehicle is considered "off road only", yet some states consider it "on-road" title worthy while others do not. Seems contradictory, but I guess the "on-road" qualifications differ from state to state and that's what allows for it, despite the MSO. Although, here in NJ...even if you put accessories, add-ons on that would make it "street legal", from what I understand, they'll still never title you because the MSO says "off road" only.

Clover13 said:

......they'll still never title you because the MSO says "off road" only.

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Unfortunately, many states are that way. I think mainly because insurance companies won't cover it with that on the title. And Forde hit the nail on the head with the EPA and DOT reg's. Here in TN, you can get one tagged as a "medium speed vehicle" (roads up to 45 mph) with a few mod's.

What's the MSO ?

commanderjjones said:

Unfortunately, many states are that way. I think mainly because insurance companies won't cover it with that on the title. And Forde hit the nail on the head with the EPA and DOT reg's. Here in TN, you can get one tagged as a "medium speed vehicle" (roads up to 45 mph) with a few mod's.

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I'd be OK with that, just something to avoid getting tickets for being on a "public" road here in NJ....even minimizing it to 25 mph roads would be fine.
Not looking to take it on the highway or anything.
You can "cross" public roads going from one "off road" area to another, but you can't "drive" on them.
At least that's the way I read and understand it here in NJ...but I'm new to the UTV world, so don't quote me on it

DogRunner2 said:

What's the MSO ?

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Manufacturer's Statement of Origin. It's what you show the DMV to register/title your UTV.

It's a lawyer thing

In Washington state they will give you a "restricted vehicle" plate if you make it street legal. Then you can run 35 mph roads in small population counties that have allowed it in.

In Illinois their are a lot of different laws; first off if your a farmer and your doing official farm stuff you can go just about anywhere with a SMV sign. In response to so many cities with different ordnances, the state passed the law allowing the use of secondary roads pending certification of the vehicle by state police(all the street legal stuff) now the cities that don't wish this must pass an ordnance to disallow. In my town you need to gain approval(street legal stuff) from the local police chief, pay $50 and get a 3 year sticker. Now the big problem is with all these laws that they were written for "golf carts or neighborhood vehicles" and by their definition can't be capable of speeds over 25mph.

Clover13 said:

I'd be OK with that, just something to avoid getting tickets for being on a "public" road here in NJ....even minimizing it to 25 mph roads would be fine.
Not looking to take it on the highway or anything.
You can "cross" public roads going from one "off road" area to another, but you can't "drive" on them.
At least that's the way I read and understand it here in NJ...but I'm new to the UTV world, so don't quote me on it



Manufacturer's Statement of Origin. It's what you show the DMV to register/title your UTV.

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Not in Ohio.

Montana requires a horn, rear view mirror, and lighted license plate bracket and you can drive anywhere. We use the buggy year around for in town errands.

It's a Liability Issue, Polaris has to cover their legal exposure. State and Federal, DOT agencies have safety and emissions standards for public road/ highway use. To meet these standards would be hugely expensive . Loopholes notwithstanding, they are taking the "Safe" route by saying
"Off Road Use Only ". In a Sue- happy society, can't blame them.
I'm moving to Montana, you can drive on road !

Where I live in TX you can drive Golf Carts legally on any road under 45 mph. But they will not allow UTV's/ATV's on the road, and the title says Off Road Vehicle. My buddy drives his golf cart all over town. I wish I could drive the Ranger to work.

Right, so the golf cart companies are willing to take on the liability but Ranger isn't? Or is it some type of exception with electric (assuming his golf cart is electric and not gas powered)?

I live in Texas an we are not allowed on streets and highways, but since I live out of town I do ride my Ranger close to the side of the road without any problems, I just look like I belong there and the sheriff is ok with that. Stupid and high speed driving will probably not go over too well and will probably get you a ticket. I think the more rural that you are the more lenient the law seems to be, many farmers and ranchers use these vehicle in their daily use. Plus the orange triangle on the back seems to help get me by with the law, best $7.00 I ever spent.

John

Clover13 said:

Right, so the golf cart companies are willing to take on the liability but Ranger isn't? Or is it some type of exception with electric (assuming his golf cart is electric and not gas powered)?

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gas or electric does not matter. I believe the speed is the governing aspect. Golf carts are not designed to go 50+ MPH, where ATV's and UTV's can reach those speeds with no problem. Most golf carts (without modification) will barely go 20-25 mph.

Plus a Golf Cart looks so Silly (oops -Cute) and harmless, the image of Older People creeping along is not threatening. Take a UTV, thats a different image altogether. Size and speed, use by a different age group pose hazards in the bureaucratic mind.
I would love to be able to drive 35mph roads legally , best I can do is display my SMV triangle, look humble and worker-like, loaded with grounds keeping tools.