The Georgia Commissioner of Insurance published a Bulletin addressed to all Georgia property and casualty carriers and personal lines agents reminding them that auto insurance coverage on multipurpose off-highway vehicles (MPOHV) registered for use on county roads must be reported to the Georgia Department of Revenue's Georgia Electronic Insurance Compliance System (GEICS). All licensed insurers must electronically transmit coverage information of registered MPOHVs to GEICS within 30 days of the date coverage begins.

2023 Georgia House Bill 121 made amendments to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to provide information on MPOHVs and to provide for their registration. It defines "multipurpose off-highway vehicle" as any motorized vehicle having features specifically intended for utility use and having the following characteristics:

  • Has the capability to transport persons or cargo or both
  • Operates between 25 mph and 65 mph
  • Has an overall width of 80 inches or less
  • Is designed to travel on four or more wheels
  • Uses a steering wheel for steering control
  • Contains a nonstraddle seat
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 4,000 pounds
  • Has a minimum cargo capacity of 350 pounds

Vehicles that comply with these requirements are generally designed primarily for off-road tasks in agricultural, construction, or industrial settings. The vehicles must also be equipped with headlights, brake lights, taillights, a rearview mirror, and safety belts. The requirements exclude the registration of dirt bikes, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, golf carts, and other vehicles with handlebar steering, straddle seats, or less than four wheels. 

Only MPOHVs manufactured after January 1, 2000 may be registered. The annual registration fee is $20. For vehicles that qualify, owners will be able to register their vehicle and receive a certificate of registration and a license plate. Registered MPOHVs are only allowed to operate on county roads; they are not permitted to drive on interstates, state highways, or city streets. They are also subject to the motor vehicle insurance requirements for registered vehicles. Registration of MPOHVs is voluntary and not required–owners can continue to use their vehicles for off-road purposes without registration.

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