Bill would spur new fees for off-road vehicles

CARSON CITY -- A state Assembly panel voted Tuesday for a bill requiring owners of off-road vehicles to register with the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Senate Bill 394, endorsed by the Assembly Transportation Committee, would mandate that vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, dune buggies and all-terrain motorcycles, be registered at an annual cost of $20 to $30. A titling fee would run about $28.

Nearly $7 million could be generated over the next two years from the registration, titling and other fees for about 227,000 off-highway vehicles in Nevada, DMV figures show.

The bill, proposed by Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora, would designate responsibility for title and registration processing to off-road vehicle dealers.

Rhoads said the plan wouldn't take effect until it can be adequately funded. He added that efforts are under way to find grants.