In accordance with a new state law, certain utility vehicles can be titled, tagged and driven on city streets and state highways.

Kingfisher Tag Agency owner Eric Barker said about 10-15 of the so-called “street legal utility vehicles” have been appropriately tagged and titled through his agency since the law took effect in May.

“The vehicles must be insured and will be treated like any other motor vehicle on the road, as long as they have the required equipment and are driven in accordance with state and local traffic laws,” Kingfisher Police Chief David Catron said.

To qualify as “street-legal,” a utility vehicle must have either bench or side-by-side seats with safety belts or shoulder harnesses for each occupant.

The vehicle must have four wheels on the ground and a combustion engine with a piston or rotor displacement of 400 cubic centimeters or greater and be capable of maintaining speeds of at least 45 miles per hour.

To be street legal, utility vehicles also must meet the same equipment requirements as other motor vehicles, including a windshield, functioning head and tail lights, brake lights, hazard lights, license plate lights and rear reflectors, and street-safe tires of sufficient tread.

Like other motor vehicles, street legal utility vehicles will display a license plate with a current year’s registration decal.

Drivers of vehicles tagged as street legal must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license. No special endorsement is required.

The law specifically excludes tractors and does not permit the vehicles to operate on interstate or federal highways.

Catron reminds local residents that the restriction also includes U.S. 81, a federal highway, both inside and outside city limits.

The law provides an exception for crossing the highway, but during daylight hours only.

Catron said utility vehicles are not allowed to use their floodlights and must comply with city noise ordinances.