Habersham County Tax Commissioner June Black-Warren announced a new registration for multipurpose off-highway vehicles beginning Friday.
“Effective Friday, Dec. 1, owners of multipurpose off-highway vehicles (MPOHVs) may voluntarily register their vehicles so they may be driven on county roads,” Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore said.
Owners of off-road vehicles will be able to register them and receive a certificate of registration and a license plate but MPOHVs will not be titled.
To keep a valid registration the owner must continue to carry car insurance and pay annual registration renewal fees.
Vehicles that qualify as MPOHVs for registration purposes must have the following features:
- Manufactured after Jan. 1, 2000
- Has the ability to transport people, cargo, or both
- Minimum cargo capacity of 350 pounds
- Contains a non-straddle seat
- Speed requirements 25 to 65 mph
- Overall width of 80 inches
- Four wheels or more
- Gross vehicle weight of less than 4,000 pounds
- Steering wheel is required for steering controls
The registration of dirt bikes, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and other vehicles with handlebar steering, straddle seats and less than four wheels will not be allowed. Moore said registration of golf carts will not be allowed as they are for recreational use and do not have features intended for utility use.
MPOHVs must be equipped with:
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Taillights
- Rearview mirror
- Safety belts
“MPOHVs must also have features specifically intended for utility use, meaning generally they are designed and manufactured primarily for performing off-road tasks in agriculture, construction, or industrial settings,” Moore said.
MPOHV registration must be renewed each year the annual registration fee is $20.
Those who wish to register an MPOHV will need to complete and submit forms proving ownership and eligibility for the vehicle.
For more information, visit www.dor.georgia.gov/registering-multipurpose-highway-vehicle.
