Pennsylvania First Responders Seek Expanded Access for Off-Road Vehicles

After a harrowing three-mile hike carrying a 275-pound hunter with a broken ankle across challenging terrain, the Blain Volunteer Fire Company’s Chief Nick Campbell recognized the need for an off-road vehicle. Covering 130 square miles in Perry County, including portions of the Tuscarora State Forest, a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) offered a solution – small enough to navigate wooded areas, yet powerful enough for mountainous terrain.

“It’s a lot quicker response,” said Campbell.

Current Restrictions Hinder Emergency Response

However, Pennsylvania law currently restricts the use of off-road vehicles by first responders. If a UTV must travel on a public highway, it is limited to two miles while running lights and sirens. Otherwise, agencies must transport UTVs – or All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) – via trailer, adding significant response time.

“We have to move trucks, hook up the trailer, load up the machine, strap it down, get there, and load it – we can lose 10-15 minutes response time,” Campbell explained to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. “Or we could just shoot out onto the road and get there and get aid to the individual a lot faster. We’re risking people’s well-being by waiting to load up since of the two-mile law.”

Campbell testified before a state House Transportation Committee on Tuesday, highlighting the liability risks faced by volunteer departments exceeding the two-mile limit. “If something would happen, we’ve not covered,” he stated.

Rep. Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia) acknowledged the issue’s complexity, stating, “I knew this was an issue that touched a lot of different people in a lot of different ways, so we want to make sure that everybody’s happy and we get a good product moving forward.” The committee did not vote on proposals during the meeting.

UTVs: A Valuable Tool for Emergency Services

The Blain Volunteer Fire Company is among many emergency responders utilizing ATVs and UTVs. These vehicles are more agile than traditional fire apparatus and can be equipped with water tanks for brush fires or Stokes baskets for patient transport. Law enforcement officers have also used them to clear access points during snowstorms, enabling safe access for emergency medical services.

Proposed Legislation Falls Short, Experts Say

Two proposals – House Bill 297 and House Bill 2233 – aim to extend the two-mile range, but Capt. Lance Carlen with the Central Bucks Regional Police Department believes they don’t address the core issue. “Both bills recognize these vehicles are valuable tools for police, fire and EMS. However, from our department’s perspective, neither bill fully addresses the operations realities we face,” Carlen said. “Our department’s position is simple: public safety UTVs should be permitted (for) road use for official duties, not just when operating in an emergency.”

Currently, Pennsylvania law prohibits civilian use of off-road vehicles on roadways and lacks a licensing system. Capt. Paul Kreuter, also with Central Bucks Regional, suggested licensing to address insurance costs.

Safety Features and Training

Modern UTVs offer numerous safety features. The Blain Volunteer Fire Company’s vehicle, for example, restricts speed to five miles per hour unless passengers are buckled in. The department also provides UTV training on a dedicated course, though driver’s license requirements currently exclude some Amish volunteers.

“But no one will put a cost on people’s life,” Campbell emphasized. “It just makes our job easier. It’s well worth it.”

As of March 10, 2026, the House Transportation Committee has not scheduled a follow-up meeting to discuss the proposals further.