Existing law regulates the operation of recreational off-highway vehicles on lands, other than a highway, that are open and accessible to the public. Existing law, among other things, prohibits a person from operating a recreational off-highway vehicle on lands with a passenger, unless the passenger, while seated upright with their back against the seatback, can grasp the occupant handhold with the seatbelt and shoulder belt or safety harness properly fastened.

This bill would exempt from these requirements peace officers or first responders operating a recreational off-highway vehicle in the course of their duties.