UTV drivers might get reprieve for beach usage

BOLIVAR PENINSULA — Owners of high-powered, off road recreational vehicles that faced hefty fines for driving their vehicles on the beach might be in for a reprieve.

State Rep. Craig Eiland, D-Galveston, said after reviewing the law and meeting with the state land office, a 2009 law that seems to specifically ban off-highway vehicles and recreational off-road vehicles from the beach also offers a local compromise.

“These OHV are allowed to be legally driven on a public beach, only if the state, a county or municipality chooses to register the vehicle,” Eiland said. “The Texas Department of Public Safety has chosen not to register these vehicles. The communities on Bolivar are unincorporated; therefore, the decision falls to the county.”

Golf carts already are permitted on the beach, but do not have to be registered.

Eiland said he believes the law allows county commissioners to formulate a registration process and rules for the use of the off-road vehicles along the beaches of the peninsula. That doesn’t mean it should be open season for the vehicles to return to the beach.

“These vehicles should be permitted on roadsides and beaches, strict guidelines should be followed for the safety of the driver and beach patrons,” Eiland said. “The driver of the vehicle must carry a valid driver’s license, stay off the dunes, and operate at a safe speed and manner.”

It was reckless driving by some recreational vehicle drivers who would ride over dunes and through neighborhoods that prompted complaints to the county from some residents.

In turn, the sheriff’s office temporarily cracked down on UTV and ROV use on the beaches of Bolivar. In turn, owners of the vehicles — some that cost as much as $10,000 — complained to county commissioners and the sheriff’s office of what they said was a discrepancy in the law.

Commissioner Pat Doyle, whose precinct includes the peninsula, was out of the country and unavailable for comment.

Eiland said he hopes to have a meeting of county officials, the sheriff’s office and state land office officials after Labor Day to explore possible local regulations.