We ask El Paso County Commissioners Court, City of El Paso officials, Texas state legislators representing the El Paso area, and other appropriate governmental authorities to work together on a lawful path for properly equipped Side-by-Side (UTV/ROV) vehicles to use designated public roadways in the El Paso region.

Those of us in the El Paso off-road community are residents, taxpayers, business owners, and recreational riders. We know El Paso has a large, active, and growing off-road community. Our desert, trails, recreational areas, local businesses, and our closeness to other off-road destinations make recreational riding an important part of life here. At the same time, we understand that our request is not for unrestricted street access. We are asking for a reasonable, regulated system that allows responsible UTV owners to travel only on specifically designated roadways and routes where the law permits it.

We ask our local and state leaders to consider designated routes, reasonable speed and roadway limits, required registration, permits, identification, or Texas Off-Highway Vehicle licensing as allowed by law, valid driver’s licenses where applicable, liability insurance when required, and safety equipment such as headlights, high and low beams, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, horns, seat belts, and other equipment required by applicable law. We also ask for an inspection, safety-verification, or permitting process if Texas law allows it, along with clear rules and penalties to support safe use.

We further ask for direct work with law enforcement, transportation officials, UTV owners, off-road organizations, local businesses, and community stakeholders, and for any needed changes to Texas law when current state law blocks local action.

A careful program could protect everyone who uses our roads while also supporting dealerships, repair facilities, parts and accessory businesses, restaurants, fuel stations, hotels, tourism businesses, and recreational destinations. We respectfully request a formal discussion and a place on a future public agenda so this issue can be considered openly and responsibly.