SHAWANO COUNTY, WI – Reining in the Ride is a new series examining a growing push for ATV and UTV safety reform in Wisconsin, led by Shawano County Sheriff George Lenzner. As more recreational vehicles hit the roads, the sheriff is calling for updates to state law, including mandatory insurance and clearer licensing rules. Through interviews and data, this series will explore what’s at stake and why local leaders say it’s time to rein in the ride, before it’s too late.
Ride Covered, The Push For Insurance
With ATV and UTV use continuing to rise on public roadways across Wisconsin, Shawano County Sheriff George Lenzner is calling for a legislative update that he says is long overdue—mandatory liability insurance for all operators.
Speaking as part of a broader safety awareness campaign, Sheriff Lenzner emphasized the urgent need for change, pointing out that current state law allows many operators to drive uninsured on public roads. “Right now, there’s no requirement that says you have to have insurance to operate an ATV or UTV,” Lenzner said. “That’s a big concern when you consider the risks involved, especially when these vehicles are being used on public roadways alongside cars and trucks.”
The sheriff likened the situation to what was once the case with motor vehicles, noting that there was a time when car insurance wasn’t mandated either. “We’ve evolved our laws as the environment changed—and it’s time we do the same here,” Lenzner added. “These machines are not toys, and if someone gets hurt or property is damaged, there should be accountability.”
Liability insurance, he explained, would help ensure that victims of crashes or property damage involving ATVs or UTVs aren’t left with unpaid bills or legal complications. “You can have someone driving a side-by-side down a road, cause a crash, and if they’re not insured, the victim may never be made whole,” Lenzner said.
While many recreational riders do carry insurance voluntarily, Lenzner believes that making it a legal requirement would level the playing field and improve safety outcomes across the board. “It’s about responsibility,” he said. “If you’re operating any kind of motorized vehicle on a public roadway, you should be insured—period.”
The insurance proposal is one piece of a larger conversation Lenzner hopes to bring to state lawmakers in the coming months. His department has seen a steady increase in ATV and UTV-related incidents, many of which involve unlicensed or underinsured drivers.
Click Below To Listen To Part 1 of the Series
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