MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin ATV and UTV operators could be prohibited from drinking or possessing an open intoxicant while behind the wheel under a proposed Department of Natural Resources rule that comes amid continued growth — and debate — over where the vehicles should be allowed.

For New Glarus-area residents, the proposal arrives after nearly two years of unusually intense local discussion about ATV and UTV use.

The Town of New Glarus became the last town in Green County to authorize ATV and UTV traffic on local roads after residents voted 116-90 in favor of allowing the vehicles during a November 2025 advisory vote. The Town Board subsequently approved the ordinance 3-2, and the routes became operational this year after signs were installed.

The Village of New Glarus, however, has taken a different course.

Village officials held a public listening session July 29 after renewed interest in allowing ATVs and UTVs on village streets. Most village residents who spoke opposed the idea, raising concerns that included pedestrian safety, children walking through town, downtown traffic and parking, and the effect additional motorized traffic could have on New Glarus' walkable tourism district.

The Village Public Works and Public Safety Committee ultimately tabled the proposal Aug. 13, leaving ATV and UTV access within the village stalled indefinitely.

That local history makes the DNR's latest proposal more than an abstract statewide regulation for New Glarus-area riders.